US Government
Space Oversight and Regulatory Bodies
Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team
The responsibilities for funding, overseeing and regulating U.S. space activities are spread across the Executive and Legislative branches of government.
Executive Branch
The Orion spacecraft sits on the South Lawn of the White House. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce
Manages Commercial Control List
Office of Commercial Space Transportation, FAA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Regulates commercial spaceflight
Federal Communications Commission
Regulates radio frequencies for satellites
Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. State Department
Directs ITAR restrictions and licensing
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, U.S. Department of Defense
Implements DoD strategic guidance and national security space strategy
House of Representatives
House Committee on Appropriations
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
Appropriates budgets for space and science programs, including NASA, NOAA and the NSF
House Committee on Science, Space and Technology
Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
Oversees programs and policies relating to space exploration and national space policy, including NASA and NOAA
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Subcommittee on Aviation
Oversees programs and policies relating to all aspects of civil aviation, including the FAA
House Armed Services Committee House
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Oversees programs and policies relating to strategic deterrence, missile defense and space
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
Oversees programs and policies relating to the U.S. intelligence community
Senate
Space Shuttle Discovery flies over Washington, DC, before its retirement. Credit: Architect of the Capitol
Senate Committee on Appropriations
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
Appropriates budgets for space and science programs, including NASA, NOAA and the NSF
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
Subcommittee on Aviation and Space
Oversees programs and policies relating to aerospace research and development, national space policy, and civil aviation
Senate Armed Services Committee
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
Oversees programs and policies relating to science and technology, intelligence, strategic and information operations, and homeland defense
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Oversees programs and policies relating to nuclear and strategic forces, space programs and ballistic missile defense
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
Oversees programs and policies relating to the U.S. Intelligence Community
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