White House OSTP Takes Lead on Space Policy Coordination

In the absence of the National Space Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy has assumed a central role in overseeing national space policy.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:04pm

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The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has taken on the lead role in coordinating national space policy in the absence of the National Space Council. The OSTP is now responsible for implementing the administration's space agenda and overseeing interagency dynamics on issues ranging from space nuclear power to commercial space regulations.

Why it matters

The shift of space policy coordination from the National Space Council to the OSTP represents a significant change in how the federal government manages its space priorities. This move consolidates power within the White House and could impact the balance of influence between different agencies and stakeholders in the space sector.

The details

The OSTP's new role was formalized in a December executive order that revoked the order establishing the National Space Council. The order designated the assistant to the president for science and technology, who leads the OSTP, as the coordinator and implementer of the administration's space policy agenda. This includes tasks such as developing a plan for a lunar fission surface power system and reviewing space acquisition programs across agencies.

  • The December 2026 executive order revoked the order that had continued the National Space Council.
  • The OSTP was given 60 days to develop guidance for a 'National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power', which is expected 'relatively soon'.
  • NASA is required to deliver a new exploration plan within 90 days of the December 2026 executive order.

The players

Charlie Powell

OSTP assistant director for space and spectrum.

Michael Kratsios

The assistant to the president for science and technology, who leads the OSTP.

Taylor Jordan

Assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction and acting director of the Office of Space Commerce.

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What they’re saying

“It's sort of an evolving role. The OSTP is the coordinator and integrator of space policy in the United States.”

— Charlie Powell, OSTP assistant director for space and spectrum (spacenews.com)

“Now we are directly reporting to the secretary and I have a lot of great meetings with him. He is fully engaged on all things of space and gives us a louder voice.”

— Taylor Jordan, Assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction and acting director of the Office of Space Commerce (spacenews.com)

What’s next

The OSTP is expected to release its guidance for the 'National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power' in the coming weeks. NASA is also required to deliver a new exploration plan within 90 days of the December 2026 executive order.

The takeaway

The shift of space policy coordination from the National Space Council to the White House OSTP represents a consolidation of power within the executive branch. This change could have significant implications for how the federal government manages its space priorities and the balance of influence between different agencies and stakeholders in the space sector.