Mitigation Methods for Launch Vehicle Upper Stages on the Creation of Orbital Debris; Withdrawal

Proposed Rule (NPRM) Published 2026-01-15 Effective 2026-01-15 91 FR 1724 View on federalregister.gov ↗

Abstract

This document informs the public that FAA has determined not to pursue the previously published NPRM, which proposed to require that upper stages of commercial launch vehicles and other components resulting from launch or reentry be removed from orbit within 25 years after launch, either through atmospheric disposal or maneuver to an acceptable disposal orbit. FAA is withdrawing this action to further consider comments received.

Full text

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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 10 (Thursday, January 15, 2026)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 1724] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-00680]

======================================================================== Proposed Rules Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. ========================================================================

Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 10 / Thursday, January 15, 2026 / Proposed Rules

[[Page 1724]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 401, 404, 415, 417, 431, 435, 437, 450, and 453

[Docket No.: FAA-2023-1858; Notice No. 23-13] RIN 2120-AK81

Mitigation Methods for Launch Vehicle Upper Stages on the Creation of Orbital Debris; Withdrawal

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM); withdrawal.

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SUMMARY: This document informs the public that FAA has determined not to pursue the previously published NPRM, which proposed to require that upper stages of commercial launch vehicles and other components resulting from launch or reentry be removed from orbit within 25 years after launch, either through atmospheric disposal or maneuver to an acceptable disposal orbit. FAA is withdrawing this action to further consider comments received.

DATES: The NPRM published on September 26, 2023, at 88 FR 65835 is withdrawn, effective January 15, 2026.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Earle, Space Policy and Outreach Branch Manager, Office of Commercial Space Transportation (ASZ-220), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-8376; email [email protected].

Verbatim from the Federal Register. The agency's published document is the authoritative source. federalregister.gov ↗