Space Infrastructure Act

This bill tells the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to treat space systems, services, and technology as “critical infrastructure”—vital systems that, if damaged, could harm security, the economy, or public safety. DHS must make this designation within 30 days of the law taking effect.

Within 180 days, DHS must issue guidance that explains what’s included (such as satellites and space vehicles, ground systems and launch sites, factories that build space tech, and related IT), name a lead federal agency for this sector, and set up coordination groups for government and industry. DHS must also report to Congress on how the guidance is being carried out within 90 days after it’s issued. The bill adds this space sector to the list DHS considers when handing out certain national security grants, which could affect how funding is prioritized for protecting these systems.

Key points

• Who is affected: DHS; satellite operators; launch providers; ground station operators; companies that make space hardware and related IT systems.
• What changes: Space-related systems are officially treated like other critical infrastructure, with clear guidance, a lead federal agency, industry–government coordination, and consideration in security grant decisions .
• When: 30 days to designate; 180 days to issue guidance; 90 days after guidance to report to Congress.