Synopsis
The Space Infrastructure Act is a bipartisan bill introduced in the 117th Congress by Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
The key provisions of the bill:
- Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to designate space systems, services, and technology as a critical infrastructure sector within 30 days of enactment
- Requires DHS to issue guidance on designating space as critical infrastructure within 180 days of enactment. This includes defining the scope, designating a Sector-Specific Agency, and identifying appropriate committees and advisories
- Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include “Space systems, services, and technology” in the definition of critical infrastructure
- Requires DHS to submit a report to Congress on the implementation of the guidance within 90 days of issuance
- Follows recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission to designate space as critical infrastructure in order to improve security and threat analysis
- Introduced with bipartisan support and co-sponsorship from the leadership of the Congressional Aerospace Caucus
- Aims to recognize the increasing importance of space systems to national security, the economy, and everyday life as the space industry continues to evolve
In summary, the Space Infrastructure Act seeks to formally designate space systems as critical infrastructure in order to prioritize their security and resilience against potential threats. This has received bipartisan support in Congress.
