51 U.S.C. § 50904 — Restrictions on launches, operations, and reentries

(a) Requirement. A license issued or transferred under this chapter, or a permit, is required: (1) for anyone launching a launch vehicle, operating a launch or reentry site, or reentering a reentry vehicle, inside the United States; (2) for a U.S. citizen (as defined in section 50902(1)(A) or (B)) doing any of those things outside the United States; (3) for a U.S. citizen (as defined in section 50902(1)(C)) doing any of those things outside the U.S. and outside a foreign country's territory — unless a U.S.–foreign government agreement gives the foreign government jurisdiction over it; (4) for that same kind of citizen doing those things inside a foreign country's territory — if a U.S.–foreign government agreement gives the U.S. Government jurisdiction over it. Despite this subsection, a permit never authorizes operating a launch site or reentry site.

(b) Compliance With Payload Requirements. A license or permit holder may only launch or reenter a payload if it meets every U.S. legal requirement for launching or reentering payloads.

(c) Preventing Launches and Reentries. The Secretary of Transportation must determine whether all required licenses, authorizations, and permits for a payload have been obtained. If none is required, the Secretary may still stop the launch or reentry if the Secretary decides it would endanger public health and safety, property safety, or U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.

(d) Single License or Permit. The Secretary must make sure only one Department of Transportation license or permit is needed for activities involving crew, government astronauts, or space flight participants — including launch and reentry — where a license or permit is required under this chapter. The Secretary must ensure all relevant Department regulations for the licensed or permitted activity are satisfied.