National Space Council (E.O. 13803)

Summary

Restarts the National Space Council to advise the President and coordinate the country's space policy and strategy across different government groups.

What problem does this solve?

The group that advised the President on space policy stopped working in 1993, leaving a gap in coordinated leadership for the nation's space goals. This order brings back the National Space Council to provide clear direction and strategy for all U.S. space activities.

What does this order do?

Brings back the National Space Council

Restarts the National Space Council, which had stopped operating in 1993, to advise the President on space policy.

Names the Vice President as chair

Appoints the Vice President to lead the council and serve as the President's main advisor on space policy.

Defines the council's members

Lists the members of the council, including the Secretaries of State, Defense, Commerce, and Transportation, as well as the head of NASA and other top officials.

Outlines the council's duties

Directs the council to review U.S. space policy, develop a national strategy, and help solve disagreements between different government agencies on space issues.

Creates a Users' Advisory Group

Forms an advisory group made of people from outside the government, such as from private industry, to give advice directly to the council.

Requires an annual report

Mandates that the council submit a report to the President every year with its recommendations for the nation's space policy and strategy.

Replaces a previous executive order

Supersedes Executive Order 12675 from 1989, which first established the National Space Council.

Who does this affect?

Federal agencies involved in space activities
Commercial aerospace and technology companies
Scientific and research communities

What is the real world impact?

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Creates a single point for space policy

Establishes one main group to guide all of America's space activities, from science and exploration to national security and business. This ensures everyone is working together toward the same goals.

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Boosts the private space industry

Fosters closer teamwork between the government and commercial space companies. This helps private businesses grow and play a bigger role in space exploration and technology.

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Centralizes space policy authority

Places the Vice President in charge of the council, giving the Executive Office of the President more direct control over the country's space strategy and the agencies that carry it out.

When does this start?

This order takes effect on June 30, 2017, and sets a deadline for its first report.

First Annual Report to the President

By June 30, 2018, the Council must submit its first report to the President outlining its assessment and recommendations for U.S. space policy.