T-Minus Space Daily: International Licensing and Reentry

Release Date: February 22, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazes, N2K Networks

Introduction

In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazes delves into the intricate processes of international licensing and spacecraft reentry. She welcomes Sebastian Claus, CEO and co-founder of the European startup Atmos Space Cargo, and Dr. Ingo Baumann, partner at BHO Legal, to discuss Atmos Space Cargo's groundbreaking mission and the regulatory challenges they navigated to achieve their first reentry demonstration.

Atmos Space Cargo's Phoenix Mission

Sebastian Claus introduces Atmos Space Cargo and their flagship project, the Phoenix capsule—a 100-kilogram payload return vehicle designed for applications in life sciences, space manufacturing, and defense. The Phoenix is set to launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and return in international waters.

Sebastian Claus [02:12]: "Phoenix is a 100 kilogram class payload return vehicle for things like life sciences in space and in space manufacturing, but also defense applications."

Claus emphasizes his dual background in aerospace engineering and defense, which has been instrumental in steering Atmos Space Cargo from its inception in 2021 to its current team of 50 employees.

Navigating International Regulatory Frameworks

The core of the discussion centers on the complex regulatory landscape that Atmos Space Cargo had to traverse. Maria Varmazes prompts the conversation by highlighting the challenges of operating across multiple countries.

Maria Varmazes [00:51]: "If you are based in one country, want to launch in another, and then reenter in a third territory... where on earth do you even start with that process?"

Sebastian Claus outlines the multifaceted licensing requirements:

1. FAA Payload Determination: Ensuring the capsule and its payload are safe for launch from U.S. soil.
2. German Regulatory Compliance: Despite Germany's robust space industry, the absence of a comprehensive space law necessitated a waiver from the German Space Agency (DLR) confirming Atmos as a German satellite operator.
3. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Frequency Licenses: Securing the necessary frequency assignments.
4. Export Controls: Managing the legalities of exporting technology from Germany to the U.S.

Sebastian Claus [04:39]: "We needed to do what's called an FAA payload determination... Atmos is a German company, so it's registered in Germany."

Dr. Ingo Baumann complements this by detailing the technical aspects of ITU filings and the challenges posed by the lack of a unified space law in Germany.

Ingo Baumann [07:21]: "ATMOS has shown the complexity of the space industry and its regulatory and legal frameworks and how to navigate through them."

Baumann highlights the difficulties posed by relying on interim solutions, such as obtaining confirmation letters from German authorities, due to the absence of established space legislation.

Challenges Faced and Strategic Approaches

Sebastian shares insights from his military background, drawing parallels between orchestrating complex operations like skydiving trainings and managing spacecraft reentry processes.

Sebastian Claus [04:39]: "I used that experience to conduct our first drop test... there are always operational and legal aspects involved."

The conversation reveals the proactive measures Atmos Space Cargo undertook, including early engagement with legal experts and establishing support networks in the U.S. to streamline the licensing process.

Sebastian Claus [16:58]: "You need to have people that have walked this path before and that know the right people also. And take your time."

Dr. Baumann reinforces the importance of early and serious preparation, especially for reentry missions, to avoid setbacks.

Ingo Baumann [19:05]: "Start early and take it seriously are the two best advices you can give."

Future Outlook and Recommendations

As the space industry evolves, both guests offer strategic advice for emerging companies:

Sebastian Claus advises maintaining simplicity in mission planning to mitigate regulatory hurdles.

Sebastian Claus [21:10]: "Keep it simple. We chose to go to a reentry location over the Indian Ocean... that simplifies the whole regulatory situation."

He also underscores the continuous nature of compliance, hinting at future regulatory requirements for specialized payloads like biomedical research.

Dr. Ingo Baumann points out the need for enhanced international cooperation among regulatory bodies to streamline processes, especially for emerging sectors like on-orbit servicing.

Ingo Baumann [22:12]: "We all have to work on that and gain experience as fast as possible because otherwise all the market expectations... will not happen as predicted."

Claus adds that as more companies venture into reentry missions, the processes will likely become more standardized, although current collaborations between international authorities remain limited.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with insightful final thoughts from both Sebastian Claus and Dr. Ingo Baumann, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and the imperative for the space industry to develop robust legal frameworks. The discussion highlights the pioneering efforts of Atmos Space Cargo in navigating uncharted regulatory territories, setting a precedent for future international collaborations in space missions.

Key Takeaways

• Complexity of International Licensing: Launching and reentering spacecraft across different countries involves multi-layered regulatory approvals.
• Importance of Early Preparation: Engaging legal experts and starting the licensing process well in advance are crucial for mission success.
• Need for International Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration among global regulatory bodies is necessary to streamline space operations.
• Continuous Compliance: As technology and missions evolve, so must the regulatory frameworks governing them.

For more insights and updates on the global space industry, visit N2K Networks.