Vice President Harris’ First National Space Council Meeting
The USA, 02 December 2021
Office of the Spokesperson
The National Space Council meeting chaired by Vice President Harris reaffirmed our national commitment to exploring and developing outer space in a sustainable, equitable, and peaceful manner. The newly released Space Priorities Framework provides the American people and the international community with a clear understanding of the Administration’s views on the value of outer space exploration and underscores the need to bring the benefits of outer space to all humanity. The Department of State looks forward to continuing fruitful dialogues with the commercial space industry, non-governmental organizations, and longstanding international space partners, as well as engaging new and emerging space nations, to:
- Rebuild trust within multilateral fora and with international partners to demonstrate U.S. willingness to lead in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space;
- Engage the international community to uphold and strengthen a rules-based international order for space, facilitate security and sustainability, and further explore and promote equitable access to the benefits of space for all;
- Renew our commitment to using space-based assets to combat the climate crisis, nature loss, and ocean and plastic pollution;
- Lead in the development and implementation of international standards, policies, and norms for spaceflight safety and global space traffic coordination;
- Expand international cooperation in outer space exploration and space science in a safe, sustainable, and responsible manner through the Artemis Accords and other initiatives;
- Represent U.S. private sector interests through international cooperation;
- Work with allies and partners to update and coordinate space policies, regulations, export controls, and other measures that govern commercial activities worldwide; and,Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the United States and abroad to energize the next generation of space innovators.
In support of the Space Priorities Framework and the interests of the United States and our allies, the State Department will continue to engage diplomatically with strategic competitors in order to enhance the security, safety, and sustainability of outer space. We support deeper integration of U.S. national security space capabilities and activities with our allies and partners under the existing international legal framework for the safe, responsible, and peaceful use of outer space.
