ASTM International’s committee on commercial spaceflight (F47) held its first official meeting at the Commercial Spaceflight Federation in Washington, D.C. in early May.

More than 50 industry and government officials have been involved in organizational activities for the new committee. According to organizers, the initial focus of the group is to create a standards roadmap for commercial spaceflight which could include occupant safety standards for orbital and suborbital vehicles, launch and re-entry vehicles, and spaceports.

“The formation of this committee allows the industry to demonstrate its commitment to the safety of commercial spaceflight while recognizing the importance of innovation in propelling the industry forward,” said Mack Reiley, the committee’s chairman and aerospace regulations expert.

ASTM International President Katharine Morgan said the commercial spaceflight industry is growing dramatically and driving innovation every day.

“ASTM International is pleased to help convene the experts and leaders who are building a strong technical foundation for the future of this exciting field,” Morgan said.

The committee has formed in part as a result of the updated U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015.