SIA Presentation to the National Space Council

Satellite Innovation, Regulatory Reform, Spectrum Access and Sustainability Highlight SIA Presentation to the National Space Council

Washington, D.C., February 21, 2018

The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) announced that earlier today, SIA President Tom Stroup presented on behalf of the Association during the National Space Council Panel Discussion on Entrepreneurship and Economic Expansion on the Next Space Frontier.  The panel was part of a Council meeting that was hosted by NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and was chaired by Vice President Mike Pence.  The meeting included testimonials from leaders in the civil, commercial, and national security sectors about the importance of the United States’ space enterprise.

The National Space Council is tasked with advising and assisting the President of the United States regarding national space policy and strategy.  The Council was originally established by Executive Order in 1989 and was revived by President Trump in 2017.  The Council is chaired by the Vice President and composed of a number of senior federal government officials including the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Commerce as well as many others including the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

“SIA applauds the Council’s words regarding the creation of a streamlined regulatory and licensing environment that encourages continued commercial space innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Tom Stroup, President of SIA.  During his presentation, Mr. Stroup stated, “the leadership of the National Space Council can help support the advancement of the satellite industry in three ways: by creating a regulatory environment that fosters the continued innovation and leadership of U.S. satellite companies, supporting access to spectrum to promote the continued growth of the industry, and ensuring a sustainable space environment.”

Mr. Stroup specifically emphasized that recent and future technological innovation is dependent on the satellite industry’s access to adequate spectrum resources.  “All of the breakthroughs we’ve seen because of satellite technologies should not be taken for granted. They depend upon our industry’s ability to access spectrum. In order for our industry to sustain and meet the growing demand for satellite services, we encourage regulators to continue to allocate sufficient spectrum for satellite use, both domestically and via U.S. support at the upcoming World Radiocommunications Conference.”

To view a complete copy of the prepared remarks, please click on the link:  NSC18-Feb-21st.pdf

About The Satellite Industry Association

SIA is a U.S.-based trade association providing representation of the leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers, and ground equipment suppliers. For more than two decades, SIA has advocated on behalf of the U.S. satellite industry on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues affecting the satellite business.