...to the U.S. Space Transportation Policy, which is currently under review. HPA, a trade association composed of 14 leading space-industry companies, recommended adjusting the foreign launch exemption process to facilitate solutions for launching U.S. Government payloads hosted on commercial satellites that are likely to be launched overseas. This position paper marks the inaugural policy recommendation from HPA. The paper was distributed to officials at various U.S. Government departments and agencies including NASA, NOAA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the White House National Security Council. HPA endorsed three revisions to the current policy:
- Develop a transparent and time limited exemption process
- Allow for exemptions with conditions
- Enable the exemption process to begin early enough to support the U.S. Government’s analysis of alternatives
According to Don Thoma, Chair of the Hosted Payload Alliance and Executive Vice President at Iridium, “Because 80 to 90 percent of commercial satellites are launched overseas, the current policy makes it difficult for U.S. Government agencies to take advantage of dozens of commercial satellites that are launched annually. By facilitating the exemption process, our government can more easily benefit from faster and more cost-effective rides to space while ensuring interests of the United States are properly considered.”
Established in 2011, HPA is an independent, not-for-profit satellite industry alliance formed to increase awareness and promote the benefits of hosted government payloads on commercial satellites. HPA’s purpose is to serve as a bridge between government and private industry, fostering open communication between potential users and providers of hosted payload capabilities. HPA focuses on education, awareness and developing solutions to common challenges.