Policy & Politics
Biden administration proposes $24.7 billion budget for NASA in 2022
The White House released a first look at its budget proposal for fiscal year 2022 that includes an increase in funding for NASA, particularly Earth science and space technology programs.
Rep. Lieu praises move to establish Space Force acquisitions command in Los Angeles
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) hailed the April 8 announcement that Los Angeles Air Force Base will be the permanent home of the U.S. Space Force procurement command.
New ESA director general outlines priorities
The new head of the European Space Agency has outlined his priorities for the next several years, ranging from improving relations with the European Union to increasing commercialization activities.
Op-ed | Build a Robot Base on Mars
The triumphant landing of the Perseverance rover has inspired all Americans, and indeed much of the world. President Biden should follow it up by launching the program to send humans to Mars.
ESA, CNSA heads discuss future space plans
The heads of the European Space Agency and China National Space Administration held a video call April 1 to outline respective plans for the coming years.
Op-ed | Exporting is the final frontier for UK space and other high-tech industries
Following its departure from the European Union and as the UK looks to recover from the many impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the country is seeking new economic growth opportunities.
Op-ed | Space Settlement Act should guide Nelson’s NASA tenure
As chair of the NASA oversight committee in the House in 1988, Bill Nelson presided over the adoption of the Space Settlement Act, a visionary declaration of Congress that could and should be a guiding theme as he takes on the top NASA leadership position.
Op-ed | Space offers a higher perspective on our Earthbound problems
Critics would be wise to recognize that the solutions to big problems are rarely found inside the box and solving our problems right here on Earth will require the higher perspective of space.
FCC proposes to allocate spectrum for commercial launches
The Federal Communications Commission will take up a long-awaited proposal at its next meeting to set aside a spectrum band for commercial launches.
Space industry relieved to see National Space Council retained
The Biden administration’s decision to continue the National Space Council has won approval, and relief, from the space industry, who see it as the latest sign that the White House is not contemplating major changes to space policy.
NASA exchanged data with China on Mars orbiters
NASA sought congressional approval to talk with Chinese counterparts and obtain information on the orbit of China’s new Mars spacecraft, a move intended to lower the risk of a collision with other Mars orbiters.
Congress raises concerns about FAA’s handling of Starship launch license violation
As SpaceX gears up for another test flight of a Starship prototype, the Federal Aviation Administration is facing new scrutiny from Congress for how it handled SpaceX’s violation of its launch license on an earlier test flight.
Biden administration to continue the National Space Council
The White House confirmed March 29 that the National Space Council will be renewed.
SecDef briefed on military space programs, threats to satellites
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week received his first high-level briefing on space issues since taking office.
Rogers feeling optimistic about Space Force procurement efforts
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) said the Space Force is making progress in the organization of its acquisition office and expects to see new proposals to accelerate acquisition programs.
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