Which organization enforces regulations for commercial spaceflight safety?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the organization responsible for regulating and enforcing safety standards for commercial spaceflight. This role is embedded in its mission to ensure the safety of civil aviation and, increasingly, commercial space operations. The FAA oversees the issuance of launch licenses and permits, monitors compliance with safety regulations, and maintains oversight throughout the lifecycle of commercial space ventures.

The FAA’s specific focus on space operations has expanded in recent years, acknowledging the growing significance of commercial spaceflight as part of the broader aviation landscape. The agency's regulations cover various aspects, including vehicle safety, launch and reentry operations, and safety assessments aimed at protecting public safety and the environment.

The other organizations mentioned have distinct roles within the framework of U.S. transportation but do not specifically regulate commercial spaceflight. The Civil Aeronautics Board, for example, was primarily concerned with civil aviation economics and was dissolved in 1985. The National Transportation Board handles accident investigations and safety recommendations across all transportation sectors but is not a regulatory body for commercial spaceflight. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Transportation oversees various transportation policies and programs but delegates aviation-specific safety regulation to the FAA. Thus, the FAA is the clear answer due to its dedicated focus and authority in regulating the safety