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Campaign to Save NEO Surveyor (Near-Earth Object Surveyor Mission)
The Save NEO Surveyor campaign will run throughout the summer of 2023. Over the next few months, NSS and the Alliance for Space Development (ASD) will be scheduling meetings with key congressional offices and splitting volunteers into action teams. Virtual training will be provided for all signups. Our training will include specifics on who we are, what we are advocating for, and how to participate in these virtual meetings. We make sure that everyone can contribute to our advocacy efforts regardless of prior experience. Don’t be afraid to sign up if it’s your first time advocating! More information will be provided by email after signup.
Save NEO Surveyor Sign-Up link
All actions events during 2023 will be virtual, using a combination of Zoom calls and conference calls.
Please direct any questions or comments to Executive Coordinator Cari Reinert at [email protected] and the NSS NEO Surveyor Campaign Manager Jon Dagle at [email protected]
Background information
Our policy points were developed by our member organizations including the National Space Society, Space Frontier Foundation, Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, and several others. During this period we will focus on three policy points, with a special focus on saving NEO Surveyor from proposed devastating cuts:
- Support planetary defense by continued funding of NASA’s NEO Surveyor mission and other planetary defense initiatives.
- Support the Commercial LEO Development Program through CLD stations and products.
- Support the development of Space Solar Power capabilities through multiple programs between the Departments of Commerce and Defense.
Following years of success, we are in serious trouble with the NEO Surveyor Mission. This mission will supply critical information on near-Earth objects unavailable to current ground-based instruments by using infrared detection and the Earth-Sun L1 orbit.
The Commercial LEO Development (CLD) Program supports industry efforts to develop sustained commercial LEO presence, transition manned LEO activity from NASA to commercial partners, develop commercial LEO destinations, stimulate commercial growth in LEO, and ensure a seamless transition at the end-of-life for the International Space Station. We are asking for funding of CLD stations and purchase of CLD products.
We are also continuing our efforts to promote Space Solar Power (SSP). SSP refers to the collection of the sun’s energy in the space environment, then beaming that energy for collection on the Earth’s surface. After a discussion with representatives from ASD member organizations, we believe our country’s capabilities with space access, solar power, and energy transfer have reached a level where we can begin looking at an SSP program. With increasingly cheaper access to orbit and a growing need for energy across the globe, this program could pave the way to U.S. dominance in LEO. Several agencies, companies, and international competitors have already begun their own research into SSP programs, and ASD is asking for government focus into this capability.
Save NEO Surveyor Sign-Up Link
ASD 2022 Objectives [PDF]
Space Policy Blog Posts:
NSS Statement on the Orbital Sustainability Act of 2022 (ORBITS Act)
This week on September 12 the Orbital Sustainability Act of 2022 (ORBITS Act) was introduced to the Senate. The bipartisan bill, championed by Senators Maria Cantwell, John Hickenlooper, Cynthia Lummis, and Roger Wicker, would “establish a demonstration program for...
Leading Space Organizations Join in Support of Expanding the OSC’s Role in Orbital Debris Management
The National Space Society (NSS), the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA), and the Secure World Foundation (SWF) issue a joint letter on the importance of further elevating and funding the Office of Space Commerce (OSC). NSS, AIAA, and SWF...
NSS Position Statement on National Orbital Debris Implementation Plan
In July 2022, the U.S. Government issued its National Orbital Debris Implementation Plan (Debris Plan) to further address orbital debris challenges. The National Space Society (NSS) applauds the U.S. Government’s leadership in orbital debris management and reiterates...
NSS Participates in NASA Moon to Mars Objectives Workshop
NSS Pushes Enabling of Space Development at NASA Moon-to-Mars Objectives Workshop at Space Center Houston By John K. Strickland NSS Board of Directors In May of 2022 I received an emailed request from NASA to respond to a list of “Moon to Mars Objectives.” This seemed...
NSS Thanks the House Appropriations Committee for $55M to Defend Our Planet from Asteroids
The Urgently Needed NEO Surveyor Spacecraft to Detect Dangerous Asteroids Gets Political Boost Image: NASA's NEO Surveyor spacecraft will identify and characterize asteroids and comets that threaten Earth. Credit: NASA/University of Arizona The National Space Society...
Book Review: Escaping Gravity
A former Executive Director of NSS and Deputy Administrator of NASA, Garver has been a pivotal force in modern spaceflight, and the ups and downs of that journey are well related in this no-holds-barred book.
Prominent Space Organizations Join in Support of NASA’s NEO Surveyor Asteroid-Finder
The National Space Society and Planetary Society Issue Joint Statement on the Urgent Need to Fund Planetary Defense The National Space Society, based in Washington, D.C., recently partnered with the Planetary Society, based in Pasadena, CA, to create a joint statement...
NASA’s Planetary Defense Telescope (NEOSM) is Too Important to Cut
The NSS Campaign to Save NEO Surveyor (Near-Earth Object Surveyor Mission) By Jonathan Dagle, NSS Planetary Defense Program Manager Asteroids have been striking the Earth for millions of years, and it is only a matter of “when” the next impact will occur, not “if.”...
NSS Statement on Russia ASAT Test
The National Space Society (NSS) strongly condemns the anti-satellite (ASAT) test that Russia conducted on November 15, 2021. Russia’s intentional destruction of one of its old satellites created thousands of new pieces of debris in low Earth orbit (LEO). The debris...
NSS Supports the 2021 State of the Space Industrial Base Report
Important Call to Action for Space Settlement and Development A major report from the State of the Space Industrial Base 2021 Workshop, held in New Mexico in July, was released on Wednesday. It outlined the critical importance of space development and human...