Washington Updates

On May 25, the Space Foundation celebrated astronaut Scott Kelly’s year in space and subsequent retirement from NASA with a reception for Congressional members and other invited guests. An Evening with Scott Kelly was held at the Capitol Visitor’s Center, in Washington, D.C.Kelly, who recently returned to Earth after spending 340 days aboard the International…

On May 18, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, & Technology, Space Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, “Next Steps to Mars: Deep Space Habitats.” The diverse witness panel attracted a full gallery, and included: Jason Crusan, Director, Advanced Exploration Systems, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA John Elbon, Vice President and…

April saw a flurry of activity in space policy issues, many which were highlighted at the beginning of the month during the 32nd Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, and which carried over into activity on the Hill later in the month. During the Space Symposium, Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) unveiled the American Space Renaissance Act…

The Space Foundation kicked off a fast-paced month of space policy happenings in D.C. on March 4, with the release of “Ensuring U.S. Leadership in Space,” a messaging document for presidential campaigns. This White Paper was developed and approved by 14 space organizations. Read more about it in this month’s View From Here. Click here…

By Space Foundation Washington, D.C., Intern Natalie Nehme March was extremely eventful when it came to hearings involving space in all aspects. On March 3, the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held an oversight hearing on NASA’s Ocean Worlds programs. Dr. Charles Elachi, the director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion…

by Natalie Nehme, Space Foundation Intern, and Jillianne Pierce, Space Foundation Government Affairs Associate The morning of Jan. 27, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing entitled, “Military Space Launch and the Use of Russian-made Rocket Engines.” Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) questioned Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Undersecretary of Defense…