Quad Space Act
The Quad Space Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Defense to start discussions through the Quad (the United States, Australia, India, and Japan) to identify mutual space-related interests. Specifically, the discussions would focus on best practices in space, space situational awareness (SSA), and space industrial policy. The goal is to explore how these four countries can cooperate more closely on space security and policy within the Quad framework. The bill also mandates a formal report to Congress within 270 days that describes potential mutual interests and steps to formalize Quad cooperation in these areas. The measure frames Quad cooperation as part of a broader U.S. strategy to strengthen Indo-Pacific security and space readiness.
Key Points
- 1Sense of Congress endorses deeper cooperation with Australia, India, and Japan to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a focus on shared space security challenges.
- 2Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Defense must initiate Quad discussions with the four nations to identify mutual interests in: (A) formulating best practices in space, (B) space situational awareness cooperation, and (C) space industrial policy.
- 3By 270 days, the Secretary must report to the Armed Services committees detailing the mutual interests identified and potential steps to formalize Quad cooperation on space.
- 4Definitions clarify what is meant by the Quad and Quad countries (United States, Australia, India, Japan).
- 5The provisions rely on the Quad as the mechanism for dialogue and potential cooperation, and they reference a broader political context about the Quad’s revival and elevation to a leaders’ level.