Senate
Experts cite benefits, challenges of further space exploration
While the United States has the advanced technology and capable workforce it would need for further space exploration, it lacks the focus and prioritization that assured the success of the Apollo program, Apollo flight director Gene Kranz told Senators July 9.
Senators try new approach to passing commercial space bill
Senators are taking a new approach to winning passage of a commercial space bill, offering it as an amendment to a defense authorization bill.
Senate Armed Services bill shakes up management of Air Force space acquisitions
The SASC is trying to hold the Air Force more accountable for the performance of space acquisition programs.
In joint confirmation hearing, Scolese and Raymond vow to cooperate on space matters
Sen. Jack Reed: “An issue that will be paramount for both of you is Space Command’s relationship with the NRO."
Senate Armed Services OKs Space Force with conditions
The SASC bill makes the commander of Air Force Space Command also the commander of the U.S. Space Force for the first year.
Bridenstine says $1.6 billion at “low end” of funding needed to keep 2024 lunar landing on schedule
A day after NASA unveiled an amended budget request to support a human landing on the moon in 2024, the agency’s leader warned that if Congress provided less than the request it increased the risk of missing that deadline.
Senate confirms Ex-Im board nominees
Senators voted overwhelmingly to confirm three nominees for the board of the Export-Import Bank May 8, giving the bank the ability to approve large deals, including for the space industry, for the first time in years.
Bridenstine plays down costs of 2024 moon landing
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine told Senate appropriators May 1 that while the administration is not yet ready to release a revised budget that accommodates an accelerated human lunar landing program, the costs will not be as high as some rumors.
Stage is set for critical Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Trump’s Space Force proposal
SASC wants to how the Space Force will support and integrate with U.S. Space Command and the Space Development Agency.
Senate reintroduces Space Frontier Act
A bipartisan group of senators has reintroduced legislation designed to reform commercial launch and remote sensing regulations, this time without a provision that led to the bill’s defeat last year in the House.
Shanahan pitches Space Force in Senate testimony
Shanahan said he views the Space Force as a "once in a generation opportunity."
NASA criticized for proposed budget cuts
NASA’s fiscal year 2020 budget request is facing scrutiny from nearly all quarters for its proposals to cut science missions and education programs as well as defer work on an upgraded version of the Space Launch System.
Senate bill seeks extension of the space station
A bill introduced by a bipartisan pair of senators Feb. 27 would authorize an extension of the International Space Station to 2030 and also make permanent human settlement of space a national goal.
Former astronaut to run for U.S. Senate seat
Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly announced Feb. 12 his intent to run for a United States Senate seat in Arizona.
White House resubmits NOAA, Ex-Im Bank nominations
The White House has once again nominated Barry Myers to be administrator of NOAA, as well as four people to serve on the board of the Export-Import Bank.
Cruz plans to try again with commercial space legislation
A commercial space bill that fell just short of passage last year will be reintroduced this year to serve as the starting point for further discussions, a key senator said Jan. 15.
