IEEE-USA is officially entering the domain of U.S. space policy with the launch of its new Space Policy Committee (SPC) — a move that couldn’t come at a more critical time.
With global competition intensifying, NASA’s priorities shifting, commercial space ventures rising, and space control priorities coming into focus — the future of space is being shaped now. IEEE-USA’s SPC will ensure that engineers and technologists have a seat at the table as policies are crafted to govern this rapidly evolving domain.
Why it matters:
U.S. space policy is at a crossroads. From civil space missions and commercial innovation to defense spacepower and strategic competition, today’s challenges are vast and urgent. U.S. based IEEE members bring the expertise and perspective needed to shape policies that foster technological excellence for the benefit of humanity.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to shaping Washington DC space policy in a way that benefits humanity, harnessing the expertise of our members to guide critical decisions,” shared Tim Lee, IEEE-USA President.
As with IEEE-USA’s other successful policy committees, this new effort will harness member insights to engage policymakers and advance sound science and technology policy.
What the SPC will do:
- Inform: Track and share key space-related developments across sectors
- Shape policy: Develop position statements on emerging space issues
- Advocate: Engage with Congress and federal agencies
- Advise: Contribute to the shaping of federal space policy regulations
“Space policy is a systems-level challenge that demands engineering insight,” says Dr. Jonny Pellish, inaugural chair of the IEEE-USA Space Policy Committee. “This committee is about connecting technical expertise with policy needs to provide strategic foresight and guide the next era of space innovation.” IEEE-USA’s policy committees consist of IEEE members who are subject matter experts and professionals in a given technology ecosystem.
Pellish brings a rare blend of technical expertise and policy acumen to this role. A senior member of IEEE and seasoned space systems engineer, Dr. Pellish previously served as a Brookings Legis Fellow in the U.S. Senate, and as the Director of Civil Space Policy on the National Space Council, where he gained firsthand experience in legislative processes. His deep understanding of microelectronics, national security, and civil space systems — combined with a passion for workforce development and strategic foresight — makes him uniquely qualified to lead this new committee as it tackles the complex challenges shaping U.S. space policy today.
“This committee is timely, but it’s also catalytic,” said Barry Tilton, IEEE-USA President-Elect. “Dr. Pellish and his committee members are ready to bring top-tier expertise to the front lines of space policy. I’m eager to see how their work will shape the first wave of recommendations and help position the U.S. for leadership in this rapidly evolving field.”
The SPC’s first initiatives are already underway. Visit ieeeusa.org/committees/spc for more information.
About IEEE-USA:
IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of nearly 160,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization.
Contact:
Leah Laird
Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, IEEE-USA
202-530-8328 | l.laird@ieee.org
John Yaglenski
Director of Communications, IEEE-USA
202-530-8359 | j.yaglenski@ieee.org
