Satellites and Space Policy

The dramatic reduction in the cost of spaceflight has provided new opportunities for society and boosted the rapidly growing space industry. These changing economics have motivated policymakers and innovators to look more towards space as a way to address various policy challenges, such as providing affordable broadband access to rural communities through low-Earth orbit satellites. Policymakers beyond just the traditional space agencies, such as NASA, have started to react. For instance, the FCC has created the new Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs to help address policy challenges under its jurisdiction pertaining to space. The Bipartisan Policy Center is working with stakeholders to help explore the opportunities and challenges the space industry and satellite technologies bring.