WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today announced that the Senate has passed his proposal requiring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to examine how existing NASA facilities, such as Stennis Space Center, can be incorporated into future commercial space licensing activities.

“I am pleased that the Senate has recognized the need to consider using existing NASA facilities, such as Stennis Space Center, for commercial space launch testing,” Wicker said. “Strengthening the commercial-public space partnership would help maximize the use of tax dollars by making the most of proven test facilities.”

Wicker’s proposal is included in the “Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act,” S. 1297. The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate last night.

Specifically, the measure would direct the Secretary of Transportation and the FAA to include an assessment of how existing test facilities can be used in future licensing activities. The report to Congress would also examine ways to streamline licensing and permitting processes of both launch and reentry vehicles.