Arizona Space Commission
Authority
The Arizona Space Commission, Board of Directors and the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund was established by Laws 2024, Chapter 140. Statutory authority is found at A.R.S. §§41-1551 through 41-1551.02.
Function
The Arizona Space Commission is governed by a thirteen-member Board of Directors appointed to six-year terms. Qualifications to serve on the Board are designated and generally relate to aviation, space, real estate and finance. The Board is required to identify research and funding opportunities within the state to enhance the state’s position in civil, commercial and military aeronautics, research, development, space flight infrastructure, industries and exploration.
The Commission is required to develop a strategic plan to promote and expand space aeronautics and aviation and to submit the plan to the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives once every two years. The initial report is due by December 31, 2024.
The Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund, administered by the Board, may be used to provide grants to in-state business or non-profit organizations involved in space exploration or the aeronautics industry. Grant monies shall be used to develop technologies for human space flight; research, workforce training or post-mission materials for space exploration and space flight; or spaceport infrastructure. Priorities for projects are listed. Each grant recipient must submit a report describing how monies were spent and include a summary of findings.
History
Session Laws
Laws 1991, Chapter 118 established the Arizona Space Commission, consisting of eleven members and two ex-officio members of the Legislature. The members included the Director of the Department of Commerce, the director of a privately funded statewide organization for economic development and nine private sector members appointed by the Governor. The measure designated the Commission as the state’s sole coordinator of all space-related commercial and high technological partnerships. The Commission was required to provide technical support to the Arizona Department of Commerce, organizations, agencies and other groups regarding infrastructure improvements and other projects designated by the Governor.
A plan developed in coordination with the federal government, other state agencies, private industry and the state universities to address development of space-related industry in Arizona was due to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 1992.
Laws 2001, Chapter 29 continued the Arizona Space Commission until July 1, 2011 “…to work toward the establishment of an integrated, regional, educational and commercial space industrial complex in this state.”
The Arizona Space Commission was renamed the Arizona Aerospace and Defense Commission by Laws 2004, Chapter 133.
In 2014, the Legislature eliminated, modified or merged various committees, councils, boards and commissions. The Arizona Aerospace and Defense Commission was one of approximately 20 that were repealed. See Laws 2014, Chapter 229, Section 31.
Laws 2024, Chapter 140 created the Arizona Space Commission, governed by a thirteen-member Board of Directors. The measure outlines duties of the Commission and the Board, requires the Arizona Commerce Authority to provide staff support to the Commission, and establishes the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund. Monies in the fund may be used to provide grants to businesses or nonprofit organizations in Arizona that are involved in the space exploration or aeronautics industry. Grants may also be awarded to governmental entities that have an intergovernmental agreement with the Board.
Sources
- Arizona Revised Statutes §§41-1551 through 41-1551.02
- Session Laws
- Laws 1991, Chapter 118
- Laws 2001, Chapter 29
- Laws 2004, Chapter 133
- Laws 2014, Chapter 229, Section 31
- Laws 2024, Chapter 140