U.S. international space cooperation. (Michael A.G. Michaud's statement before House Subcommittee on Space Science and Applications) (transcript)

U.S. International Space Cooperation

Statement before the Subcommittee on Space Science and Applications of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on December 10, 1987. Mr. Michaud is Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.(1) Thank you for inviting us to testify today on the important subject of international cooperation and competition in space.

We welcome the effort by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Advisory Council Task Force to address international relations in space. The report is timely and addresses significant issues related to U.S. foreign policy. The report correctly emphasizes that the international environment for space activity has changed significantly since the late 1960s, when the United States clearly was the world leader in this field. Other space powers are challenging our position of leadership in several fields of space activity. This is a matter of foreign policy concern. …