U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C.– During a U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces hearing, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. discussed the need for an international code of conduct for behavior in space and highlighted the contributions New Mexico’s space program makes to national security.
He specifically underscored the ability of the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) program at Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) to provide short-term tactical capabilities and long-term solutions to developing low cost satellites.
VIDEO: Senator Heinrich’s exchange with hearing witness Secretary of the Air Force Deborah L. James about establishing an international code of conduct for space. [Download HD Video] [Download Audio]
VIDEO: Senator Heinrich highlights the national security capabilities of Operationally Responsive Space program. [Download HD Video] [Download Audio]
Heinrich is a staunch advocate for maintaining the ORS program and funding new missions to ensure more responsive space architecture.
In February, Heinrich announced $6.4 million for the ORS program in the Air Force’s fiscal year 2016 budget request. For the past three years, the Air Force has attempted to terminate ORS — this budget request marks the first time the Air Force has reinvested in the program.
A list of witnesses, testimony, and the archived webcast of today’s hearing is available here.
