Bill Overview
Title: U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes funding for FY2021 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), continues U.S. use of the International Space Station (ISS) through FY2030, and authorizes programs and activities. Among other requirements, NASA must maintain competitiveness within the human landing system program by funding no fewer than two entities, establish a plan for the manufacture of advanced spacesuits, establish a low-Earth orbit commercial development program to encourage commercial use and development of space by private entities in the United States, and update and improve the cybersecurity of NASA space assets and supporting infrastructure and maintain a Security Operations Center to respond to cybersecurity threats to NASA information technology systems. Additionally, the bill authorizes NASA to maintain two operational mobile launch platforms to enable multiple configurations of the Space Launch System and conduct missions to intermediate destinations, such as the Moon, in order to achieve human exploration of Mars. Further, the Department of Defense must review each of its planned, ongoing, and completed activities, programs, and projects on the ISS. The bill also (1) limits cooperation by NASA with China, and (2) provides for a designated invention to be the exclusive property of a user under specified conditions.
Sponsors: Rep. Weber, Randy K., Sr. [R-TX-14]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or impacted by U.S. space exploration and related industries
Estimated Size: 2000000
- NASA employees and contractors will be directly impacted as their work and funding are guided by the bill's provisions.
- Companies and entities developing human landing systems or involved in manufacturing advanced spacesuits are directly targeted by the bill.
- Private companies in the U.S. interested in space commercialization stand to benefit from encouraged development programs.
- Companies providing cybersecurity technologies have opportunities due to cybersecurity improvements initiatives.
- The Department of Defense's review of its ISS-related activities implies involvement of personnel in relevant projects.
- International entities using the ISS and collaborating on space exploration projects with NASA may be indirectly impacted by the U.S. leadership and policy restrictions, such as those involving China.
Reasoning
- NASA employees and contractors will be directly impacted as their work and funding are guided by the bill's provisions.
- Companies and entities developing human landing systems or involved in manufacturing advanced spacesuits are directly targeted by the bill.
- Private companies in the U.S. interested in space commercialization stand to benefit from encouraged development programs.
- Companies providing cybersecurity technologies have opportunities due to cybersecurity improvements initiatives.
- The Department of Defense's review of its ISS-related activities implies involvement of personnel in relevant projects.
- International entities using the ISS and collaborating on space exploration projects with NASA may be indirectly impacted by the U.S. leadership and policy restrictions, such as those involving China.
Simulated Interviews
NASA Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am excited about the increased funding for human landing systems. It gives us the resources to innovate and enhance our projects.
- The policy ensures job stability for the team and secures our work on new space missions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Space Suit Manufacturer CEO (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy opens up significant opportunities for new contracts and revenue streams through advanced spacesuit manufacturing.
- We feel pressured to stay competitive, but the potential rewards are substantial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cybersecurity Specialist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhancing NASA's cybersecurity infrastructure means more work opportunities and projects for us.
- I'm excited about contributing to crucial security advancements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Department of Defense Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy necessitates extensive analysis and revisions of ongoing projects, increasing workload temporarily.
- Long-term, it helps align defense goals with space exploration strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Private Space Company Administrator (Seattle, WA)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- NASA's initiatives could drive growth for our business if we secure proper partnerships.
- There are challenges in matching our capabilities to NASA's requirements, but the potential is transformational.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
NASA Contractor (Orlando, FL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Securing NASA's connected systems will keep our contract viable and stimulate job growth.
- Increased focus on cybersecurity under this policy offers long-term job stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Academic Researcher (Boston, MA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The U.S. leadership in space may influence international collaborations, notably with restrictions involving China.
- There are opportunities for research and dialogue concerning policy impacts globally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Investor in Space Technologies (New York, NY)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act potentially provides new investment opportunities in commercial space development.
- However, the risks associated with such investments can be high, depending on policy execution.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Freelance Journalist (Austin, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Excited to cover stories related to NASA's new initiatives and their impact on the space industry.
- The policy actions could generate considerable public interest in space exploration.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Engineer at Aerospace Company (Chicago, IL)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The provision for multiple launch systems ensures diversity in project work and sustains jobs.
- It's a positive move for businesses in the aerospace sector.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $4000000000 (Low: $3500000000, High: $4500000000)
Year 2: $4100000000 (Low: $3600000000, High: $4600000000)
Year 3: $4200000000 (Low: $3700000000, High: $4700000000)
Year 5: $4400000000 (Low: $3900000000, High: $4900000000)
Year 10: $4800000000 (Low: $4300000000, High: $5300000000)
Year 100: $5300000000 (Low: $4800000000, High: $5800000000)
Key Considerations
- The sustainability of ISS operations as it transitions to more commercial use and its dependence on consistent funding.
- The geopolitical implications of limiting cooperation with China and focusing on U.S.-led partnerships.
- The necessity for innovation and competitive contract management to maintain cost-effectiveness in human landing system developments.
- Ensuring that cybersecurity improvements keep pace with technological threats.