White House Unveils New Space Policy, But Does It Matter?

White House Unveils New Space Policy, But Does It Matter?
White House Unveils New Space Policy, But Does It Matter?

“I just think it’s a little too late for trying to have a stamp on something. It is just trying to say that they did something,” said veteran space policy wonk Erin Neal.

FAA, DoD To Harmonize Safety Rules For Commercial Space Launch

FAA, DoD To Harmonize Safety Rules For Commercial Space Launch
FAA, DoD To Harmonize Safety Rules For Commercial Space Launch

“This historic, comprehensive update to commercial space launch and reentry licensing requirements facilitates greater growth in this industry and helps America to maintain our #1 position in the world,” DoT Secretary Elaine Chao says.

Commerce Slashes Restrictions On Remote Sensing Sats

Commerce Slashes Restrictions On Remote Sensing Sats
Commerce Slashes Restrictions On Remote Sensing Sats

The new rules mean that if imagery can be bought in a foreign country, US operators will now have a right to sell it.

FCC Reconsiders Tightening 25-Year Deadline For Space Junk Disposal

FCC Reconsiders Tightening 25-Year Deadline For Space Junk Disposal
FCC Reconsiders Tightening 25-Year Deadline For Space Junk Disposal

“Putting non-maneuverable cubesats into LEO in densely populated orbits … is like putting go-carts on the freeway. Nobody would do that,” says Viasat’s John Janka.

AFSPC Study, Eye On China, Urges ‘Expansive’ New Strategy

AFSPC Study, Eye On China, Urges ‘Expansive’ New Strategy
AFSPC Study, Eye On China, Urges ‘Expansive’ New Strategy

A new AFSPC study posits a possible future — named after ancient Chinese warlord Zhang He — where China dominates space even as human presence vastly expands to the Moon and beyond.

DoC’s Ross: Streamlined Rules For Remote Sensing Sats Out By October

DoC’s Ross: Streamlined Rules For Remote Sensing Sats Out By October
DoC’s Ross: Streamlined Rules For Remote Sensing Sats Out By October

The new satellite export control rules being finalized by the Commerce and State Depts. will take into account the “need to maintain export controls with some countries, while streamlining them for others,” says Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

As DoD Seeks Smallsats, FCC Eases Licensing

As DoD Seeks Smallsats, FCC Eases Licensing
As DoD Seeks Smallsats, FCC Eases Licensing

“I see no reason why a satellite the size of a shoebox, with the life expectancy of a guinea pig, should be regulated the same way as a spacecraft the size of a school bus that will stay in orbit for centuries,” says FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

HAC Stiffs New Commerce Bureau for Satellite Regulation

HAC Stiffs New Commerce Bureau for Satellite Regulation
HAC Stiffs New Commerce Bureau for Satellite Regulation

House appropriators rejected Trump’s plan to put satellite regulation under the Commerce Department and chide Secretary Wilbur Ross for his refusal to testify on the 2020 budget request.