Congressional Delegation News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), along with New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, sent a letter Tuesday to General John W. Raymond, the first Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force and Commander of U.S. Space Command.

The letter urges General Raymond to utilize New Mexico’s existing public and private sector space capabilities as the United States Space Force develops its infrastructure and mission. The letter also was sent to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Secretary of the United States Air Force Barbara Barrett.

“As you work to establish the newly formed United States Space Force, our delegation urges you to fully incorporate and leverage New Mexico’s existing public and private sector space capabilities,” the lawmakers wrote.

New Mexico is home to many of the nation’s core space assets, including several key Department of Defense space research and acquisition directorates at Kirtland Air Force Base, Spaceport America, two national laboratories, flagship research universities, and a growing list of innovative private companies. The space industry in the state represents thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact. 

The lawmakers continued, “We stand ready to work with you and your team as you develop the culture, doctrine, and industrial base to continue our nation’s leadership role in space and protect key assets above the Karman line. The state of New Mexico was witness to the birth of the rocket age when Dr. Robert H. Goddard first experimented in our high deserts. Our state is apt and eager to continue serving a critical role in the development of the new space economy and its relationship with the emerging Space Force.” 

The full text of the letter can be found HERE.