Navigating the Cosmos: NATCA Represented at FAA’s Commercial Space Conference

NATCA’s Article 114 National Commercial Space Representative Paul Behan represented our Union at the 26th Annual FAA Commercial Space Transportation Conference in Washington, D.C. Feb. 21-22. As one of the space industry’s leading events, the conference was hosted by the FAA in partnership with the Commercial Spaceflight Federation and featured panels, speakers, and networking events.

Behan collaborates with the FAA on ensuring the National Airspace System (NAS) can accommodate commercial space operations with minimal disruptions to air traffic and no detriment to safety. He works with his FAA counterparts on all aspects of planning for commercial space, including policy, procedure, implementation, training, and all launch and reentry preparations. Full integration of space operations into the NAS will eventually lead to air traffic controllers overseeing operations of spacecraft as part of their normal air traffic control service.

“It’s crucial that we have a seat at the table when conversations like this are happening,” Behan said. “By collaborating with industry leaders and FAA counterparts, we are working towards the full and seamless integration of space operations into the National Airspace System, prioritizing safety and efficiency for all airspace users.”

Read more about Behan and others’ work as Article 114 reps here.

Pictured left to right: Behan; conference featured speaker Brian Babin, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics