Latest News from the Office of Space Commercialization

Lunar Lander Challenge Awards

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:19:01 -0500

At an awards ceremony on November 5, 2009, the X Prize Foundation and NASA culminated the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander X Prize Challenge by presenting the Level 2 awards to Masten Space Systems ($1 million for first place) and Armadillo Aerospace ($500,000 for second place). Masten Space Systems also received $150,000 for being the second team to complete the Level 1 challenge.

Kim Presentation from Navigation Conference

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:46:12 +0100

On October 28, Jason Kim from the Office of Space Commercialization presented a GPS status update at the 13th World Congress of the International Association of Institutes of Navigation (IAIN 2009) in Stockholm, Sweden. He spoke on behalf of the National Coordination Office for Space-Based PNT, of which he is a member. The presentation is available online at PNT.gov. Kim also participated in a policy discussion panel on developing and future applications of satellite navigation technology.

Final Report of Augustine Committee

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:07:38 -0400

The Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee released its final, full-length report on October 22.

U.S. Approval for 1-Meter Commercial Radar Satellite

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:49:46 -0400

NOAA recently disclosed that it granted a license to Northrop Grumman to operate a commercial remote sensing satellite with one-meter synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capability. It is the first U.S. license approved for a commercial radar imaging satellite at that resolution level.

Online Registration for Remote Sensing Symposium

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 17:17:13 -0400

Registration is now open for the 2010 International Commercial Remote Sensing Symposium, organized by the Office of Space Commercialization and the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF).

Third Round of Commercial Feasibility Studies Awarded

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 15:44:29 -0400

On September 29, NOAA announced the award of four contracts to study the feasibility of meeting NOAA observation requirements using commercially available space assets. The study contracts cover data requirements related to ozone and aerosol monitoring.

Beavin to Speak at AIAA Space 2009

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:44:41 -0400

Michael Beavin from the Office of Space Commercialization will moderate two panels at next week's Space 2009 conference in Pasadena, CA, organized by the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The panels will focus on commercial satellite communications and commercial remote sensing.

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Dennis Hightower will also speak at the conference, as will Abby Harper, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Systems, NOAA Satellite and Information Service. Harper will discuss the use of commercial space systems to meet NOAA mission requirements.

Summary Report of Augustine Committee

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 17:57:08 -0400

The Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee, also known as the Augustine Committee, submitted its summary report to the White House and NASA on September 8, 2009. The report recognizes the value that the commercial space industry has to offer to the government and recommends that NASA encourage and use more commercial space services to support future human space missions.

QZSS Ground Station Established at NOAA Site in Guam

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:51:31 -0400

On August 25, NOAA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) cut the ribbon on a new ground station in Guam that will monitor JAXA's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). The Office of Space Commercialization played a central role in enabling JAXA to install the monitoring station at NOAA's Weather Forecast Office in Guam. NOAA, Commerce, and the U.S. government strongly support QZSS because it is designed to be fully interoperable with GPS.

Job Announcement for PNT Office Director

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:28:11 -0400

The government is currently seeking candidates to serve as Director of the National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). The position, sponsored by the Department of Transportation, is at the Senior Executive Service (SES) level and was held by Michael Shaw from November 2005 to June 2009. Applications are due September 21, 2009.

The Commerce Department hosts the National Coordination Office within the Office of Space Commercialization.

White House Review of U.S. Export Control System

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:20:17 -0400

On August 13, the President directed the National Economic Council and National Security Council to initiate an interagency review of the U.S. export control system, including both the dual-use and defense trade processes.

Third NOAA Solicitation on Commercial Data Feasibility

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:34:52 -0400

On August 6, NOAA issued a public solicitation for feasibility studies related to three space-based observation requirements. This is the third round of studies that NOAA is conducting on the potential use of commercial sources for earth observations and space weather data. The deadline for proposals is August 21, 2009.

