Policy & Politics
Radio astronomers worried about OneWeb interference
Radio astronomers say OneWeb has not, until recently, paid attention to their concerns about interference, but that it is not too late to avoid a spectrum conflict.
Administration policies seek to promote use of space nuclear power
A revised policy for approving the launch of spacecraft with nuclear power systems is the latest measure intended to support greater use of nuclear power systems in orbit and beyond.
Op-ed | NASA must shift its focus to infrastructure and capabilities that support dynamic missions
Five decades after Apollo, NASA — burdened with an old-school management culture — originally offered a linear, programmatic solution to its most recent White House mandate to return Americans sustainably to the moon. That was a mistake, but it need not be a fatal one.
Space Council recommendations address exploration and management concerns
Despite a strong public endorsement of NASA’s efforts to return humans to the moon as a step towards Mars, a series of recommendations approved by the National Space Council Aug. 20 highlight concerns about the agency’s plans to do so.
Space Council says NASA’s exploration programs “on track”
Nearly five months after directing NASA to accelerate its plans to return humans to the surface of the moon, Vice President Mike Pence said Aug. 20 that the agency’s efforts since then were “on track.”
U.S. Space Command and National Reconnaissance Office will join forces to defend space
The intelligence community and the DoD agreed to align U.S. Space Command and the NRO into a unified defense structure.
FAA launch office, with mounting workload, prioritizing reorganization over expansion
The Federal Aviation Administration’s space-related workload is growing faster than its workforce, but the agency wants to complete a reorganization focused on efficiency before seeking more personnel.
Chandrayaan-2: India’s lunar maneuvers continue
India’s second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, is scheduled to enter lunar orbit Aug. 20 following a relatively circuitous journey to the moon.
Griffin: Budget, political support top concerns for Space Development Agency
Mike Griffin: "Some elements of Congress are very supportive. Others are skeptical."
FCC’s streamlined licensing rules seen as boon for smallsat industry
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s streamlined licensing rules for small satellites sailed through a vote Aug. 1, establishing a path for companies to secure spectrum rights much faster and cheaper than current regulations allow.
Top SASC Democrat sees momentum building for a space force
Sen. Jack Reed: “I think within a year, next year at this time, we’ll have a Space Force."
Army general poised to become No. 2 at U.S. Space Command
As head of Army Space and Missile Defense Command since 2017, Dickinson has advocated for more training for troops about their dependence on space.
Op-ed | India-China space collaboration is worth a try
For the last two decades, India and China have been engaged in an undeclared space race marked more by regional rivalry than neighborly competition. But that doesn't mean the two nations shouldn't give space cooperation a shot.
Op-ed | Small satellites are big business
With its unique alpha-to-omega regulatory sway over the satellite industry, the FCC plays an outsized role in shaping the nascent commercial space industry.
Senator criticizes cost and schedule issues with NASA programs
The chairman of a key Senate committee said he’s “troubled” by cost and schedule growth on major NASA programs and is asking the agency for more information on their status.
Inhofe credits SASC for moving thousands of Pentagon nominations, expects more in September
In September, SASC plans to consider additional DoD civilian and military nominations.
