Policy
Stories about space regulations and policy, and what they mean for companies.
Q&A With Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity
Jaffart is leading the charge to build up ESA’s defensive posture. Payload chatted with him to hear his plans for the new role.
FCC Wants ‘Weird Space’ Missions To Get Spectrum, Too
The FCC has a plan to support the space industry sectors that feel more science fiction than fact.
NASA Authorization Could Kick Start Space Nuclear Power
The fate of the NASA authorization bill being considered by Congress now could be a make or break moment for the budding space nuclear power sector, according to one company.
US Chamber Fighting For Licensing, ITAR Reform in 2026
“How do we encourage the government to take the necessary actions to modernize our space infrastructure? That includes physical, policy and regulatory,” Neal said. “I think it will be tough for industry to grow and mature, if we don’t have that.”
Congress is Considering a NASA Authorization Bill—Again
Recently, it’s become an annual exercise for lawmakers, and a stated priority for committee leaders past and present. However, past bills have stalled and failed to codify the space agency’s missions.
Budget Cuts Deal Another Blow to UK Space Sector
While the rest of Europe pours record funds into ESA and their own national research institutions, the UK seems to be taking a step in the other direction.
House Minibus Bill Would Kill Mars Sample Return
The dozens of tubes of Martian dust collected so far by the Perseverance rover are waiting for a ride that may never come.
Top 5 of 2025: Policy
The year in space policy ended with a bang, with the confirmation of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Trump Signs Space Superiority Executive Order
President Donald Trump laid out a clear vision—and timeline—for America’s next steps in space in an executive order signed Thursday afternoon.
Jared Isaacman Confirmed as NASA Administrator
At long last, NASA has a head again. That someone will be Jared Isaacman—now that the Senate has confirmed the billionaire private astronaut and entrepreneur—for whom the second time was the charm. The Senate voted 67–30 in favor of the appointment.
China Could Beat the US to the Moon, Experts Warn
Yesterday, four space industry and China experts appeared before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics testifying that if the US doesn’t step up, it risks ceding space superiority to China. That risk, according to witnesses, comes on all fronts—from the Moon and planetary science, to PNT systems and LEO security.
ESA Keeps the Door Open for More Defense Funding
ESA plans to keep subscriptions for a new defense initiative open for the next year, which usually finalizes funding at the close of each three-year ministerial meeting.
