Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
july 2017

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space

President Trump reestablishes National Space Council

July 7

On July 7, the Executive Office of the President published Executive Order 13803, which was signed by President Trump on June 30 reestablishing the National Space Council. The National Space Council was created in 1989 under the H.W. Bush administration. Although the Council was never formally disbanded, it was last chaired in 1993 by Vice President Quayle.

During the past three administrations, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Security Council (NSC) have jointly developed the President’s space policy. The OSTP is currently working with one-third of the staff it had under the Obama administration and President Trump has yet to nominate a science advisor, therefore an independent council focused on space policy may be an alternative way to make timely policy decisions.

The Council intends to bridge the gap between the Executive Office, NASA, and commercial space activities to present a unified national space agenda. The Council is responsible for making recommendations to the President on space policy and strategy, as well as monitoring the implementation of the President’s policy. It will also advise the President on how the U.S. participates in international space activities.

Vice President Pence will become chair of this iteration of the Council, coordinating with Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, Executive Director Scott Pace, and other Cabinet Members and staff.

Sources: Office of the Federal Register, Space Policy Online