U.S. Space Laws, Policies and Regulations
Space Policies
Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team
There are a variety of U.S. policies related to space activities, some of which include the National Space Policy, the NOAA Commercial Space Policy and the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan.
Vice President Mike Pence and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine talk with NASA astronauts. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
National Space Policy (2010)
The National Space Policy directive is a comprehensive guide for all government space activities and sets out six goals for U.S. space programs: energize the domestic space-related industries; expand international cooperation; ensure stability in space; increase the assurance and resilience of mission-essential functions against all threats; pursue human and robotic initiatives for innovation, inspiration and exploration; and improve space-based Earth and sun observation. The policy also includes detailed Commercial Space Guidelines to guide government interaction with the commercial space sector.
NOAA Commercial Space Policy (2016)
Establishes the framework for the agency to use commercial space-based approaches and engage the commercial space sector.
National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan (2019)
Articulates the objectives and activities that will improve U.S. preparedness for space weather over 10 years. Specific objectives include: guarding against space weather events, developing and sharing space weather information, and establishing plans and procedures for responding to and recovering from events.
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