Mission
Mission Statement
The Office of Space Commerce is the principal unit for space commerce policy activities within the Department of Commerce. Its mission is to foster the conditions for the economic growth and technological advancement of the U.S. commercial space industry.
Vision
The vision of the Office is a robust and responsive U.S. industry that is the world leader in space commerce.
Authorities
View authorizing legislation and departmental order
Focus Areas
The Office focuses on various sectors of the space commerce industry, including satellite navigation (GPS), commercial remote sensing, space transportation, and entrepreneurial activities. The Office participates in government-wide discussions of space policy issues as well as internal efforts to increase NOAA’s use of commercial space solutions.
Strategic Plan
The Department of Commerce Strategic Plan for 2022-2026 provides direction for the Department to “Advance U.S. leadership in the global commercial space industry.” The Office of Space Commerce coordinates the implementation of this strategic objective across the Department. Learn more
The Office of Space Commerce also published a strategic plan in 2007 that provides the vision, mission statement, functions, outcomes and objectives, and action plan for the Office based on stakeholder inputs collected in 2006-2007. View PDF
Commerce Department Partners
To accomplish its mission, the Office of Space Commerce coordinates with a variety of organizations across the Department of Commerce, including:
- Office of the Secretary of Commerce
- NOAA Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS): Manages meteorological satellite systems and data
- NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS): Maintains the National Spatial Reference System and a GPS monitoring network of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS)
- International Trade Administration (ITA): Assists U.S. companies in exporting aerospace products
- Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS): Licenses exports of commercial spacecraft, and conducts assessments of the U.S. space industrial base
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): Co-manages (with FCC) radio spectrum used by satellites
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Maintains U.S. standards used to calibrate satellites, etc.
- Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA): Produces statistics on the U.S. space economy
PNT Coordination
As a secondary mission, the Office of Space Commerce is responsible for hosting the National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). This permanent, interagency staff focusing on GPS policy issues is co-located with the Office of Space Commerce at the Herbert C. Hoover Building in Washington, D.C. Learn more at GPS.gov