Consolidated Commercial Satcom Contracting

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:37:02 -0400

On August 6, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the General Services Administration (GSA) announced their partnership on Future Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) Services Acquisitions (FCSA). The two agencies have agreed to combine their acquisition efforts in this area upon the expiration of the current DISA and GSA COMSATCOM contracts, starting in 2011. This should eliminate duplication of effort and produce cost savings for U.S. government agencies, as well as state, local and tribal governments.

Announcement of 2010 Remote Sensing Symposium

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 16:19:03 -0400

The Office of Space Commercialization has partnered with the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) to organize the 2010 International Commercial Remote Sensing Symposium, to be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on March 3-5, 2010.

Report on Galileo Market Access

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:30:03 -0400

On July 15, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) submitted a report to Congress on U.S. equipment industry access to Galileo markets and Europe's compliance with the trade provisions in the GPS-Galileo Agreement of 2004. The Office of Space Commercialization assisted USTR in preparing the report.

National Academies Report on U.S. Space Priorities

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 15:06:13 -0400

On July 7, the National Research Council released a report on America's Future in Space: Aligning the Civil Space Program with National Needs. It calls for a closer connection between U.S. space activity and broader national imperatives such as clean energy, environmental protection, and foreign diplomacy. It also recommends "rationalizing" satellite export controls.

The report comes just as the new Administration is reviewing aspects of national space policy.

Video of Commercial Crew & Cargo Transport Event

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 11:54:28 -0400

On June 18, Michael Beavin moderated a panel at AIAA's event on Innovations in Orbit: An Exploration of Commercial Crew and Cargo Transportation. The event featured key leaders from government and industry in this emerging space market. AIAA has posted a YouTube video of the panel for those who could not attend in person.

Satellite Export Control Legislation

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:13:55 -0400

On June 10, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY 2010-2011. Section 826 of the bill would authorize the President to remove satellites and related components from the U.S. Munitions List, except with respect to exports to China.

The Administration supports H.R. 2410, including the Presidential authority to transfer licensing jurisdiction for commercial communications satellites from the Department of State to the Department of Commerce. The bill is now under consideration by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Info Sought on Commercial Remote Sensing Satellites

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:29:19 -0400

On June 15, NOAA issued a Request for Information (RFI) on U.S. commercial remote sensing capabilities and business models. The industry inputs will inform government decision makers deliberating future NOAA licensing actions. Inputs are due August 14, 2009.

Second Round of Commercial Feasibility Studies Awarded

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 15:58:41 -0400

On June 8, NOAA announced the award of ten contracts to study the feasibility of meeting NOAA observation requirements using commercially available space assets. The study contracts cover environmental data requirements related to sea surface topography, geostationary atmospheric soundings, earth radiation budget measurements, and ocean color.

Presentation on U.S. Space Export Controls

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:40:55 -0400

Here is the presentation that Michael Beavin gave at yesterday's forum on Entrepreneurial Space and Export Control.

Beavin to Speak at Space Export Control Event

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:13:06 -0400

Michael Beavin from the Office of Space Commercialization will participate in a panel discussion during the AIAA forum on Entrepreneurial Space and Export Control: Red Tape in the Final Frontier, April 29 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

Microgravity Research Competition Prize Awarded

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:54:21 -0400

On April 18, the Heinlein Prize Trust announced the winner of its Microgravity Research Competition. The prize went to a team from the University of Texas for nanotechnology research that may be applicable to drug delivery and other commercial applications.

Comments Sought on Galileo Equipment Market Access

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:01:56 -0400

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is collecting public comments on U.S. industry access to Galileo markets, to assess compliance with the GPS-Galileo Agreement of 2004. The comments will help USTR prepare a report on the subject, as directed by congressional language.

Comments are due May 13, 2009.

Info Sought on Commercial Space Weather Data Sources

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:01:14 -0400

On April 8, the U.S. Air Force issued a Request for Information (RFI) on cost-effective ways to fulfill its requirements for space environmental data. According to the RFI, "The Air Force is evaluating all possible solutions sets, including the employment of commercial systems as a data provider with sensors already on-orbit or hosting sensors on future platforms." Due date for response is May 7, 2009.

