Science Committee Passes Bills to Secure Quantum & Commercial Space Leadership
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The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed two significant bills which advance our leadership in quantum sciences and strengthen our commercial space sector.
The purpose of the Commercial Space Act of 2023 is to modernize government oversight of commercial space activities.
The Act also works to ensure that the U.S. remains the world leader in commercial space activities.
PRESS RELEASE — Washington, D.C. / November 29, 2023 — Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed two significant bills which advance our leadership in quantum sciences and strengthen our commercial space sector.
“I’m pleased to advance these two critical pieces of legislation to secure America’s global competitiveness in the science and space fields,” Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) said. “Both bills were developed with significant stakeholder input and have drawn strong support, ensuring the success of these industries moving forward.”
“H.R. 6213 will harness the accomplishments of the Committee’s 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act to conduct breakthrough research, drive new quantum applications, bolster industry partnerships, and invigorate the quantum ecosystem. As China and Russia are actively making notable investments in quantum systems, we must maintain our momentum to secure our leadership position in this revolutionary field, and this bill does just that,” Lucas said.
“H.R. 6131 is critical to supporting America’s commercial space economy, as it streamlines the regulatory environment, ensures compliance with international treaty obligations, reduces administrative burdens, and promotes best practices in orbit. Promoting a transparent, responsible environment here at home will strengthen our domestic industry and encourage an arena rife with innovation,” Lucas added.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues as we move these bills forward in the legislative process.”
H.R. 6131, Commercial Space Act of 2023 updates the government oversight of commercial space activities to promote, streamline, and strengthen the commercial space sector and enable the continuation of U.S. leadership in space.
The purpose of the Commercial Space Act of 2023 is to modernize government oversight of commercial space activities. The Act also works to ensure that the U.S. remains the world leader in commercial space activities.
Streamlines Compliance with International Obligations
The bill dispels regulatory uncertainty by clarifying the process through which the United States complies with its obligations under the Outer Space Treaty, the Rescue and Return Agreement, the Registration Convention, and the Liability Convention. It provides a streamlined authorization and supervision certification process for nongovernmental space activities that reduces the administrative burden for nongovernmental entities operating in space, while ensuring compliance with international treaty obligations and national security concerns. It also promotes responsible behavior in space by requiring a U.S. entity applying for a certification to describe a space debris mitigation plan in the application.
Clarifies Agencies Regulatory Authority
The bill designates the Department of Commerce Office of Space Commerce (DOC/OSC) as the single authority responsible for the authorization and supervision certification process. It also grants OSC the sole authority and responsibility for making determinations and placing conditions on certifications to assure compliance with U.S. international obligations. The regulatory streamlining does not impact existing FCC authority to regulate spectrum and telecommunication satellites or FAA authority to regulate launch and reentry operations.
Elevates the Office of Space Commerce
The bill returns the OSC back to the Department of Commerce where it is statutorily authorized.
Improves Domestic Space Situational Awareness
The bill enhances U.S. space situational awareness (SSA) through the establishment of a consortium to provide SSA data, information, and services. It also directs the creation of a NASA institute to advance research in SSA.
Encourages Commercial Space Development
The bill establishes a Private Space Activity Advisory Committee to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of the new certification process, make recommendations on how the U.S. can further promote and facilitate a robust and innovative private space sector, and identify challenges the U.S. private space sector faces. The bill also adds transparency to launch and reentry licensing and permitting by clarifying requirements related to international obligations and national security. The bill supports private sector development and deployment of In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing, and encourages U.S. development of space nuclear power and propulsion technology as well as a regime for licensing the launch of spacecraft containing space nuclear systems. It also addresses concerns that registered activities may pose a safety risk to existing Federal Government space systems and facilitates collision avoidance and physical safety on-orbit between certification holders and USG operators.
SOURCE: House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Featured image: Credit: House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
