The National Space Council (E.O. 14056)

Summary

Sets up the members, jobs, and rules for the National Space Council, which helps the President with space policy and plans.

What problem does this solve?

The government needed a clear group to guide its many space-related projects and policies. This order creates the National Space Council to advise the President and make sure all government space work is coordinated.

What does this order do?

Establishes council membership

Names the Vice President as the Chair of the Council. It also includes many cabinet Secretaries and other top government officials as members.

Defines council functions

Tasks the Council with advising the President on space policy, coordinating its implementation, and making sure the nation's civil, commercial, and security space work is aligned.

Creates a Users' Advisory Group

Forms an advisory group made of people from outside the government, such as from private industry. This group will give advice and recommendations to the Council on space policy and strategy.

Outlines responsibilities of the Chair

Makes the Chair (the Vice President) the President's main advisor on space policy. The Chair also sets the agenda for meetings and can suggest budget plans related to space.

Revokes previous executive orders

Cancels and replaces two earlier executive orders about the National Space Council (Executive Order 13803 and 13906).

Who does this affect?

Federal agencies with space-related activities
Commercial space industry
Scientific and research communities

What is the real world impact?

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Coordinates national space policy

Creates a single, high-level group to guide the nation's space efforts. This ensures that different government agencies, like those for defense, science, and business, are all working together on space-related goals.

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Includes private industry voices

Establishes a 'Users' Advisory Group' made of people from outside the government. This allows private companies and experts in the space industry to give advice directly to the council, influencing national policy.

When does this start?

This order became effective on December 1, 2021.