U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a Republican-led bill that aims to modernize government oversight of commercial space activities and enhance U.S. leadership in space activities.
“I’m proud to introduce this critical piece of legislation, which continues our role as the global leader in space,” said Rep. Lucas, chairman of the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
The Commercial Space Act of 2023, H.R. 6131, which Rep. Lucas introduced on Nov. 1 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) and four other original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), to reduce regulatory red tape, promote safety standards, and encourage technological advancements, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“This bill crafts a favorable and competitive environment right here at home by streamlining our regulatory process and clarifying federal roles in licensing commercial space activities,” Rep. Lucas said. “This will attract the best and brightest in the field and encourage the growth of innovation, ensuring America remains at the forefront of this thriving sector.”
If enacted, H.R. 6131 would create a certification process for non-governmental space activities to reduce administrative burdens and ensure compliance with international treaty obligations, the summary says.
Additionally, the bill would clarify regulatory authority by designating the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Space Commerce as the single authority responsible for the certification process and would elevate the Office of Space Commerce as its own entity within the Commerce Department.
H.R. 6131 also would address the issue of orbital debris by requiring commercial space operators to provide a plan on mitigating space debris as part of their application and would promote research and development at NASA on how to improve U.S. space situational awareness activities, according to the summary.
Among other provisions, H.R. 6131 would establish a Private Space Activity Advisory Committee to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of the sector and identify gaps for improvement, and extend the learning period for commercial human spaceflight activities to ensure continued growth in the sector, the summary states.
The bill is under consideration in the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.