Specifically, it would limit the amount of insurance coverage needed by commercial launch companies for third party liability. Barriers in the U.S. space launch industry have caused U.S. satellite firms to go elsewhere, raising concerns about the transfer of sensitive technology to other nations.
Liability remains to be one of the biggest obstacles.
We must extend indemnification if we are to expect domestic companies to launch in the United States. Indemnification was extended previously for five years. The other provisions in the Commercial Space Launch Act of 1988, include cross-waivers of liability among launch participants, and the demonstration of financial responsibility by the companies.