LTG Stephen Whiting tells committee DOD supports shifting non-military space traffic management to Dept of Commerce. [Specifically, Dept of Commerce, not to "civilian agency" as DOD folks often say.]
State Dept's Jonathan Moore (OES): Biden-Harris Admin has charged us to explore the use of outer space to the benefit of humanity and ensure safety, stability and security of outer space activities. Artemis Accords are our commitment to principles of Outer Space Treaty.
Moore: but geopolitical challenges. Some countries will work with us to establish and adhere to standards of safe and responsible behavior, others will not. OES keeping very close eye on Russia and China
Bruce Tanner, State Dept (Arms Control, Verification, Compliance): this hrg is appropriate on 60th annv of Shepard's flt. Need voluntary, non-binding norms, rules and principles of behavior in space, not China/Russia PPWT.
HASC Sbcmt Chair Jim Cooper: are voluntary non-binding rules the best we can do?
Tanner: trying to make the best out of what's possible.
Tanner: trying to make the best out of what's possible.
Cooper: how quickly transfer SSA/STM to Commerce?
Whiting: we're working with them to get it done over the next couple of years. Eager to do it. Don't know what their timeline is.
Whiting: we're working with them to get it done over the next couple of years. Eager to do it. Don't know what their timeline is.
Turner (State Dept): yes we have talked to Russians about some of these activities they're doing in space, but they have not engaged in satisfactory discussions. [Re their rendezvous and proximity ops near our satellites]
Turner, Whiting and Hill all say they have not had discussions with China, but Moore (State/OES) says they have on issues like not interfering with GPS and avoiding collisions in space.
[No mention of the Long March 5B imminent reentry so far]
[No mention of the Long March 5B imminent reentry so far]
Rep Castro: what is Admin doing to expand support for Artemis Accords?
Moore (State): Accords not legally binding but mutual statements of values and vision for space coop. Number of other countries interested in signing on.
Moore (State): Accords not legally binding but mutual statements of values and vision for space coop. Number of other countries interested in signing on.
Rep Malliotakis (R-NY, For Aff): any thoughts on Russia/China research station on the Moon?
[crickets]
Finally Hill says: We will keep a close eye on that. That's probably the most I can comment at this point.
[crickets]
Finally Hill says: We will keep a close eye on that. That's probably the most I can comment at this point.
Turner (State Dept): just bc a norm isn't legally binding doesn't mean it's not a norm, or that you can't call someone out if they violate it.
Rep Ted Lieu says that he was in AF and does AF reserve duty at the Space and Missile Systems Center. Thrilled USSF Space Systems Command will be LAAFB. Wants to know why State Dept doesn't have a bureau with the word "space" in the title. Need to have separate bureau for space.
End of hearing. It was good! And Starship SN15 is still on the pad so I didn't miss anything there.
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