---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 450.185"
title: "14"
number: "450.185"
heading: "Ground hazard analysis."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/450.185"
---

# §450.185. Ground hazard analysis.


An operator must perform and document a ground hazard analysis, and continue to maintain it throughout the lifecycle of the launch or reentry system. The analysis must—

- (a) **Hazard identification.** Identify system and operation hazards posed by the vehicle and ground hardware, including site and ground support equipment. Hazards identified must include the following:
  - (1) **System hazards, including—**
    - (i) Vehicle over-pressurization;
    - (ii) Sudden energy release, including ordnance actuation;
    - (iii) Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation;
    - (iv) Fire or deflagration;
    - (v) Radioactive materials;
    - (vi) Toxic release;
    - (vii) Cryogens;
    - (viii) Electrical discharge; and
    - (ix) **Structural failure.**
  - (2) **Operation hazards, including—**
    - (i) Propellant handling and loading;
    - (ii) Transporting of vehicle or vehicle components;
    - (iii) Vehicle testing; and
    - (iv) **Vehicle or system activation.**
- (b) **Hazard assessment.** Assess each hazard's likelihood and severity.
- (c) **Risk acceptability criteria.** Ensure that the risk associated with each hazard meets the following criteria:
  - (1) The likelihood of any hazardous condition that may cause death or serious injury to the public must be extremely remote; and
  - (2) The likelihood of any hazardous condition that may cause major damage to property not associated with the launch or reentry must be remote.
- (d) **Risk mitigation.** Identify and describe the risk elimination and mitigation measures required to satisfy [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section.
- (e) **Validation and verification.** Document that the risk elimination and mitigation measures achieve the risk levels of [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section through validation and verification. Verification includes:
  - (1) Analysis;
  - (2) Test;
  - (3) Demonstration; or
  - (4) **Inspection.**
- (f) **Application requirements.** An applicant must submit—
  - (1) A description of the methodology used to perform the ground hazard analysis;
  - (2) A list of all systems and operations that may cause a hazard involving the vehicle or any payload; and
  - (3) The ground hazard analysis products of [paragraphs (a) through (e)](#a..e) of this section, including data that verifies the risk elimination and mitigation measures.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 51 U.S.C. 50901-50923.

### Source

Source: Docket No. FAA-2019-0229, Amdt. 450-2, 85 FR 79719, Dec. 10, 202085 FR 79739, Dec. 10, 2020, unless otherwise noted.