The 2024 election cycle is in full swing, with candidates vying for votes across the country. While we hear plenty of promises and sound bites, one crucial topic often overlooked is space policy for the next President. Yet, space is vital to our economy, national security, and modern life. Whoever steps into the White House in January 2025 must elevate space policy to a key priority. From human spaceflight to defending our interests in space, this complex issue deserves detailed attention. Let’s explore why space policy is essential for the future.

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The Importance of Human Spaceflight in U.S. Policy

Space policy for the next President should, first and foremost, prioritize human spaceflight. Continuing the development of low-Earth orbit (LEO) missions, lunar exploration, and the journey to Mars is crucial. U.S. companies are already building an LEO economy, and NASA is pushing boundaries on the Moon and Mars. Competitors like China are aiming for similar goals, which makes it imperative for the U.S. to stay ahead.

By supporting human spaceflight, we ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in space exploration. It’s about more than just science—it’s a matter of national pride and maintaining technological leadership.

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Growing the Space Economy

Beyond human spaceflight, another top priority in space policy for the next President should be the continued development of the space economy. Space is not only about exploration; it’s about opportunity. The space industry combines high-tech manufacturing, engineering, and innovation, offering countless benefits to states, communities, and individuals.

Expanding the space economy will provide more jobs and drive new advancements. The next administration must work to ensure this sector grows, giving U.S. businesses the opportunity to lead in this frontier.

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Supporting the Space Industrial Base

To grow the space economy, the next President will need to bolster the U.S. space industrial base. It’s crucial that we have the infrastructure and resources to support this burgeoning field. In particular, we must secure access to rare raw materials needed for technological production and ensure we have a skilled labor force.

The next administration should focus on a clear space industrial policy. Doing so will strengthen U.S. national security and ensure we have the capabilities to keep advancing in space.

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Defending Space as a Security Domain

Lastly, space policy for the next President must address space as a defense domain. Though space has long been seen as a realm of peace and cooperation, not all nations play by the same rules. Certain countries are advancing space-based weapons that could pose serious threats.

The U.S. has taken steps to protect its interests with the establishment of the U.S. Space Force and discussions around a Space National Guard. However, more work is needed to build early warning systems and situational awareness in space. The next President must keep space defense a top priority to ensure U.S. security.

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Space Policy: A Must for the Future

With so many challenges ahead, it’s easy to overlook space in the broader policy conversation. However, space is critical to the future of the U.S. economy, security, and global standing. Whether it’s through human spaceflight, growing the space economy, or defending our interests in space, the next President must make space policy a central part of their agenda.

Industry leaders, scientists, and policymakers are ready to help shape this future. Regardless of who wins in 2024, the next President needs to give space the attention it deserves.