Let’s Take-Off Together!
By: Federal Aviation Administration
Tags: Spacex, Space, NASA, STEM, Engineering

Let’s Take-Off Together!

By Emma Duncan, FAA Communications

This November’s scheduled SpaceX and NASA Falcon 9 Crew-1 launch marks the first step toward a reinvigorated mission of space exploration. The FAA’s role in this mission is one that ensures safety and encourages innovation through its licensing processes.

This year alone, the FAA licensed over 30 spacecraft launches and reentries. Even more exciting, the Falcon 9 Crew-1 mission marks the first time the FAA has licensed a crewed launch to the International Space Station — ever. None of this would be possible if the agency did not have a diverse, creative and motivated workforce to oversee and certify these operations.

Liftoff of SpaceX’s CRS-17 Dragon Cargo Craft on May 4, 2020. Credit: NASA

The U.S. aerospace industry wants to get back out there and the FAA’s role in commercial space launches is vital for that to happen. The FAA licenses all space launch and reentry operations through a thorough application process. The industry partner that wants to conduct a launch must submit a request complete with the logistical plans for launch and reentry operations to the FAA. The plan is vetted by FAA engineers and we work together with the partner to ensure compliance and safety requirements are met. On the day of the operation, FAA officials are at the launch pad to ensure continued safety and the agency places a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the planned trajectory of the spacecraft.

Since its conception, the aviation and aerospace industry has been one of extraordinary innovation. This innovation comes from diverse thought, advancing technology and creativity. At the FAA, innovation is part of our mission — it’s that important. That’s just one reason why we invest resources in fostering the aviation workforce of the future: young people.

Now more than ever, the future of aviation relies on the next generation. It’s projected that the aviation and aerospace community will need more than 2 million more employees in the next twenty years than we have today. The world of aviation is rapidly developing with the integration of drones into the airspace, supersonic travel and commercial space.

The International Space Station 2011 Credit: NASA

There are a plethora of space related career and internship opportunities available at the agency. The FAA Office of Commercial Space hires engineers to work through the licensing processes of launch and reentry operations to ensure continued safety in our airspace. Our engineers also oversee operations at the launch and reentry sites. Everyday our engineers work in unique high performance positions with industry organizations and our partners at NASA. They conduct safety evaluations and utilize leading-edge technology and systems.

The partnership between the FAA, NASA and industry professionals fosters growth. At the agency, we are encouraged by the nation’s desire to explore more types of operations, develop better services and foster innovation all while maintaining the safety of the crew and the public. Launching a rocket is no easy feat; there are hundreds of professionals involved. We want to encourage young people with a passion for aviation and aerospace to look into the opportunities provided for them at the FAA. There are more facets of expertise within this agency than many people realize and developing a stronger, more diverse workforce will certainly help maintain the U.S.’s leading role in the aviation community world-wide.

If this launch has you feeling inspired, it’s time to tap into the aviation and aerospace community! We encourage you to explore STEM education resources and careers at the FAA. There are hundreds of opportunities for learning, growing and working within the aviation and aerospace community.

Let’s learn, work, create and take-off together.