Policy
Stories about space regulations and policy, and what they mean for companies.
What Happens to the UK Space Agency Now?
Industry leaders shared nuanced views with Payload on what a DSIT-run UKSA might mean for the future of the country’s space ambitions.
Organizations Band Together to Save NASA Science
The organizations’ plan is to educate members of Congress on the importance of NASA science, and the wide-ranging benefits the agency provides to the whole country.
Duffy Wants NASA To Leave the Earth Behind
NASA will begin “moving away” from Earth sciences, Acting Administrator Sean Duffy told Fox News last week—a sharp shift in the agency’s focus since it was established in 1958.
Op-ed: NASA’s New CLD Strategy Will Lose Mars, LEO to China
As a former space shuttle pilot and commander whose crews helped build the ISS, I am appalled that NASA has reportedly changed its plans for future commercial space stations.
New Report Details Trump DoD’s Space Spending Spree
Between the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBB) and the Trump administration’s budget request, the Space Force could see a budget of $40.2B in fiscal 2026.
New Caucus Promotes Humanity Boldly Going
A bipartisan group of lawmakers are aiming to promote US leadership in space—and ensure commercial space players are in lockstep with the government along the way.
What is the FAA planning for rocket launch licenses?
Environmental reviews, system safety regs, and explosion models, oh my.
ILRS Member Senegal Joins Artemis Accords
“Senegal chooses to join the great human adventure that has always driven us to explore the unknown,” Maram Kairé, the director general of the Senegalese Agency for Space Studies, said at a ceremony at NASA HQ in DC. “This signature marks a meaningful step in our space diplomacy and in our ambition to contribute to the peaceful exploration of outer space.”
Duffy’s First Days at NASA Clouded by Budget Uncertainty
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took the helm for his first full day as NASA’s interim administrator on Friday.
Lawmakers Want DoD Briefings on Nuke Propulsion, VLEO, Commercial PNT
Buried in the hundreds of amendments approved by the committee, lawmakers asked for a number of reports or briefings on many space topics.
Rep. Stevens’ Bill Would Invest in US Rare Earths Supply Chain
The commercial space economy runs on rare Earth minerals, but the rare Earths in space today have one thing in common: the vast majority come from China.
The FY26 NDAA Advances to the Senate Floor
“The United States is operating in the most dangerous threat environment since World War II.”
GAO Examines ISAM’s User Uptake Challenges
The government could require future satellites to be ready for servicing or in-space refueling missions as a way to help the fledgling ISAM industry, according to a GAO report released Thursday.
