Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Frank Wolf, a Republican Congressman from Virginia.
Credit: Office of Frank Wolf

The Aerospace Corporation and the Space Policy Institute at George Washington’s Elliott School of International Affairs held a lively debate on “Should the Wolf Amendment be Repealed?”

As background, nearly 15 years after its inclusion in a 2011 annual appropriations bill in the U.S. Congress, the Wolf Amendment remains a hotly debated topic.

It reflects many of the core geopolitical and philosophical issues at the heart of the debate over the U.S.-China relationship on matters of space and more.

Artwork depicts China’s Tiangong space station.
Image credit: China Manned Space Agency

Contrasting views

Indeed, there are contrasting views on the efficacy and relevance of the Wolf Amendment.

One view argues for retaining the amendment, clarifying its limits and pointing out possible consequences repeal could initiate.

The opposing view recommends repeal of the amendment, calling it a vestige from an earlier time that only creates more bureaucracy and waste while over-politicizing space engagements between the United States and China.

Panel participants

Dan Hart, nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and President of HarTechnologies

Dean Cheng, nonresident Senior Fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

Remarks from Space Policy Institute Director Scott Pace, as well as Professor of Practice of International Affairs, Robert Sutter.

The panel was moderated by Brian Weeden, Director of Civil and Commercial Policy, the Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy.

Image credit Space Policy Institute/Inside Outer Space screengrab

A video view of this informative event — held on November 13^th — is now available at:

https://youtu.be/cdDcVBFM68U

Note: Special thanks to George Leaua for the link!