#space-policy

#space-policy

Rapid expansion of commercial satellite constellations, led by SpaceX's Starlink, is crowding low Earth orbit and disrupting astronomy, environment, and celestial visibility.

China's commercial and civil space programs are rapidly advancing and may surpass the United States within five to ten years without sustained American action.

Congress kept NASA's budget flat, restored some science funding, left Mars Sample Return underfunded, and did not remove an $85 million relocation provision.

NASA faces internal turmoil and safety-versus-speed tensions as lawmakers fear China may outpace the United States in returning humans to the Moon.

UKSA will be absorbed into DSIT by April 2026 to reduce duplication and increase ministerial oversight, prompting industry concern about lost sector focus.