This week, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., showcased his proposal to “help accommodate the additional launches between USSF and commercial launch providers, ensuring that the U.S. remains competitive with the rising threats from China and Russia.”
Rubio is championing the “Enhancing Spaceport Operations Act” on Capitol Hill and his office offered some of the reasons for the proposal.
“Currently, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) is wholly reliant on commercial providers, yet lacks the authority to meet commercial entities’ requirements. As USSF and commercial launches increase in the coming years, new authorities are needed to support launch infrastructure to ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership in space,” Rubio’s office noted. “This legislation would directly benefit Space Launch Delta 45, headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.”
Rubio also weighed in on the bill this week.
“In order to keep the United States as a global leader in space, we must continue to invest in our launch infrastructure. This legislation is a common-sense approach that will ensure American commercial and military space operations remain competitive,” said Rubio.
