Direct Loans for Small Satellite Businesses to Enhance National Security
This Act establishes a direct loan program, managed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), authorizing up to $2.5 billion to support small businesses developing satellite technologies for continuous Earth imaging. The purpose is to enhance U.S. national security and intelligence capabilities by fostering innovation in the commercial space sector. A key requirement is that loan repayment cannot rely on proceeds from sales to the Federal Government.
Key points
Authorization of up to $2.5 billion in direct loans for small businesses involved in critical geostationary remote sensing technologies.
The goal is to improve national security by increasing the participation of small businesses in satellite imaging capabilities.
Crucial limitation: Loan repayment must be secured without using proceeds from sales to the Federal Government.
The authority to issue new loans under this program terminates five years after the Act's enactment.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_5515
Sponsor: Rep. Stewart, Chris [R-UT-2]
Process start date: 2023-09-14