The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the United States House of Representatives has jurisdiction over non-defense federal scientific research and development (R&D). Specifically, with regards to the space economy, its role can be outlined as follows:
Legislative Role: The committee creates and reviews legislation related to space, science, and technology. This includes policies that govern the activities of NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal agencies involved in space-related activities that contribute to the space economy. These laws might pertain to the allocation of funds, development of new programs, or regulation of activities in the space sector.
Oversight Role: The committee monitors these agencies to ensure that they are carrying out their missions effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with the laws. This involves evaluating the performance of these agencies, investigating any issues that arise, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used appropriately. This oversight extends to the agencies’ contributions to the space economy.
Advisory Role: The committee also serves as a source of expertise and guidance on issues related to space, science, and technology. The members of the committee and its staff have a deep understanding of these issues, which they use to inform their colleagues in the House of Representatives. They also use this expertise to engage with stakeholders in the space economy, including businesses, researchers, and other government officials.
Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: Given the evolving landscape of the space economy, with private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin playing significant roles, the committee also helps to foster public-private partnerships. This could involve creating legislation that supports collaboration between NASA and private companies, or overseeing programs that encourage private investment in space exploration and development.
Long-term Strategic Planning: The committee plays an important role in establishing and shaping the long-term goals and strategies of the U.S.’s space program. It helps to set the direction of the U.S.’s activities in space and its contributions to the space economy.
Policy Formulation: The committee is responsible for formulating policies that enable the growth and regulation of the space economy. This includes setting guidelines for commercial space activities, ensuring fair competition, and implementing safety and environmental standards.
The decisions and actions of the committee can significantly impact the development and direction of the space economy in the United States.