Policy & Politics
Report highlights U.S. concerns over China’s space infrastructure in South America
The expansion of Chinese ground stations in South America is generating concern regarding Beijing’s intentions in the region and in space, according to a new report.
UK, South Korea join ASAT test ban, raising like-minded countries to seven
The United Kingdom and South Korea have pledged not to conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile testing, throwing their weight behind the U.S.-driven initiative launched in April to promote peaceful and safe use of outer space.
Office of Space Commerce: FCC “aggressively” pushing limits of authority with orbital debris rule
The FCC’s adoption of a new rule for disposal of low Earth orbit satellites is well-intentioned but pushing the limits of its authority, says the director of the Office of Space Commerce.
US candidate to be first woman to lead UN telecoms agency
Doreen Bogdan-Martin will become the first woman to head the U.N.’s telecoms agency in its 157-year history from January, and the first American in the role since the 1960s after beating a Russian leadership challenge.
National Space Council to seek industry input on future regulatory framework
The National Space Council plans to hold “learning sessions” with industry in coming weeks on how to develop a new regulatory framework for novel commercial space activities.
FCC approves new orbital debris rule
The FCC adopted a new rule Sept. 29 that will shorten the time for satellite operators to deorbit low Earth orbit satellites from 25 to 5 years.
House committee questions FCC orbital debris rule
Ahead of a Federal Communications Commission vote on a proposal to set a five-year deadline for deorbiting low Earth orbit satellites, leaders of the House Science Committee are questioning the FCC’s authority to do so.
Lamborn: ‘Merit on both sides’ of debate over Space National Guard
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), a key congressional proponent of establishing a Space National Guard, said he would consider an alternative proposal endorsed by Space Force leaders and by the Biden administration.
Lawmakers press Air Force for final decision on U.S. Space Command
Colorado’s senators in a Sept. 27 to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall argue that a final basing decision on U.S. Space Command needs to be made as soon as possible in light of the Ukraine conflict and China’s expansion in the Pacific
Artemis Accords signatories hold first meeting
Nations that have signed the U.S.-led Artemis Accords met in person for the first time Sept. 19 as an initial step to elaborate on the principles for safe and sustainable space exploration.
New report raises questions on DoD’s multi-orbit plan for space sensors
Aerospace Corp. report: 'The missile warning and tracking programs will weigh heavily in debates about the future of U.S. space systems'
France to increase space spending by 25%
France will increase spending on national and European space programs as the European Space Agency works to secure commitments for its own significant budget increase.
Congress asks for more transparency into New Shepard failure investigation
Leaders of the House space subcommittee have asked the Federal Aviation Administration for more details on its investigation into a Blue Origin New Shepard launch accident.
Japan, Germany declare moratorium on anti-satellite missile tests
Japan and Germany pledged this week not to conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile testing, throwing their weight behind the U.S.-driven initiative launched in April to promote peaceful and safe use of outer space.
ESA seeks major funding increase at ministerial
ESA will seek a roughly 25% increase in funding from member states this fall despite economic and geopolitical challenges in Europe.
