Space RACE Act would create new space research institute to ensure competitive edge over foreign adversaries
Legislation comes as International Space Station (ISS) nears retirement
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, John Cornyn, Mark Kelly, Roger Wicker, and Ben Ray Luján introduced the bipartisan Space Research And Continuing Exploration (RACE) Act to bolster America’s space exploration and research capabilities and ensure America is equipped to lead in the next space race by creating a National Institute for Space Research.
“We can’t let the International Space Station’s retirement leave a gap in American research in outer space,” said Hickenlooper. “The Space RACE Act ensures our scientific research and innovation activities secure new opportunities on space stations of the future.”
“As our foreign adversaries continue to make advancements in space research and exploration, it is critical for America to have every tool and competitive advantage at our disposal to launch into the next space race,” said Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to create the National Institute for Space Research, which will help strengthen our nation’s research capabilities and bolster our influence in the global space economy.”
“America won the first Space Race, and we will win the second. The National Institute for Space Research would help accomplish that mission,” said Wicker. “By combining the talents of industry leaders, government officials, and academic researchers, the Institute would extend the capabilities of U.S. space technology.”
“From my time on the International Space Station, I saw how the research our astronauts conduct drives innovation here on Earth and strengthens America’s long-term competitiveness,” said Kelly. “As China and other countries expand their space programs, the United States can’t afford to lose ground. Our bipartisan bill makes sure that when the ISS reaches the end of its service, we continue the groundbreaking work it began and maintain America’s leadership in space.”
“As China rapidly expands its space capabilities, the United States must harness its competitive edge and world-class research ecosystem by lowering barriers to entry in space research and development to ensure our nation leads in the emerging space economy,” said Luján. “New Mexico plays a key role in driving the nation’s space innovation, and this legislation will build on the research and technological advancements happening in our state.”
As the International Space Station (ISS) approaches retirement, there is an urgent need to ensure uninterrupted access to microgravity research capabilities that underpin advances in national defense, biotechnology, and space manufacturing.
In addition, reports indicate that China is launching new modules to its Tiangong space station to meet growing demands for science and to boost international cooperation and is developing a new-generation crew spacecraft in an attempt to challenge the United States’ longstanding leadership in space exploration and research.
In response, the senators’ Space RACE Act would:
- Create a National Institute for Space Research, a federally controlled but independently operated entity designed to coordinate and advance U.S. microgravity research in LEO using next-generation space platforms after the retirement of the ISS
- Support public-private partnerships and economic development by bridging government and commercial sector interests
- And bolster America’s geopolitical influence, strategic positioning, and leadership in the emerging space economy around the world
The National Institute for Space Research will enhance U.S. competitiveness in the emerging trillion-dollar space economy, support small businesses, and lower barriers to entry into space research and development. Several Colorado-based aerospace companies are leading contributors to space station projects under development with NASA, including Orbital Reef and Starlab.
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