Space Exploration Sustainability Act Passed
Senate Passes H.R.6586 — Space Exploration Sustainability Act
“Section 203 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18313) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(c) Sense of Congress Regarding Human Space Flight Capability Assurance- It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator shall proceed with the utilization of the ISS, technology development, and follow-on transportation systems (including the Space Launch System, multi-purpose crew vehicle, and commercial crew and cargo transportation capabilities) under titles III and IV of this Act in a manner that ensures– …”
The Commercial Spaceflight Federation Applauds the Passage of a Government Risk-Sharing Regime Extension for the Space Launch Industry
“The Senate action on Monday and House action today extends a liability risk-sharing regime created by Congress that requires commercial launch companies to purchase insurance for any reasonable risk of damage to third parties, and provides an expedited appropriations backstop above that amount and below a statutory limit.”
Congress Approves Bill Supporting Human Space Exploration, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
“NASA now relies on commercial providers to carry cargo to and from the International Space Station,” said Committee Chairman Ralph Hall (R-TX). “The future of the U.S. space program and commercial spaceflight industry relies on a predictable environment. Provisions in this bill provide a solid framework for the U.S. space enterprise to succeed in the future and continue to be the world’s leader in space.”
Bad.Approval to use Russia until 2020.
Approval to use Russia to launch astronauts doesn’t mean NASA has to use Russia. It just gives NASA the flexibility to do so if necessary.
I’m a big supporter of commercial crew, but just in case commercial crew doesn’t come on-line in time, it makes sense to have Soyuz as an option.
So long as the Russians let us.
Yeah, how about that. They are giving NASA more options to use at their own discretion, not less.
It goes without saying that much of this would have been unneeded if Congress had adequately funded almost any of the HSF initiatives set forth over the last generation.
Putting space flight decisions in the hands of Congress is like hiring a chimp as a diamond cutter.
That comparison is not very fair to the chimp. And nobody put space flight decisions “in[to] the hands of Congress.” Congress took it, in defiance of legislation that an earlier Congress created. No matter how you look at it, I can’t see it any other way. Congress is completely beyond anybody else’s influence. I find that scary.