Policy
Stories about space regulations and policy, and what they mean for companies.
The US Wants to CHIP In On Rocket Lab’s Solar Cell Factory
Rocket Lab is one of three major players in the Western market that builds space-grade solar panels, and the investment will grow production 50% in the next three years.
FCC Chair Pushes For Stricter Debris Rules
The head of the FCC is calling on the agency to change its regulations to further limit how much debris is created in orbit.
NSSA: Space Force Budget ‘Insufficient’ And ‘Shortsighted’
The Pentagon’s declining budget request for the Space Force puts the US at risk of ceding leadership in space to China, according to a letter released Thursday by the National Security Space Association.
NASA Stresses Responsible Use of AI In Town Hall
NASA leadership touted the benefits of using AI in a town hall meeting on Wednesday, but emphasized that the new tech will be used in a responsible way that won’t replace the space agency’s skilled workforce.
NDAA 2025: Guard Transfers, CASR, and Commercial Ops
The House’s draft of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act would move forward with a hotly-contested plan to transfer space-focused Air National Guard members to the Space Force.
International Partnerships Complicate Space Registry, State Says
The US needs to communicate better with both the private sector and international partners about objects in orbit as space becomes more global, a State Department official said Thursday.
Inside The World’s First Civil Space Traffic Coordination System
NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce is pushing to stand up TraCSS by the end of the year.
Biden Considers Taxes on Commercial Launchers
As the pace of space launch picks up, the Biden administration is reportedly looking at requiring space companies to pay taxes to help pay for the system that keeps their rockets safe.
US, French Space Industry Meeting in DC This Week
The US is hosting the second US-France Comprehensive Space Dialogue this Wednesday, and most of the American space heavy hitters will be attending.
National Space Council Hosting Space Week Events in April
The National Space Council is hosting “Find Your Place in Space Week” next month with 90+ events across the country designed to show the significant role space plays in life on Earth.
White House Requests $25.4B for NASA in FY25
The Biden administration has requested $25.4B for NASA in its fiscal 2025 budget, which prioritizes investment in Earth science, climate research, and the return to the Moon.
FAA Space Chief Talks Mission Authorization, Part 450, Starship
The clock is ticking to get a legislative fix for mission authorization approved, according to Kelvin Coleman, the FAA’s associate administrator for commercial space transportation.
FAA Announces New Committee To Evaluate Launch Regs
The FAA is establishing a new committee to improve its launch licensing requirements after industry officials complained that the agency’s 2021 update made life more difficult.
