S. 980: Alleviating Spaceport Traffic by Rewarding Operators Act of 2025
This bill, titled the Alleviating Spaceport Traffic by Rewarding Operators Act of 2025
, aims to create a pilot program to improve transportation infrastructure at spaceports, which are sites used for launching and landing spacecraft. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:
Establishment of a Pilot Program
The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to establish a pilot program that will offer grants to operators of launch and reentry sites. These grants can be utilized for:
- Constructing new infrastructure.
- Repairing existing infrastructure.
- Maintaining or improving facilities at these sites.
Eligibility for Grants
- Submit a detailed application to the Secretary.
- Demonstrate that the intended project is permitted under the bill.
- Agree to maintain necessary records related to the grant, which must be available for review by the Secretary or the Comptroller General.
Permitted Uses for Grant Funding
Grants provided under the pilot program can be used specifically for projects that:
- Are located at or near a launch or reentry site.
- Support transportation safety and activities related to the movement of people or goods.
- Are available for general use under reasonable commercial terms.
Grant Amounts and Limitations
The following outlines how grants will be calculated and distributed:
- Grants are based on the number of launch or reentry operations conducted in the previous fiscal year.
- The base amounts are:
- $250,000 for each licensed launch or reentry.
- $100,000 for each permitted launch or reentry.
- The maximum amount a single operator can receive in a fiscal year is capped at $2,500,000.
Supplemental Grants
The Secretary can also provide supplemental grants if operators secure matching funds from other entities:
- If a qualified entity matches the grant amount, the operator may receive an additional 25% in the following fiscal year.
- If the match is double the grant amount, the operator may receive an additional 50% in the following fiscal year.
Funding Sources
The grants are funded through amounts allocated under existing transportation codes, with a limit of $20 million total in grants per fiscal year.
Definitions
The bill includes definitions for key terms to clarify its application, such as:
- Launch Site: A facility used for launching vehicles.
- Reentry Site: A location for spacecraft returning to Earth.
- Operator: An entity licensed to manage a launch or reentry site.
- Qualified Entity: Governmental bodies or private entities that can partner with operators for matching funds.
Pilot Program Duration
The pilot program is set to be effective until October 1, 2030.
Relevant Companies
- ISRO: As a key player in launch operations, ISRO may benefit from infrastructure improvements near their launch sites.
- HLS: This company may see opportunities to engage in supporting the construction and improvement of transportation infrastructure related to space launches.
- SPCE: SpaceX could be significantly impacted, as improved transportation infrastructure could enhance their operational efficiency.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
3 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar. 12, 2025 | Introduced in Senate |
| Mar. 12, 2025 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. |
Corporate Lobbying
0 companies lobbying
None found.
* Note that there can be significant delays in lobbying disclosures, and our data may be incomplete.
