Chapter 12 of 15Space & aerospace18 min read · 9 exhibits

Regulatory & Policy Landscape

Which regulatory changes matter most for the 2026–2030 window?

Chapter summary

Record launch cadence and 14,300+ active payloads have forced US and European regulators to modernise at the same time. For investors this creates both near-term risk, with the Part 450 deadline, and structural opportunity: lower barriers for well-capitalised operators, plus Europe's first unified space law.

Key takeaways

1
FAA Part 450 applies to every launch and re-entry licence from 10 March 2026; legacy licences expire.
2
The proposed EU Space Act replaces 13 national regimes, with fines of up to 2% of worldwide turnover.
3
Executive Order 14335 (Aug 2025) and the FCC's December 2025 proposal both aim to speed licensing.

Sections

14.1 U.S. Regulatory Framework (FAA, FCC, NOAA)
14.2 European Space Policy & ESA Initiatives
14.3 International Treaties & Outer Space Governance
14.4 Export Controls, ITAR & Spectrum Allocation

9 exhibits

12.1 Key figures
12.2 The US licensing regime resets in March 2026, when legacy licences expire under FAA Part 450
12.3 Key figures: U.S. Regulatory Framework (FAA, FCC, NOAA)
12.4 Highest: Tier 3 (Enhanced) (9–12 months); lowest: Tier 1 (Unrestricted) (3–6 months)
12.5 Highest: ITU (3–7 years); lowest: Commerce (BIS) (1–6 months)
12.6 The US is deregulating while the EU drafts its first space law
12.7 Key figures: European Space Policy & ESA Initiatives
12.8 Highest: Outer Space Treaty (OST) (115 parties); lowest: Moon Agreement (18 parties (no major space powers))
12.9 Key figures: International Treaties & Outer Space Governance

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