House members have passed a bill that streamlines the space-based remote sensing regulatory system, modifies the implementation of international regulations in the U.S., enhances national security and simplifies regulations for space operators, among other things.
The House Committee on Science, Space and Technology said Tuesday the American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act of 2017 or H.R. 2809 also authorizes the Office of Space Commerce to manage non-governmental space activities and calls for a transparent self-certification review procedure for commercial on-orbit space operations.
House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith stated that the bill allows American innovators to continue to develop their space systems in the U.S.
He added the legislation initiates innovation in the commercial space industry and shows that the U.S. is open for business in space.
Smith introduced and sponsored the bill on June 7, 2017.