Space as Critical Infrastructure Bill Introduced

Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-CA) and Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) have introduced the Space Infrastructure Act, which would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate space systems, services, and technology as a sector of critical infrastructure.

“So many things we rely on – like navigation systems, cable tv and communications tools – function with the help of technology in and around space. As a result, we have to ensure that we’re protecting these critical systems by directing the right minds and resources towards them.

Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA)

Currently, the Department of Homeland Security works to protect 16 different sectors of critical infrastructure, which includes areas like communications, water, and energy - but not space. There is no singular sector that concentrates expertise and resources pertaining to the characteristics of the space industry and, instead, the space industry relies on collecting threat and security information from a patchwork of 16 existing sectors. This bill would designate space as a dedicated sector of critical infrastructure, ensuring cogent security analyses of assets like satellites in orbit, launch systems on the ground, manufacturing plants, communications devices, supply chain and information technology.

“Space is infrastructure,” Rep. Lieu said. “So many things we rely on – like navigation systems, cable tv and communications tools – function with the help of technology in and around space. As a result, we have to ensure that we’re protecting these critical systems by directing the right minds and resources towards them. As Co-Chairs of the California Aerospace Caucus, Rep. Calvert and I know firsthand how important it is to strengthen efforts to secure space-based assets. All the recent hacking incidents underscore that we have to be forward-thinking about how to safeguard critical infrastructure.”

“American assets in space play a vital role in our economic and national security,” Rep. Calvert said. “That’s why officially designating space as a critical infrastructure sector is a logical step and I’m proud to work with Rep. Lieu on this bill. The collaboration between federal security agencies and industry partners directly and indirectly involved with space-based assets and technologies is essential to America’s future as we confront evolving threats.”

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency does account for satellite communications in its communication sector, but there is no specific designation of other space activities as critical infrastructure. The bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make such a designation within 30 days after the bill is enacted, and issue guidance with respect to designating space systems, services and technology as critical infrastructure within 180 days of enactment.

(Source: Rep. Lieu news release)