House Subcommittee Hearing on National Security Space Programs
January 1, 2021
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The Frame
This hearing sets the oversight agenda for the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, influencing how the U.S. military designs and purchases space-based technology to address national security threats.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Department of Defense
The Department is responsible for implementing the acquisition strategies and space policies discussed during the hearing.
United States Space Force
The Space Force is the primary military branch tasked with executing the space architecture and acquisition priorities reviewed by the committee.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2021.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on May 24, 2021, to review fiscal year 2022 priorities for national security space programs.
- This was the first subcommittee hearing on space acquisition in two years.
- Chairman Cooper expressed concerns regarding the development of 'big, juicy targets' in space architecture rather than more distributed, less vulnerable systems.
- The subcommittee discussed the reestablishment of Space Command and the establishment of the Space Force.
- Ranking Member Turner noted concerns regarding provocative actions by China and Russia in space.
- Witnesses included representatives from the Department of Defense, Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the Government Accountability Office.
- Post-hearing questions were submitted by members including Dr. DesJarlais, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Morelle, and Mr. Turner.
Why It Matters
This hearing sets the oversight agenda for the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, influencing how the U.S. military designs and purchases space-based technology to address national security threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who testified at the hearing?
News Coverage
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Shift toward distributed space architecture
The committee is pushing for a move away from large, vulnerable satellites toward a more distributed, resilient space architecture.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance80How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
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