House Space Subcommittee Heard Testimony Last Week

Our nation's space programs need stable and robust funding to maintain U.S. leadership, Aerospace Industries Association's Vice President of Space Systems J.P. Stevens said in testimony before the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Thursday.

"Interruptions or cancellations impact large companies and can be catastrophic to smaller firms -- often the only entities with the unique abilities to produce small but critical components on which huge portions of our economy, infrastructure and security depend," Stevens said.

Stevens also raised concerns about U.S. export control policies that are counterproductive for the space industry, negatively impacting America's security interests. Barriers to the export competitiveness of U.S. companies have prompted numerous countries to develop their own indigenous aerospace capabilities, Stevens said. Without a cutting edge U.S. space industrial base, our government could be forced to rely on foreign suppliers for key components.

The critical point according to Stevens, is that space programs and policy are long-term propositions that take years to accomplish. "To return to the moon or explore asteroids will take several administrations. We can't keep changing course mid-stream every four or eight years."

Chairwoman Giffords made a strong statement in support of manned space programs, "There is a cost for greatness, and I am willing to pay it."

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.

FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org