Space
More on Space
House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas shared a statement honoring Katherine Johnson, who passed away today.
Thank you, Chairwoman Horn, for holding this timely hearing on situational awareness in space. Only two weeks ago we saw the importance of this issue, as two defunct government satellites, each traveling at roughly 17,500 miles per hour, came dangerously close to each other 560 miles above Pittsburgh. While there was no threat to those on the ground, a collision in space could be significant because the debris could impact other satellites or even potentially threaten astronauts aboard the International Space Station depending on the orbit.
Today’s hearing on space situational awareness, or “SSA,” is a continuation of the Committee’s longstanding interest in the topic. We’ve held numerous hearings over the last several years and considered two significant pieces of legislation last Congress: the American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act and the American Space SAFE Act. I urge my colleagues to once again consider these important bills. SSA is an important topic for this Committee to consider, but we should do so in a deliberative manner. Near-misses in space attract media attention and calls for draconian regulations, but
Markup of:
H.R. 5666, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2020
Amendments:
Amendment #057 to H.R. 5666 offered by Mr. Brooks (R-AL) - passed by voice vote
Thank you for holding this markup, Chairwoman Horn. Today, the subcommittee will mark up H.R. 5666, the NASA Authorization Act of 2020. This markup is the first of many steps in the legislative process that will undoubtedly yield a much-improved product from what lies before us today.
Thank you Chairwoman Horn. H.R. 5666, the NASA Authorization Act of 2020 represents a good start to advancing our Nation’s space program.
The bill supports the Administration’s bold goals of returning America to the surface of the Moon and on to Mars.
The bill jumps-starts Artemis with the direction to create a Moon to Mars Program Office, something the Appropriators did not support in the recent Omnibus.
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes
Thank you, Chairwoman Johnson. My amendment would add a section to the legislation establishing a commercial space weather data pilot program at NOAA. This amendment is drawn from compromise language agreed to at the end of the 115th Congress by members of this Committee. Let me again be clear that if this amendment is adopted, I am prepared to support the underlying legislation.