The information for this collection is mandatory. By statute, a license or permit is required for any person to launch a launch vehicle from or to reenter a reentry vehicle into the United States, and for a citizen of the United States to launch a launch vehicle or reenter a reentry vehicle outside the United States. In order to obtain and maintain a license or permit, a launch or reentry operator carrying crew or space flight participants must provide the information requested. The collection includes disclosure and reporting. The frequency of the collection is on occasion and depends on whether the information collection pertains to obtaining a license or permit, an individual launch or reentry, or hiring or contracting for a crewmember. The FAA would receive information on crew qualifications and training, operating training of crew, a verification program, and crew and space flight participant waiver of claims. The crew would receive information about how the United States government has not certified the launch vehicle as safe, and space flight participants would receive information about the risks of space flight.
The information is used by the FAA, a licensee or permittee, a space flight participant, or a crew member. The FAA uses the information to ensure that a launch or reentry operation with a human being on board will meet the risk criteria and requirements to ensure public safety. For example, the FAA assesses crew qualifications and training, especially those of a pilot, to ensure that the pilot has the proper experience and skills to operate a launch or reentry vehicle without jeopardizing public safety. A space flight participant and crew member uses information provided by a licensee or permittee to ensure that he or she understands the risks of the launch and reentry. A licensee or permittee must inform each crew member and space flight participant in writing that the U.S. Government has not certified the launch vehicle as safe for carrying flight crew or space flight participants. In addition, a licensee or permittee must inform any space flight participant of the risks associated with launch and reentry activities. In turn, a space flight participant must provide written, informed consent as a way of showing that he or she understands the risks associated with participating in space launch or reentry activities, and that his or her presence on board the vehicle is voluntary. A licensee or permittee is responsible for ensuring that written, informed consent is received from a space flight participant before allowing a space flight participant to be on board a launch or reentry vehicle.
The 2004 CSLAA mandates that flight crew and space flight participants execute a reciprocal waiver of claims with the FAA. As noted earlier, the 2015 CSLCA mandates that space flight participants also execute a reciprocal waiver of claims with a licensee. Prior to a mission, the FAA ensures these reciprocal waiver of claims are executed.
With the exception of adding an hourly burden for providing the FAA with verification data per 14 CFR § 460.17 and adding an hourly burden for the CSLAAâs cross-waiver requirement, the hourly burden estimates remain the same. Based on the current state of the industry, the projected flight rate over a ten year period has been reduced from 3,017 to 2,000 for a high scenario, and from 1,669 to 200 for a low scenario. In addition, the high mission estimate involves six instead of seven commercial launch entities over 10 years, while the low mission estimate includes four instead of five commercial launch entities over 10 years.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
2120-0720 HSF Supporting Statement A 2019.docx
Human Space Flight Requirements for Crew and Space Flight Participants