Subcommittee Discusses Technology Development at NASA

Chairwoman Gabrielle Giffords

On October 22, the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics reviewed NASA’s efforts to develop innovative technologies and define advanced concepts. One example of NASA’s technologies that impact our daily lives is the advanced technology that powers the commercial aircraft which has become so vital to our economy and quality of life.

“Many Members of Congress get in an aircraft like this several times a week, and yet I bet very few of them—or members of the public at large—recognize that NASA R&D made that plane possible,” said Subcommittee Chairwoman Giffords. “This picture is just one illustration of the impact of NASA’s research on our society and our economy.”

Since its creation in 1958, NASA has been one of the nation’s leading technology development engines through its investments in advanced aeronautics and space research and development (R&D.) These technologies have transformed the way people live today as evidenced by the ubiquitous presence of, and reliance on, satellite communications, space-based weather observations, and advanced aviation navigation systems.

Recent Space & Aeronautics Hearings and Markups

November 19, 2009
The Growth of Global Space Capabilities: What’s Happening and Why It Matters

October 22, 2009
Strengthening NASA’s Technology Development Programs

Subcommittee Jurisdiction

Committee Rule 11(a)(4)

Legislative jurisdiction and general oversight and investigative authority on all matters relating to astronautical and aeronautical research and development including:

national space policy, including access to space;
sub-orbital access and applications;
National Aeronautics and Space Administration and its contractor and government-operated labs;
space commercialization, including the commercial space activities relating to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Commerce;
exploration and use of outer space;
international space cooperation;
the National Space Council;
space applications, space communications and related matters;
earth remote sensing policy;
civil aviation research, development, and demonstration;
research, development, and demonstration programs of the Federal Aviation Administration; and
space law.