Congress
HASC Chairman: Trump’s Space Force proposal ‘too expensive’
Lawmakers are raising concerns about the cost and the rationale for a Space Force.
Lawmakers to form bipartisan caucus to promote the economic, national security benefits of GPS
The bipartisan caucus will bring a central focus to GPS-related issues.
Lawmakers: Air Force launch procurement strategy undermines SpaceX
Sen. Feinstein and Rep. Calvert asked Secretary Heather Wilson to "review how the Air Force intends to maintain assured access to space while preserving maximum competitive opportunities for all certified launch providers."
House passes spending bills to end shutdown
The House of Representatives, now under Democratic leadership, passed spending bills Jan. 3 that would fund government agencies that have been shut down for nearly two weeks, but the bills face a presidential veto threat.
Latest shutdown to curtail NASA activities
A partial government shutdown that started Dec. 22 will once again force NASA to halt most of its non-essential activities and could hinder coverage of spaceflight events planned for the end of the year.
Incoming HASC Chairman to oppose creating a separate military branch for space
Smith: The difficulties we’ve had with space launch has been a good example of why a different approach is needed to manage military space.
Congress includes space provisions in FAA bill as industry seeks action on other regulatory issues
With Congress set to approve a Federal Aviation Administration bill with some commercial space provisions, those in the industry are hoping for action on other bills before the end of this year.
Analysts: Space Force will test constitutional separation of powers
The possible creation of a Space Force gives Congress a “unique opportunity to shape the direction of U.S. national security space at this moment in time.”
Satellite industry wants higher profile on Capitol Hill
Congressional committee staffs turn over quickly so the industry needs to be continuously engaging officials on the Hill.
Defense budget bill creates path for future network of military, commercial communications satellites
The House Appropriations defense subcommittee approved $49.5 million to create a new “program of record for commercial satellite communications."
Thornberry: ’We are not going to let up’ on military space reorganization
Both chambers want legislation that strengthens the U.S. military space posture, said Thornberry. The House and Senate are “not going to let up in our push to do better in space.”
U.S. Senator: Do not underestimate China’s determination to win in space
Sen. David Perdue: China has spent a lot of time and money developing capabilities to attack GPS satellites, jam them or take them off orbit.
Scientists and entrepreneurs lobby for NASA lunar program
As congressional appropriators prepare to review NASA’s latest budget request, a group from academia and industry are seeking support for a lunar exploration initiative included in the proposal.
Wilson: Space programs can move faster, but Congress has to tolerate some failures
Wilson believes the Air Force should embrace its cultural past, when it took big chances on technologies.
NASA receives $20.7 billion in omnibus appropriations bill
A final fiscal year 2018 spending bill released by House and Senate appropriators March 21 would give NASA more than $20.7 billion, far above the administration’s original request.
Defense official: Trump is serious about creating a space force
Assistant Secretary of Defense Kenneth Rapuano: “The president is very interested in ensuring that the department is best organized and equipped to achieve our vital missions in space."
