Reuters
• David Shepardson
The U.S. Transportation Department and FAA have proposed sweeping rules that would grant environmental review waivers for commercial rocket launches and spaceport operations. The proposal would reduce or bypass compliance with provisions of 13 environmental and other laws, aiming to accelerate approvals for missions such as SpaceX launches.
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The U.S. Transportation Department and FAA have proposed sweeping rules that would grant environmental review waivers for commercial rocket launches and spaceport operations. The proposal would reduce or bypass compliance with provisions of 13 environmental and other laws, aiming to accelerate approvals for missions such as SpaceX launches.
The FAA issued a mandate requiring upgrades to aircraft radio altimeters, covering most aircraft operated under Part 135 and 91K, and some operations under Part 91. The directive impacts how affected operators maintain compliance ahead of continued commercial and private operations.
The Pentagon is taking steps to rename Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, honoring the late Air Force veteran and former U.S. senator. The Air Force secretary said the change recognizes Graham’s decades of service to the U.S. Air Force and Congress.
The White House released a broad strategy for America’s R&D enterprise, outlining priorities that carry direct downstream implications for how space science programs are funded, structured, and scaled. The plan’s scope signals potential shifts in research focus areas, timelines, and coordination across relevant space science stakeholders.
Belarus has approved scheduled flight services from Iran, clearing a new level of connectivity between the two countries. The decision signals easing constraints on direct air access and sets the conditions for carriers to plan route launches, capacity, and associated operational requirements.
House disclosure filings show at least six lawmakers acquired SpaceX shares in the days following the company’s public debut. The purchases have drawn scrutiny because five members sit on committees tied to SpaceX-facing areas including federal contracts, defense programs, AI/telecom oversight, and securities-market regulation.
An analysis of recent UK M&A activity—including deals involving easyJet and Rotork—finds that bidders have been extracting more than 50% premiums from targets’ boards. The piece argues that regulation, due diligence expectations, and the UK takeover code help explain why more acquirers do not pursue hostile approaches.
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