This legislation seeks to reinforce the United States' leadership in civil space exploration and scientific discovery, primarily through the expansion of the Artemis Accords . It establishes a policy to promote peaceful space use, strengthen international cooperation, and develop norms for safe and sustainable space activities, while countering efforts by strategic competitors to shape space governance. The bill emphasizes maintaining U.S. economic competitiveness and national security through sustained engagement in space initiatives. To achieve these goals, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a Special Coordinator for the Artemis Accords . This coordinator will lead diplomatic efforts to expand participation, coordinate U.S. engagement with international partners, and support the development of international norms for lunar activities and space resource extraction. Furthermore, the legislation mandates annual reports from the Secretary of State, in coordination with NASA, detailing diplomatic efforts, compliance assessments, and challenges in international space cooperation. Additionally, the bill includes a Sense of Congress recognizing the crucial role of low-earth orbit satellite technology for U.S. leadership, humanitarian potential, and free speech. It requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for integrating this technology into U.S. foreign policy. This strategy will include plans to promote LEO satellite technology through feasibility studies, financial products, direct provision to countries, and appropriate export regulations, while also considering restrictions on competitor alternatives.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Artemis Accords Authorization Act
USA119th CongressHR-8321| House
| Updated: 4/16/2026
This legislation seeks to reinforce the United States' leadership in civil space exploration and scientific discovery, primarily through the expansion of the Artemis Accords . It establishes a policy to promote peaceful space use, strengthen international cooperation, and develop norms for safe and sustainable space activities, while countering efforts by strategic competitors to shape space governance. The bill emphasizes maintaining U.S. economic competitiveness and national security through sustained engagement in space initiatives. To achieve these goals, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a Special Coordinator for the Artemis Accords . This coordinator will lead diplomatic efforts to expand participation, coordinate U.S. engagement with international partners, and support the development of international norms for lunar activities and space resource extraction. Furthermore, the legislation mandates annual reports from the Secretary of State, in coordination with NASA, detailing diplomatic efforts, compliance assessments, and challenges in international space cooperation. Additionally, the bill includes a Sense of Congress recognizing the crucial role of low-earth orbit satellite technology for U.S. leadership, humanitarian potential, and free speech. It requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for integrating this technology into U.S. foreign policy. This strategy will include plans to promote LEO satellite technology through feasibility studies, financial products, direct provision to countries, and appropriate export regulations, while also considering restrictions on competitor alternatives.