The Space Review

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission can single-handedly approve large spaceflight projects, such as satellite constellations, that could fundamentally alter the appearance of the night sky worldwide. Space law experts note that despite public outcry over these ventures, the FCC remains essentially the sole gatekeeper, with very few other agencies or legal mechanisms able to block or even review such projects. Critics argue the approval process gives one regulator outsized influence over a global shared resource.

SpaceX is reportedly planning an unusually rapid cadence for its Starship program, with three flights targeted within roughly five weeks. The pace would mark a significant step up from previous launch intervals as the company works toward reusability and future Moon and Mars missions. Space enthusiasts are debating whether such an aggressive schedule is realistic given regulatory reviews and past turnaround times between test flights.