The United States has an extensive network of government organizations that play critical roles in the space economy. This ecosystem of agencies contributes to the space sector through a variety of activities, such as conducting scientific research, developing and implementing policy, fostering technological innovation, regulating commercial activities, and driving demand for space-based services. The table below provides an overview of these organizations and outlines their relevance to the space economy.
| Organization | Relevance to the Space Economy |
|---|---|
| NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) | NASA leads the nation’s civilian space program and conducts extensive research in space. Its partnerships with private companies, as in the Commercial Crew Program, have led to significant growth in the commercial space sector. NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs encourage small businesses to engage in high-tech research and development. |
| DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) | DARPA is known for developing cutting-edge technology for the Department of Defense. These innovations often lead to commercial applications, including in the space sector, such as spacecraft technologies, satellite systems, and more. |
| NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) | NOAA operates satellites that monitor the Earth’s weather and climate. These satellites are often built and launched by commercial contractors, contributing to the space economy. |
| FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) | The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation regulates and licenses all private sector space launch and reentry operations, as well as the operation of launch and reentry sites. It also offers guidance and resources to help small businesses engage in commercial space transportation. |
| FCC (Federal Communications Commission) | The FCC licenses radio frequencies for communication satellites, playing a critical role in the management and regulation of commercial satellite communications. |
| DoD (Department of Defense) | In addition to its branches with specific space-related roles (e.g., Space Force), the DoD is a major consumer of space-based services, including launch services, satellite imagery, and GPS services. The DoD’s SBIR and STTR Programs support research and development in small businesses that can meet specific defense needs. |
| USSF (United States Space Force) | A branch of the U.S. armed forces, the Space Force is tasked with space warfare operations. Its needs for space launch services and satellite technologies drive demand within the space economy. |
| NRO (National Reconnaissance Office) | The NRO develops and operates reconnaissance satellites, driving demand for satellite technologies and launch services. |
| SDA (Space Development Agency) | This agency focuses on developing advanced military space technologies, supporting the creation of space technologies and contributing to the space economy. |
| AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory) | As part of the U.S. Air Force, AFRL develops technologies (including space technologies) for military use. These innovations can drive the growth of the space economy. |
| AFWERX | This initiative of the U.S. Air Force fosters innovation and collaborates with businesses, including small businesses in the space industry, potentially stimulating economic growth in the sector. |
| DIU (Defense Innovation Unit) | This Department of Defense organization helps to incorporate commercial technology into the U.S. military, including technologies related to space. |
| NSF (National Science Foundation) | NSF funds a significant amount of basic science research in the U.S., including astronomical research that involves the use of ground-based observatories and space telescopes. |
| U.S. Department of Commerce | It includes the Office of Space Commerce, which supports the growth of the U.S. commercial space industry. |
| U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | USGS operates the Landsat series of Earth observation satellites, providing data that is valuable for a wide range of commercial, scientific, and governmental applications. |
| The Small Business Administration (SBA) | While not directly focused on space, the SBA provides support to small businesses across a wide range of industries, including the space industry. |
| Department of Energy (DoE) | The DoE, and particularly its National Nuclear Security Administration, plays a role in powering space missions, particularly deep space missions, via radioisotope power systems. |
| Department of State | The Department of State has a role in international space policy issues, including international cooperation on space exploration, space traffic management, and space-related export controls. |
| The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) | Part of the Department of Commerce, NIST plays a role in standard-setting and technological advancement in a variety of sectors that could include space. |
| Department of the Interior | The Bureau of Land Management (part of the Department of Interior) oversees certain launch sites that are located on federally-managed lands. |