About CSF
At CSF, we promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Our Mission
Advocate for support and investment in the U.S. commercial space industry to unleash growth and ensure we maintain our leadership position in space to foster economic and national security.
Guiding Principles:
The U.S. Government should rely to the maximum practicable extent on the domestic commercial space industry. The DoD, Intel and civilian agencies should look to integrate commercial solutions instead of building their own capabilities to compete with commercial.
Integrate commercial solutions into the architecture rather than augment
Invest and promote in a healthy and competitive space industrial base, including new technologies and space start-ups
Steady and consistent and sufficient funding for space programs
The U.S. Government must become a smarter buyer of commercial space solutions by;
Promoting full and open competition and using commercial contract vehicles and procurement options appropriately having stable, transparent, and predictable requirements
Sending industry consistent demand signals
Multi-year contracting and funding mechanisms including firm-fixed price contract vehicles
The U.S. Government must reduce or eliminate unnecessary and counterproductive regulation of the commercial space industry to unleash growth and maintain leadership by;
Being thoughtful and intentional about what regulations are needed/not needed
Providing certainty and increasing stability, transparency and predictability
Eliminating duplication of regulations/regulatory bodies
Clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities of each Federal Agency regarding commercial space regulation
Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy
CSF is the voice of the commercial space industry in Washington, D.C., and actively advocates for policy, legislation, and regulations which promote growth, innovation, and competition in the industry. As a consensus-based industry association, CSF is a key resource for providing advice on commercial space issues and policy to Congress, the White House, and federal agencies.
Members of Congress trust CSF’s expertise and routinely call for CSF to testify before Congressional Committees, including CSF President David Cavossa’s recent testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. CSF continuously lends its technical expertise to Congress and assists in the development and passage of authorization and appropriation legislation relevant to the industry.
In addition, CSF regularly engages with federal agencies to promote policy and regulatory frameworks which ensure safety and efficiency while supporting the continued growth and development of industry. CSF’s comments on proposed rulemakings and requests for information have been critical to shaping regulatory products across the federal government. CSF staff routinely serve on advisory committees and panels to provide insight and advice to current and future government activities.
CSF supports the ongoing development of industry consensus standards through ASTM International’s Committee F47 on Human Spaceflight. Active industry standards development is essential for tracking industry development, informing government policy, and providing means of compliance with performance-based rules.
Industry Advocacy
As the leading association representing the commercial space industry, CSF is highly sought-after for participation in conferences, panels, and other industry events. CSF hosts the annual Commercial Space Conference in Washington, D.C., drawing hundreds of industry leaders and policymakers to discuss ongoing industry and policy developments.
CSF promotes the commercial space industry through traditional media and an active social media presence. CSF is recognized as an industry thought leader and is a trusted resource for journalists, reporters, and podcast hosts. Media outlets regularly turn to CSF for advice, op-eds, and quotes relating to industry activities. CSF maintains an active social media presence on LinkedIn, “X“, and other platforms.
CSF increases awareness of the potential of suborbital vehicles through the Space Applications Research Group (SARG). Members of SARG convene with both congressional staff members and NASA officials to discuss topics such as space science, suborbital human-tended research, STEM education engagement, and technology development on new platforms.
CSF recognizes the success of students and young professionals as a founding contributor to the Patti Grace Smith Scholarship Program and the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship. CSF’s support includes internship placement, scholarship awards, access to conferences, and real-world experience in the industry.
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Image courtesy: SpaceX