The US Chamber of Commerce is establishing a Space Leadership Council to advocate for commercial interests during space policy debates on Capitol Hill.
“At a time when global competition is intensifying, policymakers need access to the best emerging technologies and expertise available, and the private sector stands ready to serve as a dependable partner on this mission,” Christopher Roberti, the chamber’s SVP for cyber, space, and national security, said in a statement. “The Space Leadership Council represents our commitment to strengthening America’s space industrial base in collaboration with government to meet this historic moment.”
Areas of interest: The council will work with lawmakers to help shape policy in a way that benefits the commercial sector on topics from acquisition to licensing to spectrum. Its work will fit into three main areas:
- Advocating for policies and regulations to allow the space industrial base to thrive
- Engaging with DC decision-makers during discussions on changes to space policy
- Providing input to the Chamber’s National Security Center on space topics.
Full plate: The council is likely to have its hands full as Congress and the new administration are in the midst of considering a handful of high-profile space policy issues, including:
- The FAA’s launch and re-entry regulations, aka Part 450, which is under review by a special rulemaking commission at the agency
- Which office or offices will oversee novel space activities from in-space manufacturing to commercial space stations
- The multi-year effort on Capitol Hill to pass an updated NASA authorization bill, which could gain steam since supporters are in leadership positions in relevant House and Senate committees
- The future of the Artemis program, and the hardware that’s designed to bring humans to the Moon.
Leadership: The council will represent the interests of the entire space industry, including ground infrastructure, launch, satellite communications, EO, data analytics, space infrastructure, and in-space servicing and manufacturing, according to a press release. However, in 2025, the panel will be led by two space execs:
- Brian Huseman, chair of the council and Amazon VP of public policy and community engagement
- Eric Jensen, vice chair of the council and CEO of ICEYE US
