Recent legislation and official statements show increasing US government support for commercial spaceflight, including emerging industries.

Key Points:

..The House of Representatives passed the American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act of 20171 (H.R. 2809 or the Bill). If enacted, the Bill would streamline commercial space activity regulation and encourage development of new industries in space.

..The Bill’s provisions are similar to recent recommendations from the National Space Council (the Space Council), whose members include Cabinet officials, regulators, and industry experts.

..US officials have consistently expressed their intention to ensure that the legal and regulatory regimes governing commercial spaceflight remain competitive with foreign markets.