Reports
House Committee on Science Space and Technology Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearing: “Leveraging Commercial Innovation for Lunar Exploration: A Review of NASA’s CLPS Initiative”
House Committee on Science Space and Technology
Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee
Hearing – Leveraging Commercial Innovation for Lunar Exploration: A Review of NASA’s CLPS Initiative
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Introduction
The U.S. House Committee on Science Space and Technology (HSST) Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee held a hearing entitled “Leveraging Commercial Innovation for Lunar Exploration: A Review of NASA’s CLPS Initiative” on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The purpose of this hearing was to evaluate NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The hearing considered the structure and outcomes of the program, including its unique approach towards risk, often referred to as a “shots on goal” approach. The hearing also considered whether the CLPS missions conducted thus far have met the original intent of the program, if there are ways the CLPS program can be improved moving forward, and how CLPS can inform future collaborative efforts between NASA and the private sector. Finally, the hearing offered an opportunity for CLPS providers to share their experiences with Congress.
Key Highlights
- Witnesses and the Subcommittee Members stressed the need to remain competitive against our foreign adversaries, like China and Russia.
- Witnesses emphasized the need to fully fund Artemis, NASA and the CLPS program, as well as the need for more public-private partnerships.
- Subcommittee Members raised concerns and highlighted the effects that DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has on the overall success and long-term viability of NASA and other government agencies.
- Witnesses and subcommittee members focused on the need to bolster our next generation workforce to secure U.S. leadership in the space sector. Mr. Jason Kim mentioned Space Workforce for Tomorrow bridges the STEM technical talent gap by inspiring K-12 students nationwide, providing opportunities for undergraduate students through the National Space Interns Program , as well as delivering support for the space workforce industry.
Witnesses
- Dr. Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Witness Testimony
- Dr. Brett W. Denevi, Principal Staff Scientist, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Witness Testimony
- Mr. John Thornton, Chief Executive Officer, Astrobotic Technology. Witness Testimony
- Mr. Stephen Altemus, President and CEO, Intuitive Machines. Witness Testimony
- Mr. Jason Kim, Chief Executive Officer, Firefly Aerospace. Witness Testimony
Opening Statements
Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX)
Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Subcommittee Chairman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL)
Subcommittee Ranking Member Valerie Foushee (D-NC)
Question & Answer
- In response to a question from Subcommittee Chairman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), Mr. Kim reinforced the importance of robust funding for the CLPS program as a way to counter our foreign adversaries like China. In response to the same question, Mr. Altemus suggested frequent missions to the moon are critical to gaining information and gathering science-based knowledge.
- In response to a question from Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) on how NASA will take steps to reduce delays in CLPS program, Dr. Fox committed to continue working closely with providers to ensure they are meeting contract milestones needed for success.
- In response to a question from Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) on how to spur workforce development, Mr. Jason Kim mentioned Space Workforce for Tomorrow bridges the STEM technical talent gap by inspiring K-12 students nationwide, providing opportunities for undergraduate students through the National Space Interns Program , as well as delivering support for the space workforce industry. Mr. Kim believes autonomy is critical to supporting future moon missions. He serves on Space Workforce for Tomorrow’s board and Firefly provides internships to keep the talent pipeline full.