Space & Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearing - Risks and Rewards: Encouraging Commercial Space Innovation While Maintaining Public Safety

Introduction

In recent years, the commercial space industry has experienced a surge in growth and innovation. This growth has been driven by a number of factors, including advances in technology and a growing demand for commercial space services. However, this growth has also raised some concerns about the risks and rewards of commercial space innovation.

On July 27, 2023, the Space & Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing to examine the risks and rewards of commercial space innovation. The hearing featured testimony from a variety of experts, including representatives from NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the commercial space industry.

The experts who testified at the hearing discussed a wide range of issues, including the potential risks of commercial space activities, the benefits of commercial space innovation, and the role of government in regulating the commercial space industry.

Risks of Commercial Space Activities

There are a number of potential risks associated with commercial space activities. These risks include:

• Accidents: Commercial space vehicles could experience accidents that could result in injuries or deaths.
• Collisions: Commercial space vehicles could collide with other objects, such as satellites or space debris.
• Pollution: Commercial space activities could create pollution that could harm the environment.
• Security: Commercial space activities could be used for malicious purposes, such as terrorism or space warfare.

Benefits of Commercial Space Innovation

Despite the risks, commercial space innovation also has a number of potential benefits. These benefits include:

• New technologies: Commercial space innovation could lead to the development of new technologies that could benefit humanity.
• Job creation: The commercial space industry could create new jobs.
• Economic growth: The commercial space industry could contribute to economic growth.
• Increased access to space: Commercial space innovation could make it easier and more affordable for people to access space.

Role of Government

The government has a role to play in regulating the commercial space industry and managing the risks of commercial space activities. This role includes:

• Setting safety standards: The government can set safety standards for commercial space vehicles and activities.
• Issuing licenses: The government can issue licenses to commercial space companies that meet safety standards.
• Enforcing regulations: The government can enforce regulations to ensure that commercial space companies comply with safety standards.
• Conducting research: The government can conduct research to better understand the risks of commercial space activities.
• Promoting international cooperation: The government can work with other countries to promote international cooperation on space exploration and regulation.

Conclusion

The commercial space industry is a rapidly developing industry with the potential for both risks and rewards. The government has a role to play in regulating the commercial space industry and managing the risks of commercial space activities. By working together, the government and the commercial space industry can ensure that commercial space innovation benefits humanity while protecting public safety.