Thane-Udall Amendment 1 Encourages NASA’s Development of Optical Communications & Quantum Encryption Capabilities

(LA.DailyPost) The Thune-Udall Amendment 1 was offered by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and cosponsored by Udall encourages the Space Communications and Navigation program office of NASA to continue to support research on and development of optical communications and to develop quantum encryption capabilities, especially those capabilities that apply to optical communications network, in order to provide NASA with more secure and reliable space-based communications.
Udall Says NASA’d Development of Outer Space a Security Priority and Economic Engine
U.S. Senator Tom Udall said, “Outer space is both a strategic national security priority and an economic engine for communities in New Mexico and across the country. But our increased utilization of space comes with challenges, including growing amounts of dangerous debris in orbit and the need for reliable and secure communications, along with new opportunities brought by facilities like Spaceport America in New Mexico. With these additional amendments, the NASA Reauthorization Act will advance policies to help sustain American leadership in space,” Udall said. “I’m a proud to support these forward looking amendments that will bolster New Mexico’s already thriving space economy.”