Chamber Welcomes New Space Transportation Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce Space Enterprise Council commended the White House on its new national policy on Space Transportation.

"We applaud the administration's recognition of the importance of a robust U.S. space transportation industry to the nation's economic prosperity and the new Vision for Space Exploration. Space transportation programs provide high technology jobs for the current workforce and capture the imagination of students to pursue technical fields," said David Logsdon, executive director of the Chamber's Space Enterprise Council.

The goal of the new policy is to ensure access and utilization of space in support of national security, civil, scientific, and economic interests. The policy directs government agencies to provide a responsive regulatory environment, maintain the existing liability risk-sharing regime, and provide stable access to federal space launch ranges to promote U.S. commercial space transportation activities.

The policy also recognizes that a robust domestic industrial and technology base is required to meet U.S. space transportation national security and civil needs. It restricts U.S. government payloads, with some exceptions, to U.S.-manufactured launch vehicles and stipulates that the use of foreign components and technologies must be consistent with U.S. law and regulation.

The policy also focuses on full funding for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program with two launch providers, thus solidifying launch access for national security purposes.

"The new policy provides the incentive for the business community to invest in companies who are building infrastructure and hiring personnel for a robust space transportation industrial base," said Logsdon. "We look forward to working with the government for a successful implementation of this policy."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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05-05