Policy & Politics
Senate bill would direct NASA to select a second HLS company
An amendment to a Senate bill would require NASA to select a second company for its Human Lander System program, a provision some fear could upend the overall effort to return humans to the moon as soon as 2024.
Senate Intelligence chairman wants further review of decision to relocate U.S. Space Command
The chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) is backing efforts by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to challenge the relocation of U.S. Space Command.
After Chinese rocket reentry, DoD calls for countries to ‘behave responsibly’
Less than two days after parts of an uncontrolled Chinese rocket fell into the Indian Ocean, the Pentagon said allowing a large booster to free fall toward Earth is “irresponsible behavior.”
Op-ed | The World Below: The need for free and open data in Earth observation activities
The evolving quality and quantity of Earth observation data enables an ever-increasingly profound knowledge of the climate crisis, enhancing the efficacy of mitigation strategies as well as the management of risk and natural or human-made disasters.
Nelson sworn in as NASA administrator
Former senator Bill Nelson formally became NASA’s 14th administrator in a short ceremony May 3.
Harris to place “personal stamp” on National Space Council
Vice President Kamala Harris will put her “personal stamp” on the National Space Council as it takes on both existing and new priorities under the Biden administration.
Senate unanimously confirms Nelson as NASA administrator
The Senate unanimously confirmed Bill Nelson to be NASA’s next administrator, wrapping up a whirlwind confirmation process that was vastly different from that experienced by his predecessor.
Op-ed | Sen. Nelson is strong choice to advance 21st century space priorities
Former GOP lawmaker Frank LoBiondo argues that former Sen. Bill Nelson's age and experience are an asset, not a liability, when it comes to leading NASA through the budget battles ahead.
Beyer seeks funding for NASA in infrastructure bill
The chairman of the House space subcommittee says he is working to secure funding for NASA as part of what could be a multitrillion-dollar infrastructure package proposed by the White House.
Senate Commerce Committee advances Nelson nomination to lead NASA
Bill Nelson is one step closer to being NASA’s next administrator after his former colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee voted to advance his nomination.
FCC approves Starlink license modification
The FCC approved a modification of SpaceX’s license for its Starlink constellation, allowing the company to operate more than 2,800 additional satellites in lower orbits.
White House nominates NOAA administrator, NASA CFO
The White House announced April 22 its intent to nominate an ocean scientist to be the next administrator of NOAA, and a Defense Department official to be NASA’s next CFO.
NASA and the new urgency of climate change
When Joe Biden was elected president, many expected NASA would shift direction, emphasizing climate change over human spaceflight. Three months into Biden's term, it’s increasingly clear those changes aren’t nearly as radical as some might have thought.
NASA emphasizes good relationship with Roscosmos as Russia mulls exiting ISS
NASA’s acting head says the agency’s relationship with Russia remains good despite comments by Russian officials in recent days that the country could abandon the International Space Station as soon as 2025.
Lawmakers continue to question Space Command’s move to Alabama
Gen. James Dickinson said Space Command could continue to do its job without major disruption if it has to move to Alabama.
Nelson sails through NASA administrator confirmation hearing
The Biden administration’s nominee for NASA administrator, Bill Nelson, got a friendly reception from former colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee during a confirmation hearing April 21 but offered few specifics about how he would run the agency.
