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It's a new era for US space operations.
This week American astronauts were launched
into space from American soil, and into orbit
for the first time in nearly 10 years.
And yesterday, a NASA crew arrived at the
International Space Station (ISS)
aboard a private American spacecraft.
To reach upper space and beyond,
spacecraft have to travel through our
National Airspace System (NAS)
where other aircraft fly.
The FAA has worked with NASA from the start.
Ahead of the launch, FAA aerospace engineers
conduct analysis to calculate hazard areas.
And air traffic controllers help keep the
airspace safe and clear for the launch.
Once the spacecraft reaches orbit, the second
stage rocket detaches and returns to Earth.
The FAA continues to conduct analysis to make
sure it moves safely back
through the National Airspace System (NAS).
The United States government is working with
private industry to advance the future of
commercial space travel while keeping the
airspace safe for all users of the system.
