COMDTINST 16601.11A governs Coast Guard policy and reporting for risks from space launch and reentry activities in the U.S. marine environment.
View COMDTINST 16601.11A on armypubs.army.mil
It addresses impacts to the Marine Transportation System, including hazardous debris, navigation risks, public safety, and marine environmental effects. It establishes mission priorities, defines related terms, assigns duties, and sets annual reporting requirements.
Applies to: This Instruction prescribes policy and reporting requirements for all units assessing and mitigating the risks related to space launch and reentry activities occurring in or adjacent to the marine environment of the United States (U.S.), as defined in 46 U.S.C. § 70031.
All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, Area and District Operational Commanders, Deputy/Assistant Commandants, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements must comply with the provisions of this Instruction. (paragraph 2)
Space launch and reentry activities have the potential to impact the MTS and increase the risk to the maritime community through launch and reentry activities associated with hazardous debris, jettisoned objects, potential collision between space vehicles and vessels, rocket anomalies, Limited Access Areas (LAA), warning areas, and disrupting waterway users. (paragraph 5)
In accordance with 14 U.S.C. § 102, the Coast Guard has general authority to safeguard the MTS and is responsible for doing so to facilitate commerce and use of these waters for all stakeholders. (paragraph 5)
FAA-AST is charged with the regulation of commercial space transportation and is the licensing authority for commercial space activities. (paragraph 5)
Districts engaging in risk assessments and mitigations of space launch and reentry activities should submit a "Space Launch and Reentry Activities Risk Report" memorandum through Area Commanders to Commandant (CG-5PW) for each fiscal year, no later than 15 November each year.