Satellite Associations Want Next President To Ensure Space 'Leadership'

A coalition of 13 satellite industry organizations urged presidential candidates to ensure that U.S. leadership in space continues. They asked that America “maintain and expand internationally harmonized spectrum access for space.” In what the groups called an unprecedented collaboration by the industry organizations, their four-page action plan said that “given the significant infrastructure development and investment [the U.S. has made] it is critical to have predictable and stable regulatory access to spectrum." They also backed a long-term budget plan since they said erratic federal government budgeting has led to “cost and schedule inefficiencies.” Representatives of three of the groups discussed the plan Friday at the National Press Club: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Executive Director Sandra Magnus, Space Foundation CEO Elliot Pulham and Commercial Spaceflight Federation President Eric Stallmer. The plan from those groups, the Satellite Industry Association and others said U.S. space leadership is at risk. Among recommendations are reducing barriers to international trade and expanding internationally harmonized spectrum access for space.