Commercial Space Act of 2023

HR 6131, the Commercial Space Act of 2023, establishes a new certification system for U.S. commercial space companies to operate spacecraft, replacing some existing licensing requirements. The bill requires companies to submit space debris mitigation plans and liability insurance as part of their certification application, with the Department of Commerce's Office of Space Commerce handling the process within 60 days. The law aims to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining U.S. compliance with international space law obligations. This certification system directly affects commercial entities seeking to launch or operate spacecraft in outer space.