Senator highlighted Arizona’s leadership in space research, exploration, and innovation today and into the future
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema – Chair of the Space and Science Subcommittee – met with members of the Future Space Leaders to discuss their career goals, the future of space science and exploration, and her work supporting the aerospace industry.
“I’m working with aerospace professionals – like the Future Space Leaders – to fuel innovation, create jobs of the future, and keep our country and planet safe,” said Sinema, Chair of the Space and Science Subcommittee.
Sinema spoke about Arizona’s role in the future of the space and satellite industry – including how the state continues to build on its space innovation leadership, from Artemis manufacturing to cutting-edge space research programs at Arizona universities. The Senator also detailed her recent meeting with the NASA Artemis II Astronaut crew to discuss their 2024 moon mission.
Sinema discussed her work ensuring the bipartisan Chips and Science law – legislation she led boosting semiconductor manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign countries, and enhancing the United States’ global competitiveness – reauthorized NASA. Specifically, Sinema incorporated provisions she wrote as a leader on the Space subcommittee directing NASA to fund key science research at Arizona universities, maintaining the International Space Station, and sending the first woman and person of color to the moon.
In March, Sinema also met with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson to discuss priorities on space research, exploration, and engineering in the 118th Congress. The month prior, Sinema co-sponsored the bipartisan ORBITS Act – legislation that directly addresses the immediate need to track and mitigate orbital debris that pose risks to Earth and space operations. The ORBITS Act will improve national security, support communications reliability, and protect American astronauts on the International Space Station.
The Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the career development of young space and satellite industry professionals. FSLF advances learning and fosters interaction among current space and satellite industry leaders with graduate students and young professionals.