Polaris
Stories from Payload’s weekly space policy newsletter, Polaris.
FCC to Vote on Waiving NEPA Review for Space Ops
The FCC will vote Sept. 30 on whether to narrow which commission activities face environmental review, and streamline the process for the ones that require assessment.
State Department Launches New Space-Diplomacy Effort
Alongside the announcement, Rubio also unveiled the SCP’s first project—a two-year, $6.5M effort to bring satellite internet to rural southern Peru.
Schiess Becomes CSO Amid Space Workforce Shortages
Gen. Douglas Schiess became the chief of space operations on Sept. 3, following the retirement of Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, who led the almost-seven-year-old service for nearly four years.
Trump Orders Study To Establish US Space Academy
Is the US about to add a new service-academy rivalry to college football Saturdays?
White House Wants 1,000 Annual Launches and Reentries by 2030
The new National Space Transportation Policy, signed Aug. 20, which replaces the 2013 edition, asks what it would take to get to 1,000 annual launches.
Deep Dive: FY27 Defense Space Budget
The Space Force’s FY27 budget request made headlines earlier this year at a record-breaking $71.3B.
Bill Spotlight: Space Superiority Readiness Act
A bipartisan pair of senators introduced a bill last week aiming to ensure the US military is prepared for conflict with Beijing in orbit.
FL Governor Candidate Launches Space Race Policy
“Right now, other states and other countries are competing for the launches, the investments, and the high-paying jobs that belong to our workers, our graduates, and our families. We are going to change that,” Donalds said at a press event.
Space Science’s Golden Age Problem
Last week, the White House OSTP released a sweeping vision for the nation’s R&D enterprise.
FCC Eyes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Bands for Satellites
The FCC announced that it will consider a proposal to allow unlicensed wireless devices to communicate directly with satellites.
Payload Field Guide: NSSL
The Space Force added two new companies to its stable of launchers on July 8, bringing the military’s launch acquisition program to seven companies.
FCC Poised To Advance Sat Licensing Reform
FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced last week that the commission is expected to vote on the Space Modernization Order on July 22.
