The White House released a document summarizing the priorities of the United States in space this Wednesday.
“The United States will remain a global leader in science and engineering by pioneering space research and technology that propels exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. U.S. human and robotic space exploration missions will land the first woman and person of color on the Moon, advance a robust cislunar ecosystem, continue to leverage human presence in low-Earth orbit to enable people to live and work safely in space, and prepare for future missions to Mars and beyond,” noted the document.
The document also calls for the creation of a regulatory environment providing clarity for non-governmental space activities such as on-orbit servicing, orbital debris removal, space-based manufacturing, commercial human spaceflight and the recovery and use of space resources.
The document also emphasizes the economic importance of space, calling for the application of free market principles in space as well as economic data and research to better understand the space economy.
“To create free and fair market competition internationally, the United States will work with allies and partners to update and harmonize space policies, regulations, export controls, and other measures that govern commercial activities worldwide.,” adds the document. “Additionally, the United States will work with allies and partners to combat foreign government non-market practices, protect critical U.S. technologies and intellectual property, and reduce reliance on strategic competitors for key space capabilities.”
In addition the document notes that the US will defend its national security interests in space and will accelerate its transition to a more resilient national security space posture.
By Feike de Jong
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