Kamala Harris

First commercial crew astronauts receive Congressional Space Medal of Honor
The two men who flew on the first NASA commercial crew mission to the International Space Station in 2020 received a rarely awarded medal from the White House Jan. 31.

France joins ASAT testing moratorium
The French government said Nov. 29 it will join the United States and several other countries in a pledge not to conduct anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons tests that can leave hazardous debris in orbit.

White House requests proposals for regulating novel commercial space activities
The White House will ask federal agencies for their proposals for how to authorize and supervise emerging commercial space capabilities that don’t fit into current regulatory regimes.

Harris says U.S. to update commercial space regulations
Vice President Kamala Harris said Aug. 12 that the National Space Council will work to revise commercial space regulations that have become “simply outdated” as the industry evolves.

U.S. declares ban on anti-satellite missile tests, calls for other nations to join
Vice President Kamala Harris announced April 18 that the United States will ban direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile tests that create orbital debris.

Biden administration turns focus to space security
At the first meeting of the Biden administration’s National Space Council Dec. 1, Vice President Kamala Harris said a top concern is keeping space safe for military, civilian and commercial operations.

Space Council condemns “irresponsible” Russian ASAT test
Administration officials used a National Space Council meeting to issue a new round of criticism of Russia’s antisatellite weapon test and call for a halt to future ASAT tests that create debris.

White House releases space priorities framework
The White House released Dec. 1 a document that outlines its space policy priorities, including addressing growing military threats and supporting “a rules-based international order for space.”

U.S. and France agree to expand cooperation on space issues
Vice President Kamala Harris announced the U.S. and France have agreed to expand cooperation on space and cybersecurity issues.

Harris says National Space Council will develop “comprehensive framework” for space priorities
In her first speech devoted to space since taking office, Vice President Kamala Harris said she will direct the National Space Council to develop a “comprehensive framework” for national space priorities, with an emphasis on climate change.