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Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, "Building our knowledge of objects orbiting in space and their surrounding environments will help us mitigate the risks associated with space exploration and commercial space development." He underscored that the SAFE Orbit Act mandates the OSC to collect and share relevant data to strengthen space situational awareness and space traffic coordination efforts.
Senator Peters highlighted the dependency of U.S. leadership in commercial space activity on the ability to protect people and assets in space. He remarked, "This bill would empower the Office of Space Commerce to conduct space situational awareness and space traffic coordination activities to ensure that the expansion of commercial and other space activities is safe, successful, and U.S.-led."
As the space industry grows, so does the necessity for enhanced coordination to prevent potential collisions and ensure safety. Senator Blackburn voiced her concerns, saying, "The world is entering a new space race, and we must equip American innovators with every resource to win." The SAFE Orbit Act is viewed as a vital step to centralize and improve space traffic coordination, prioritizing safety and global partnership.
Senator Schmitt, emphasizing the importance of global leadership in space, stated, "Remaining the global leader in space, both commercially and militarily, is paramount to the future safety and security of the United States." He highlighted the bill's role in providing a clear and standardized process for accessing space operation data through government and industry coordination.
Senator Kelly pointed out the current limitations in tracking systems, noting, "The systems we use to track objects in the earth's orbit are outdated and insufficient for the advancement of commercial space capabilities." The SAFE Orbit Act is seen as a crucial step towards modernizing how space traffic and debris are tracked.
Senator Wicker stressed the importance of technology and data coordination for the future expansion of space activities. He said, "Space is the new economic frontier, but future expansion requires better technology and data coordination."
The SAFE Orbit Act, if passed, would enable the OSC to make basic-level SSA data and services publicly available through a web-based interface at no charge. It would also maintain a public catalogue of SSA data, encourage the development of industry consensus standards for data standardization, and facilitate collaboration with U.S. and foreign government operators for data-sharing.
Moreover, the Act prioritizes the purchase of data and services from commercial SSA providers, ensuring licensing agreements that foster private U.S. firms' market growth and protect proprietary systems and data.
Endorsed by the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, which represents over 85 members including many with Texas operations, the legislation acknowledges the critical role of SSA and STC in ensuring safe and sustainable access to space. With the FY2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act already directing the Department of Commerce to assume responsibility for these areas, the SAFE Orbit Act appears as a timely and essential legislative step to support and enhance these efforts.
Related Links
US Senators John Cornyn
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
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