Outer space security

New bill could shift space tracking away from DoD

One of Capitol Hill’s most active lawmakers on space issues is planning to unveil a space reform bill this spring that could shift responsibility for tracking objects in orbit away from the Defense Department.

In a Jan. 15 interview with Defense News, Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., offered details on the American Space Renaissance Act, which he plans to roll out during the Space Foundation’s annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in April.

The bill may eventually include language to transition responsibility for space situational awareness and space traffic management from the Pentagon to civilian agencies, Bridenstine said. Up until now, DoD has been responsible for monitoring and regulating space by default. However, with new advances in technology leading to more congestion in space, DoD, and particularly the Air Force, will soon be struggling to keep up with the workload.