Trump Moves To Streamline Rocket Launch Rules, A Move That Could Benefit Musk’s SpaceX

Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to streamline federal regulations for commercial rocket launches, according to CNBC. Trump’s order directs the U.S. transportation secretary to eliminate or expedite environmental reviews for launch licenses and remove outdated or overly restrictive rules for launch and reentry vehicles. It states that inefficient permitting processes hinder investment, innovation, and U.S. leadership in global space markets. The order states that complex regulations slow commercial space launches and favor established companies over new market entrants. Despite a public feud with Trump, Musk’s SpaceX could benefit from the new order, as it leads all U.S. space entities in launch frequency. Musk has said environmental reviews and mishap investigations have delayed testing of the company’s Starship rocket in South Texas.