U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) introduced legislation that would designate space systems, services and technology as a sector of the U.S. critical infrastructure.
The bill, the Space Infrastructure Act, H.R. 1154, would ensure the security and resiliency of space assets, advocates said. The legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Calvert and Lieu are co-chairs of the Congressional Aerospace Caucus.
“The Space Infrastructure Act designates our space systems as critical infrastructure and takes appropriate measures to protect them,” Calvert said. “As our economy and essential communication systems become increasingly reliant on the support of space-based systems and services, we must act accordingly to increase the safeguards that shield them from any potential threats.”
The legislation would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue guidance on including space systems, services, and technology as part of the country’s critical infrastructure, officials said.
“From navigation systems to banking to communications systems – space is infrastructure,” Lieu said. “To ensure this sector receives the necessary attention and resources, we must designate space as critical infrastructure. As Co-Chair of the California Aerospace Caucus, I’m pleased to partner with fellow Co-Chair Ken Calvert, and Representatives Carbajal and Fitzpatrick, on this bipartisan effort to protect space-based assets. This designation will help protect both our domestic and national security space infrastructure.”
The legislation has been referred to the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.