Smith introduces bill to strengthen commercial space industry

Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) on Wednesday would modernize space-based remote sensing regulations to support the development of new satellite systems and technologies by private companies.

“This transformative legislation declares that America is open for business in outer space,” Smith, the chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, said.

The American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act would improve national security, ensure compliance with international guidelines and update regulations for space-based remote sensing, which refers to technologies that collect data from an object without making physical contact.

“The American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act addresses issues that the committee has been tracking for years, including international obligations and commercial remote sensing,” Smith said. “The bill establishes a favorable legal and policy environment for free enterprise with maximum certainty and minimum burden for stakeholders.”

A single authority for the supervision and authorization of private space activities would be established under the bill, along with a more transparent certification process and greater certainty that private activities comply with international obligations.

“With this innovative legislation, we position the American space industry as a leader,” Smith added. “New space operators would now be incentivized to set up shop on American ground and allow the United States to maintain and adhere to our international obligations as well as improving our national security. This enterprising bill provides an efficient, transparent and streamlined structure for authorizing and supervising future space activities to create the path for future exploration of the final frontier.”

The legislation would take additional steps to preserve the government’s ability to commission private remote-sensing capabilities for national security purposes.

Smith introduced the measure with bipartisan support from fellow committee leaders, including U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL).