Lummis Questions Experts on Space Competition, Collaboration

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) questioned experts during a hearing about NASA's role in international collaboration and competition in space. During the Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Space and Science hearing, Senator Lummis discussed the future of the International Space Station, space debris clean up and China's space aggression by testing nuclear capable weapons in space. The hearing featured former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, Mike Gold, Executive Vice President for Civil Space and External Affairs at Redwire Space, Mary Lynn Dittmar, Executive Vice President, Axiom Space, and Dr. Patricia Sanders, Chair of NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.

"It is in the best interests of the United States to think towards the future and continue to develop relationships that will aid us during the new period of space exploration," Senator Lummis said. "The space industry is a growing sector and is important to Wyoming as several small businesses supply materials for large projects in both the public and private sector. I am committed to establishing policies that will promote access, the sharing of scientific advancements, and neighborly attitudes toward other countries' assets in space. While we embark on new adventures and challenges, it is important to work with other space-faring nations to address critical challenges, such as managing and removing space debris."

During the hearing, Senator Lummis asked witnesses about their thoughts on China's aggression in space, space debris clean up, and being the partner of first resort in space for our international partners.

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