AIA calls on Congress to address commercial space industry.

Press Release Summary:



With U.S. commercial space launch industry facing more competition from abroad, AIA Vice President of Space Systems, J.P. Stevens, led testimony to Congress. Stevens noted that in 2008, 6 of 28 worldwide commercial launches were conducted by U.S. companies. While House has voted to extend government indemnification against 3rd-party liability to end of 2012, indemnification expires at end of December. Stevens called on Senate to act before end of year.



Original Press Release:



AIA Calls for Increased Commitment in Commercial Launch Capability



Arlington, Va. - The U.S. commercial space launch industry is at a critical juncture with increasing competition from abroad, AIA Vice President of Space Systems J.P. Stevens said in testimony Wednesday.

"As space launch capabilities have been developed by other nations, the U.S. share of commercial launches has decreased significantly," Stevens said before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation. "In 2008 only six of the 28 worldwide commercial launches were conducted by U.S. companies."

Government indemnification of commercial space launches against third-party liability expires the end of December. The current indemnification regime imposes no additional costs on U.S. taxpayers and requires Congressional approval for any payment.

The House has voted to extend government indemnification to the end of 2012.

"Every other nation with commercial space launch capabilities provides some form of government indemnification against third-party liability," said Stevens. "Indemnification expires in 29 days; we definitely need the Senate to act before the end of the year."

Stevens praised FAA's oversight of the commercial launch industry, particularly the FAA's Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee.

"The aerospace industry has found both the committee and its annual conference to be excellent venues for sharing information and expressing concerns," Stevens said.

The testimony is available at on AIA's Web site at www.aia-aerospace.org/assets/testimony_12022009.pdf

1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 358-1000 www.aia-aerospace.org

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

Alexis Allen

(703) 358-1075 office

(703) 362-0682 cell

Alexis.allen@aia-aerospace.org

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