What area does AST oversee?

The correct answer is that AST oversees Commercial Space Transportation. The Office of Commercial Space Transportation, which is part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is responsible for regulating and promoting the commercial space launch and reentry industry in the United States. This includes establishing safety standards, issuing licenses for commercial launches, and ensuring that these activities are conducted in a manner that protects public health and safety as well as the property of the U.S. Government.

Understanding the role of AST is key because it reflects the growing importance of the commercial space sector and the regulation needed to support safe and responsible operations in this rapidly evolving field. The attention to commercial space indicates a shift in how aviation regulatory bodies are adapting to incorporate new advancements outside traditional aviation, highlighting the role of the FAA in addressing these emerging needs.