FAA

The FAA formally withdrew its proposed 25-year upper stage disposal mandate in January 2026 after industry opposition led by SpaceX, even as startups Astroscale, Portal Space, and Paladin Space announced competing debris removal services targeting operations by 2027.

Joby Aviation began flight-testing its first FAA-conforming eVTOL in March 2026, entering the final certification phase as Archer acquires Lilium's patents and six companies prepare for live airspace trials this summer.

The DOT and FAA chose eight state-led eVTOL pilot programs covering 26 states, enabling companies like Joby, Archer, and BETA Technologies to begin passenger and cargo air taxi operations as early as summer 2026.

Aviation automation startup Skyryse raises $300M Series C at $1.15B valuation to certify SkyOS, a fly-by-wire system replacing complex mechanical controls with a single joystick and touchscreens.