Create the Making Advancements in Commerical Hypersonics Program?
The Making Advancement in Commerical Hypersonics Act allows the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a program that supports research and technology development for hypersonic aircraft, which are vehicles that travel at extremely high speeds. After 60 days of this bill being passed, NASA has to create a plan that aligns with the existing hypersonic research goals. NASA will then have to meet with the Secretary of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that everything is working well in testing and evaluating these vehicles. In addition, they will also need to make sure to submit a report to Congress discussing the progress and future testing plans.
Sponsors: Rep. Fong Vince (Republican, California, District 20) and Rep. Kevin Mullin (Democrat, California, District 15)
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Opponents say
• "Analysts disagree about the strategic implications of hypersonic weapons. Some have identified two factors that could hold significant implications for strategic stability: the weapon’s short time of flight—which, in turn, compresses the timeline for response—and its unpredictable flight path—which could generate uncertainty about the weapon’s intended target and therefore heighten the risk of miscalculation or unintended escalation in the event of a conflict. This risk could be further compounded in countries that co-locate nuclear and conventional capabilities or Facilities. Some analysts argue that unintended escalation could occur as a result of warhead ambiguity, or from the inability to distinguish between a conventionally armed hypersonic weapon and a nuclear-armed one." Source: Kelley M. Sayler, Congressional Research Service
Proponents say
• "Stratolauch is committed to advancing scientific research and technology development for hypersonic systems. With both NASA and DoD focusing on hypersonic initiatives, I am confident this program will contribute to accelerated advancements for our national needs and the commercial hypersonic industry. We are excited to see the continued support for hypersonics development and thank Congressman Fong for continuing to encourage hypersonics innovation and research in our country." Source: Zachary Krevor, President and CEO of Stratolauch
- NASA Reauthorization Passes House including Rep. Vince Fong’s Hypersonic Program (Press Release)
- Rep. Kevin Mullin and Rep. Vince Fong Introduce Commercial Hypersonics Legislation (Press Release)
- Hypersonics Activity Summary (NASA)
- Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress (Congressional Research Service)
- Key Takeaways: The Future of US and Allied Hypersonic Missile Programs (Hudson Institute)
- Rep. Fong Vince’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
- Rep. Kevin Mullin’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
