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HR 1011 98th Congress House Science, Technology, Communications Advisory bodies Artificial satellites Aviation Business and commerce Federal advisory bodies Insurance Liability insurance Licenses Space Space policy

Space Commerce Act

Introduced: January 27, 1983 See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 98th Congress ended
It never became law before the 98th Congress (1983–1984) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 30, 1984
See H.R.3942.
Aug 3, 1983
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Feb 7, 1983
Referred to Subcommittee on Space Science Applications.
Jan 27, 1983
Referred to House Committee on Science and Technology.
Jan 27, 1983
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Space Commerce Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue licenses for launching private sector space objects. Sets forth the conditions for issuing a license, including the ability to meet liability insurance requirements. Establishes criminal penalties for launching private space objects without such a license.

Directs the Secretary to establish requirements for liability insurance to be carried by any licensee.

Permits the Administrator to suspend or revoke a license for failure to comply with applicable regulations.

Excludes from this Act space objects launched by or on behalf of the United States Government.

Establishes the Commercial Space Commission to study the direction of future Government involvement and regulation of private sector commercial activity in outer space. Directs the Commission to report to Congress within a specified time. Terminates the Commission 60 days after its final report.

What's happening now October 30, 1984

See H.R.3942.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • HR 3942 Related bill Commercial Space Launch Act
 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 2
All 2 Democratic 2
D
Hoyer, Steny H.
Maryland · Jan 27, 1983
 D
Markey, Edward J.
Massachusetts · Jan 27, 1983
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1011: Space Commerce Act. 98th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/98-HR-1011/
MLA
"H.R. 1011: Space Commerce Act." 98th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/98-HR-1011/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1011, 98th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/98-HR-1011/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1011: Space Commerce Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/98-HR-1011/)
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