The Air Force RFI is similar to the RFQ issued by NOAA on March 23.

Third Civil GPS Signal Activated

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:08:27 -0400

The Air Force has successfully activated the experimental L5 transmitter on the newest GPS satellite. Here is the official media release.

L5 is the third civilian GPS signal, broadcast in a radio band reserved exclusively for aviation safety services. The Commerce Department was one of the earliest proponents of a third civil GPS frequency.

Small Payload Rideshare Workshop

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 16:31:19 -0400

The National Reconnaissance Office and NASA have announced their annual Small Payload Rideshare Workshop, to be held May 19-20, 2009, at the NASA Ames Research Center. The workshop agenda focuses on investigating concepts and technologies that will enable the small payload community to meet future launch needs and provide the best possible launch capabilities in a cost-effective manner. Options to be explored include co-manifested, secondary, and hosted payloads.

Solicitation Revised from RFP to RFQ

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:23:14 +0000

NOAA has reposted its solicitation with some technical corrections. The solicitation is now called a Request for Quote (RFQ) instead of a Request for Proposals (RFP). The deadline has also shifted from April 10 to April 14. Here is a link to the revised RFQ.

RFP Issued to Study Commercial Sources of NOAA Observations

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:40:38 +0000

NOAA has posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for additional feasibility studies concerning its potential use of commercially available space-based and space weather observations. The technical and cost studies cover the following observation requirements: Total and Clear Sky Radiative Flux; Sea Surface Height/Topography; Geostationary High Spectral Atmospheric Profiles; and Ocean Color.

The proposal deadline is April 10, 2009. The RFP is the second in a three-part series of solicitations on this topic.

Space Commerce Website Redesigned

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:08:27 +0000

The Office of Space Commercialization has redesigned its website to include an RSS feed of latest news and a new, pop-up navigation tool based on popular keywords. Feedback is welcome on the new interface.

Spring and Summer Internship Opportunities

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:00:00 +0000

The Office of Space Commercialization is currently seeking applicants for a spring or summer internship. The application deadline is March 20, 2009.

National Academies Report on Economic Impacts of Space Weather

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000

The Space Studies Board, part of the National Research Council of the National Academies, has published a report titled, Severe Space Weather Events -- Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts.

The report summarizes findings from a workshop on the societal and economic impacts of severe space weather events.

Commercial ISS Resupply Contracts Awarded

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Today, NASA announced contract awards to Space Exploration Technologies and Orbital Sciences Corporation for International Space Station (ISS) Cargo Resupply Services (CRS), establishing the two companies as commercial cargo haulers to the ISS.

Under the CRS contracts, the companies will deliver pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS, and return cargo back to Earth.

Introductory Handbook on Space Export Controls

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The Office of Space Commercialization and the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation have jointly published a new handbook titled, Introduction to Space Export Controls for the Commercial Space Industry.

This short guide provides an overview of the U.S. export control process as it applies to the commercial space industry.

Office of Space Commerce Legislation Introduced in House and Senate

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:00:00 +0000

On September 17, 2008, Rep. Mark Udall, chairman of the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, introduced H.R. 6935, the Space Commerce Act of 2008.

On September 19, 2008, Sen. Ken Salazar of Colorado introduced the Senate version as S. 3504.

The Office of Space Commercialization is thankful to these Members of Congress for taking these initial steps towards the consideration of its legislative proposal.

Commercial Satellite Data Feasibility Study Contracts Awarded

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:00:00 +0000

NOAA has awarded eight contracts to five U.S. companies to study the feasibility of providing earth and space weather observation data to the government on a commercial basis.

The contract awards follow up on the Sources Sought Announcement and industry day that the Office of Space Commercialization and NOAA's Satellite and Information Service organized in December 2007 and January 2008.

The contracts total $200,000 in value. They went to Iridium (2 contracts, $50,000), Space Services Inc. (2 contracts, $50,000), Orbcomm (2 contracts, $50,000), Microsat Systems ($25,000), and GeoOptics ($25,000).