A Hardware-Enforced Human-Authorization Gate for Autonomous Launch Systems: An EHOX Use-Case Analysis of FAA 14 CFR Part 450

Abstract

This engineering preprint analyzes how a hardware-enforced human-authorization gate could be evaluated at safety-critical decision points in autonomous launch and re-entry systems. It uses 14 CFR §450.107 as the regulatory anchor for phase-specific hazard-control strategies, functional failures, safety-critical systems, and event timelines, and distinguishes the adjacent flight-abort requirements in §450.108. The paper proposes five candidate gate points and a falsifiable evaluation protocol. EHOX demonstrator measurements are reported separately from production or flight qualification claims. This document is not an FAA compliance determination, certification, or statement about SpaceX internal systems.