Which organization is primarily responsible for regulating UAS operations in the United States?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the organization primarily responsible for regulating UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operations in the United States. The FAA's mission encompasses the responsibility for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system, which includes the oversight of both manned and unmanned aircraft operations. As UAS technology has evolved, the FAA has established specific regulations to integrate these vehicles safely into the airspace, addressing aspects like pilot certification, operational limitations, and airspace restrictions.

Additionally, the FAA is tasked with creating and enforcing the rules that govern the commercial use of drones, ensuring that operators adhere to safety protocols and manage risk effectively. This makes the FAA the central authority in shaping policies and guidelines that adapt to the rapid growth and innovation in UAS technologies.

The other organizations mentioned have different domains of responsibility: the FCC handles communication regulations and spectrum allocation, NASA focuses on aeronautics research and space exploration, and the DOT has a broader transportation mandate that encompasses aviation but does not specifically regulate UAS operations as the FAA does.