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Sinema highlighted how a thriving commercial space industry advances America’s critical economic, national security, and scientific interests
Senator underscored how Arizona’s space leadership will boost the growth of the commercial space industry
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema chaired a Space and Science Subcommittee hearing on how the federal government can work with the commercial space industry to grow America’s leadership in space innovation and exploration, without sacrificing safety.
A thriving commercial space industry is essential for America’s economy, national security, and scientific leadership. In the hearing, Sinema highlighted how Arizona is a shining example of how to build meaningful careers and scientific space innovations thanks to public-private partnerships at Arizona State University and University of Arizona, as well as investments from companies to produce space vehicles and conduct research.
“To keep America on top, we must foster an environment that enables and encourages innovation without sacrificing safety… the time for action is now,” said Sinema, Chair of the Space and Science Subcommittee.
Space travel is no longer exclusively a state endeavor, as commercial companies launch U.S. satellites into space, provide data relay, Earth observation, and other services, and are working to expand human activities in space.
Sinema emphasized the need for Congress to streamline the authorization process, enact a workable safety framework for in-space operations, and clearly define proper responsibilities for different government agencies.
Witnesses included Kelvin Coleman, FAA Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation, Richard Dalbello, Office of Space Commerce at the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration Director, Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator, and John D. Hill, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Missile Defense.