BOEM Launches RFI to Assess Outer Continental Shelf Space Infrastructure

7 July 2026

Supporting the Trump Administration's bold vision to strengthen US space leadership, launch capacity, re-entry, and recovery infrastructure, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced the publication of a Request for Information (RFI) to explore the potential use of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) for offshore space launch and re-entry activities.

The request, scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on July 8, opens a 30-day comment period for BOEM to gather technical, environmental, and operational information from industry, researchers, and other stakeholders that will help inform potential future activities, interagency coordination, and planning for offshore space launches and recovery.

The RFI supports implementation of President Trump’s December 2025 Executive Order, Ensuring American Space Superiority, which calls on federal agencies to identify and advance policies that enable the growth of the US commercial space sector.

“The Outer Continental Shelf presents a significant opportunity to support the future of America’s space economy. Offshore launch, re-entry, and recovery infrastructure could expand operational flexibility, increase capacity, reduce constraints on growing launch demand, and strengthen the nation’s commercial and national security space capabilities. With approximately 3.2 billion acres under federal jurisdiction, BOEM is uniquely positioned to help evaluate this emerging opportunity,” said Acting BOEM Director Matt Giacona. “This Request for Information is an important first step in assessing how offshore development could support the next era of US space leadership.”

The RFI seeks information on operational practices, technical and safety standards, environmental considerations, and best practices for offshore space launch and re-entry facilities. It also seeks insight into emerging domestic and international guidelines or voluntary standards relevant to offshore space launch and re-entry. Feedback will help ensure BOEM has a comprehensive understanding of current technologies, practices, and research trends in this growing industry.

How to Participate

The RFI will be published in the Federal Register, opening a 30-day public comment period which will end at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 7, 2026.

Comments may be submitted at www.regulations.gov by searching for docket number BOEM-2026-0232 and following the instructions to submit comments.