Space RACE Act Would Create New Space Research Institute to Ensure Competitive Edge Over Foreign Adversaries
Contributed Article
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, Arizona senator and former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly (D-AZ), along with Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), introduced the Space Research And Continuing Exploration (RACE) Act to bolster America’s space exploration and research capabilities through the creation of a National Institute for Space Research. This institute will equip the U.S. to lead in the next space race. As the International Space Station (ISS) approaches retirement, there is an urgent need to ensure uninterrupted access to microgravity research capabilities that underpin advances in national defense, biotechnology, and space manufacturing.
“From my time on the International Space Station, I saw how the research our astronauts conduct drives innovation here on Earth and strengthens America’s long-term competitiveness,” said Kelly. “As China and other countries expand their space programs, the United States can’t afford to lose ground. Our bipartisan bill makes sure that when the ISS reaches the end of its service, we continue the groundbreaking work it began and maintain America’s leadership in space.”
“As our foreign adversaries continue to make advancements in space research and exploration, it is critical for America to have every tool and competitive advantage at our disposal to launch into the next space race,” said Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to create the National Institute for Space Research, which will help strengthen our nation’s research capabilities and bolster our influence in the global space economy.”
“We can’t let the International Space Station’s retirement leave a gap in American research in outer space,” said Hickenlooper. “The Space RACE Act ensures our scientific research and innovation activities secure new opportunities on space stations of the future.”
“America won the first Space Race, and we will win the second. The National Institute for Space Research would help accomplish that mission,” said Wicker. “By combining the talents of industry leaders, government officials, and academic researchers, the Institute would extend the capabilities of U.S. space technology.”
“As China rapidly expands its space capabilities, the United States must harness its competitive edge and world-class research ecosystem by lowering barriers to entry in space research and development to ensure our nation leads in the emerging space economy,” said Luján. “New Mexico plays a key role in driving the nation’s space innovation, and this legislation will build on the research and technological advancements happening in our state.”
Background:
Reports indicate that China is launching new modules to its Tiangong space station to meet growing demands for science and to boost international cooperation, and is developing a new-generation crew spacecraft with two variants: one for low Earth orbit (LEO) and one for crewed lunar missions. China has been actively promoting international cooperation through Tiangong, offering countries like Oman, Egypt, Pakistan, and others opportunities to participate in space research largely for free or at an extremely low cost. China has also offered to train foreign astronauts, garnering interest from countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the UAE to train engineers, scientists, and mission operators for satellite development, and to launch services in which Egypt, Algeria, and Argentina are actively involved. This is a part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative, where space cooperation is bundled with tech transfer, loans, and development projects, and the like.
This underscores the scale and strategic intent of China’s accelerating investment in space-based infrastructure, research, and exploration. China’s ability to offer space-based partnerships to other nations allows it to build soft power and potentially shift international norms in space governance and tech standards.
In response, the Space RACE Act would:
- Create a National Institute for Space Research, a federally controlled but independently operated entity designed to coordinate and advance U.S. microgravity research in LEO using next-generation space platforms after the retirement of the ISS;
- Support public-private partnerships and economic development by bridging government and commercial sector interests;
- And bolster America’s geopolitical influence, strategic positioning, and leadership in the emerging global space economy.
The National Institute for Space Research will enhance U.S. competitiveness in the emerging trillion-dollar space economy, support small businesses, and lower barriers to entry into space research and development.
Read a summary of the legislation here and the full text of the bill here.
