New Emphasis on International Space Cooperation
AIA has been exploring what the new emphasis on international space cooperation in the administration’s National Space Policy means for the space industry and potential opportunities for international space business cooperation. In a recent editorial written for Space News and titled In Space, What Makes a Good Neighbor? AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey presented industry’s take on international cooperation.
While largely supportive of the new emphasis, AIA is strongly opposed to international cooperation that is used to reduce U.S. space budgets and detracts from U.S. industry and our nation’s leadership role in space. Instead, AIA advocates a balanced and positive approach that seeks to build new opportunities for both U.S. firms as well as our international partners.
International business opportunities for U.S. industry may be one of the few paths towards growth, with civil and defense budgets largely flat. If the United States is to maintain a healthy space industrial base – and an accompanying skilled workforce – government and industry must work proactively together to build opportunities for American firms abroad.
Blakey's editorial emphasizes the importance of modernizing our export control system so U.S. firms can compete on a level playing field abroad. As part of this effort, AIA has been urging its member companies to sign a letter to President Obama and Congress at: http://www.spaceleadership.org/.
Additionally, just before release of the new National Space Policy, AIA organized a meeting in May between U.S. industry firms and a delegation of U.K. space firms and government officials eager to learn about new possibilities in space cooperation.
Finally, AIA hosted a space breakfast in July at the Farnborough International Airshow with NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr., senior U.S. industry representatives and leaders from A|D|S and UK Space. Administrator Bolden spoke about NASA’s initiatives, the importance of a healthy commercial space sector and the importance of international cooperation through models like the International Space Station.
AIA Source: mike.conschafter[at]aia-aerospace.org
