Space Policy
Biweekly Washington, D.C., Update for the Week Ending October 30, 2020
The Senate took recess this week following the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, as Washington and the country await the results of the 2020 elections next week. Meanwhile, it was reported that NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover had made it to the halfway point in its journey to the Red Planet, and preparations…
Read MoreSpace Policy Pod – Episode 13: (Kelvin Coleman, FAA)
This podcast discussion features Kelvin Coleman, the FAA’s deputy associate administrator for commercial space transportation. His office is responsible for licensing commercial operators for space launch and re-entry. Prior to joining AST more than 20 years ago, Mr. Coleman worked for the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command as both a systems engineer, and as a…
Read MoreBiweekly Washington, D.C., Update for the Week Ending October 16, 2020
It was an exciting week for the space community. The International Astronautical Congress was held virtually and achieved many important milestones for space policy, especially the signing of the Artemis Accords. In Washington, D.C., the Senate Judiciary Committee held confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. Sign Up for Space Symposium 365 Space…
Read MoreSpace Policy Pod – Episode 12: (Alexander MacDonald, NASA)
This podcast discussion features Alex Macdonald, NASA’s chief economist. He also serves as program executive of the International Space Station National Lab. He was previously the Senior Economic Advisor in the Office of the Administrator and was the founding program executive of NASA’s Emerging Space Office. Dr. Macdonald is a former executive staff specialist on…
Read MoreBiweekly Washington, D.C., Update for the Week Ending October 2, 2020
On Thursday night, the Senate passed a short-term continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown. The bill extends $1.4 trillion in government funding until December 11. Earlier in the week, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on NASA missions and programs. Sign Up for Space Symposium 365 Space Symposium 365…
Read MoreSpace Policy Pod – Episode 11: (Conner Prochaska, Department of Energy)
This podcast discussion features Conner Prochaska, chief commercialization officer for the Department of Energy and director of the Office of Technology Transitions. His office advances the economic, energy, and national security interests of the United States by expanding the commercial impact of the department’s research and development portfolio. Prior to his current roles, Mr. Prochaska…
Read MoreBiweekly Washington, D.C., Update for the Week Ending September 18, 2020
It was a busy week in Washington, D.C., as the House was in session and took up various bills including the “Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow” (PROSWIFT) Act. The space community also had a big week, as it was announced that phosphine gas had been detected in…
Read MoreSpace Policy Pod – Episode 10: (Dr. Douglas Terrier, NASA)
This podcast discussion features Dr. Douglas Terrier, NASA’s chief technologist. In this role, Dr. Terrier serves as the agency’s principal advisor and advocate on technology policy and programs, helping plot the strategic direction of the agency’s space technology program. Prior to his current position, Dr. Terrier was the chief technologist of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.…
Read MoreBiweekly Washington, D.C., Update for the Week Ending September 4, 2020
This week Space Foundation announced the launch of “Space Symposium 365,” providing a digital platform that builds upon the spirit of the traditional annual gathering. Programming will debut in October, offering exclusive digital content to the global space community leading up to the next in-person Symposium, set for August 2021. Introducing Space Symposium 365 “Space…
Read MoreSpace Policy Pod – Episode 9: (Kevin O’Connell, U.S. Department of Commerce)
This episode features Kevin O’Connell, Director of the Office of Space Commerce at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. O’Connell leads an office with responsibility as a space industry advocate within the Executive Branch of the U.S. government. Previously, Mr. O’Connell served as the CEO of Innovative Analytics and Training, a professional services firm focused…
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