Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) shared that it is forecasting a “strong growth” in commercial space operations over the next several years. 

As a leading example of this growth, the FAA is anticipating as many as 338 licensed commercial space operations in FY2028. In a 110-page Aerospace Forecast covering fiscal years 2024 through 2044, the FAA estimates that the tripling of the amount of licensed commercial space operation in FY2028 (as compared to FY2023) is largely associated with the greater use of reusable vehicles in launch and reentry operation, the demand for commercial satellite services and the growth of commercial human spaceflight missions. 

In addition, the report also highlights how the introduction of unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS” or “drones”) in the national airspace (“NAS”) has opened numerous commercial possibilities for the industry. As the report explains, by 2028 the commercial UAS fleet will likely increase by 130% resulting in more than a million such drones in NAS. During the same period, recreational drone use is anticipated to exceed 1.8 million aircraft with weights greater than 0.55 lbs. and less than 55 lbs. operated for consumer enjoyment. 

To learn more about the new forecast numbers from the FAA report, visit: faa-aerospace-forecast-fy-2024-2044.