What’s Happening in Space Policy January 4-10, 2026

Why It Matters

Funding gaps threaten critical programs for the Space Force, NASA, and NOAA, while upcoming conferences and diplomatic forums will influence the direction of U.S. space policy amid heightened geopolitical competition.

Key Takeaways

• FY2026 appropriations CR expires Jan 30
• Defense and CJS bills still pending Senate
• NASA town halls coincide with AAS winter meeting
• ESA astronaut Adenot to brief on ISS mission
• Atlantic Council hosts space diplomacy summit

Pulse Analysis

Congressional appropriations are the linchpin of U.S. space activity this week. With the FY2026 Continuing Resolution slated to lapse on Jan. 30, the Defense and Commerce‑Justice‑Science (CJS) bills that fund the Space Force, NASA, and NOAA remain unsettled. The delay stems from partisan friction over the proposed breakup of the National Center for Atmospheric Research and fallout from an unauthorized military strike in Venezuela, raising the specter of another shutdown that could stall critical research and launch schedules.

Against this legislative backdrop, the space community is gathering at several high‑profile events. The American Astronomical Society Winter Meeting in Phoenix hosts NASA town halls and program analysis group briefings, while the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group convenes in Laurel, MD, reviewing Artemis progress and the recent Blue Ghost Mission 1 lunar landing. ESA will hold a press conference with astronaut Sophie Adenot, and NASA is previewing two upcoming ISS spacewalks, highlighting operational milestones and crew experience.

Strategic competition also takes center stage at the Atlantic Council’s "Cosmic Coordination" summit, drawing diplomats from the U.S., UAE, Japan, and the Netherlands alongside industry leaders from Astroscale, Axiom Space, and Eutelsat. The dialogue underscores how policy, commercial ambition, and international cooperation intersect in shaping the next decade of space exploration. Stakeholders will watch closely to see whether congressional action can keep pace with these accelerating scientific and diplomatic initiatives.