WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema today introduced new bipartisan legislation boosting space education and research funding at Arizona universities.
The 21st Century Space Grant Modernization Act, sponsored by Sinema and Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), reforms the National Space Grant College and Fellowship program to better support state-based space education and research programs.
“Arizona’s universities are fueling space innovation in our state and across the country. Our bipartisan bill boosts education and research funding to ensure Arizona’s space industry continues to thrive, and that America remains the global leader in space exploration,” said Sinema, Ranking Member of the Senate Aviation and Space Subcommittee.
As part of the Space Grant College and Fellowship program, each state creates a Space Grant Consortium which provides funding for space-related research, workforce training, and education programs throughout the state. Space Grant Consortium consists of Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. In recent years, NASA’s office of STEM Engagement has diverted a portion of Space Grant funding to cover administrative overhead and unrelated programs, which deprives states, including Arizona, of federal funding upon which they rely. Sinema’s 21st Century Space Grant Modernization Act protects and boosts funding for Arizona space initiatives.
As the ranking member on the Aviation and Space subcommittee, Sinema is working for greater investment in Arizona’s aerospace industry. Earlier this year, Sinema introduced the Space Frontier Act, which streamlines and reforms the regulatory framework for commercial space launch and Earth observation operations. This bipartisan legislation keeps Americans safe and protects our national security interests while maintaining American leadership in the global space community and ensuring that the United States remains the best place to start a space business.
