14 C.F.R. § 417.129

Current through November 30, 2024
Section 417.129 - [Effective until 3/10/2026] Safety at end of launch

A launch operator must ensure for any proposed launch that for all launch vehicle stages or components that reach Earth orbit-

(a) There is no unplanned physical contact between the vehicle or any of its components and the payload after payload separation;
(b) Debris generation does not result from the conversion of energy sources into energy that fragments the vehicle or its components. Energy sources include chemical, pressure, and kinetic energy; and
(c) Stored energy is removed by depleting residual fuel and leaving all fuel line valves open, venting any pressurized system, leaving all batteries in a permanent discharge state, and removing any remaining source of stored energy.

14 C.F.R. §417.129