Spaceflight Asset Retrieval Bill Passes Florida Legislature

Recently-passed spaceflight asset retrieval legislation in Florida that is awaiting the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis (R) would make it illegal for the public to retrieve parts from spacecraft from the state's land or waters.

"The recovery of spaceflight debris is an increasingly common issue in Florida. The return of these materials is necessary to evaluate vehicle safety and performance."

Florida State Representative tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island).

The legislation was authored by State Representative Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island). According to the bill, a "Spaceflight Asset" is defined as "any item, or any part of an item, owned by a spaceflight entity which is used in spaceflight activities, including crewed and uncrewed capsules, launch vehicles, parachutes and other landing aids, and any ancillary equipment that was attached to the launch vehicle during launch, orbit, or reentry."

"The recovery of spaceflight debris is an increasingly common issue in Florida," said Rep. Sirois. "The return of these materials is necessary to evaluate vehicle safety and performance."

The bill specifies that the company or agency that produced the spaceflight asset retains ownership over that asset following a launch or reentry, regardless of the physical condition or location of a spaceflight asset unless or until such time they expressly indicate an intent to abandon the asset.

Anyone who locates such an item is required to report the description and location of the asset to a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the location. That law enforcement agency must make a reasonable effort to identify the owner of the asset and promptly notify the owner of any information relevant to its recovery.

The legislation further allows the owner of the spaceflight asset to enter private property to recover the asset after a law enforcement agency authorizes such an entry if circumstances warrant such an entry. The bill also establishes fines and penalties for failure to return the item retrieved, and requires courts to order that the person in possession of the asset pay restitution to its owner if it is damaged or cannot be recovered.

If signed by Governor DeSantis, the legislation would become law July 1, 2021.

(Source: Florida House of Representatives. Image from file. Bill text)