Office of Space Commerce
Companies, international partners key to future lunar exploration
Entrepreneurs and international government agencies will play important roles in NASA’s future lunar exploration, according to speakers at the 2019 International Astronautical Congress here.
Data sharing seen as critical to future of space situational awareness
The future of space situational awareness will increasingly rely on governments and companies sharing data that can be used to improve knowledge of space objects and create more accurate warnings of close approaches.
U.S. Air Force to begin transferring space situational awareness data to Commerce Department
Kevin O’Connell, director of the Commerce Department’s Office of Space Commerce, said the repository, called the Unified Data Library, is the first step in the transfer of some space situational awareness responsibilities as requested by the White House last year.
House members seek to bolster commercial space offices in appropriations bill
The full House is unlikely to make major changes in NASA funding when it takes up an appropriations bill this week, but members will seek changes for two other agencies involved in space issues.
Commerce Department seeks to increase American space industry’s global competitiveness
The Commerce Department wants to improve the standing of the American space industry in an increasingly competitive global market through a combination of regulatory reform and promotional efforts.
Revised remote sensing regulatory rule nears release
The Commerce Department plans to soon release a new rule designed to streamline licensing of commercial remote sensing systems with what one official called a “fundamentally different” approach for licensing.
New Office of Space Commerce director to focus on advocacy and regulatory issues
The new director of the Office of Space Commerce, a long-neglected entity set to gain more influence under the Trump administration’s space policy reforms, says his initial priorities are on engaging with and advocating for industry and dealing with regulatory issues.
Commerce Department moves ahead with space regulatory reforms
Nearly a month after the signing of a policy directive calling for commercial space regulatory reforms, Commerce Department officials said this week they’re moving ahead on a number of fronts.
Commerce Department ready to add space traffic management to growing space role
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross says his department is gearing up to add space traffic management to its growing portfolio of commercial space responsibilities.
NOAA speeds up remote sensing license reviews amid broader regulatory changes
The small office that currently handles licensing of commercial remote sensing systems says it’s made major progress in processing license applications, even as the government moves ahead with broader reforms.
Omnibus bill increases funding for NOAA weather satellite and space weather programs
A final fiscal year 2018 omnibus spending bill released March 21 fully funds two key weather satellite programs at NOAA while increasing funding for future weather satellites and space weather efforts.
Commerce Department pressing ahead with commercial space regulatory reform
Backed by a set of recommendations endorsed by the National Space Council, the Secretary of Commerce says he is moving ahead with efforts to improve the regulatory environment for commercial space.
