Hearing on Space Commerce Regulation
Chairman Smith
“Unfortunately, the Obama administration issued a report last year that called for expansive regulations over all types of private space activities. The Obama administration also requested authority to conduct space traffic management. While the request was a non-starter, it does present an opportunity for Congress to streamline processes and enhance the strength of private sector space activities. For instance, stakeholders continue to raise concerns that they need certainty to attract investments and that they face pressing short-term launch dates and regulatory risks.”
Ranking Member Johnson
“The legislative proposal put forth by the previous Administration included direction such that “the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, is authorized to examine the planned and actual operational trajectories of space objects and to advise operators as appropriate to facilitate prevention of collisions.” While this proposal is one of a number of potential approaches, it or another measure will be needed to ensure that space remains a productive environment for scientific investigation, commerce, and governmental activities.”
Prepared statements
– Chairman Babin
– Ranking Member Bera
– Ms. Laura Montgomery
– Dr. Eli Dourado
– Mr. Douglas L. Loverro
– Mr. Dennis J. Burnett
– Dr. Henry B. Hogue
– More information and archived video
I always wonder what is the final product or the actual usefulness of this kind of event, especially when you add up the time and cost to the public of all the people attending.
Yesterday’s Space Subcommittee hearing was an excellent airing of differing opinions about the right approach to meeting USG obligations, both under the Outer Space Treaty and to U.S. companies seeking a stable and transparent process for pursuing economic ventures in space.
This is exactly the sort of deliberate consideration of alternate views that taxpayers expect from their elected representatives, before crafting laws that may have severe unintended consequences down the road.
It was definitely money well spent.
p.s. FYI, Donald, the answer to your specific question is either draft legislation sometime in the next few months… or better yet, a decision that legislation is not required.
I didn’t see the hearing. Did you happen to notice if anyone brought up Luxembourg’s recently passed law, Jim? You’ll remember from the FAA conference last month that Bob Richards said Luxembourg’s law has gone one step further then our 2015 law, and put in an OST Article 6 oversight mechanism, that doesn’t necessarily bother him.