Air Force Stock Fund: Hydrazine Sales Consistent with the Commercial Space LaunchAct. Report to the Chairman, Committee on Science, Space and Technology, House of Representatives

摘要

The Air Force's sales of hydrazine propellants to private firms for use incommercial space launches was reviewed to determine if such sales complied with the intent of the Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA). CSLA is intended to encourage and facilitate commercial space launches by the private sector. The Air Force purchases hydrazine propellants from Olin Chemicals and sells the propellant from its stock fund to both government and authorized commercial customers. Olin, which would like to increase its direct commercial sales, has alleged that the Air Force is competing with it by making hydrazine propellants available to private firms and by depriving it of the opportunity to sell its product directly to commercial customers. No basis was found on which to conclude that the Air Force's selling of hydrazine propellants to commercial customers was contrary to the requirements or the intent of CSLA. Further, the Air Force has authority, separate from CSLA, for its sales practices in support of commercial space launch activities. A major purpose of CSLA was for the Federal government to encourage and promote private sector participation in the national space program. While CSLA does not specifically address the issue of government agency competition with private sector interests, it gives agencies considerable discretion in balancing the private sector's commercial interests and the government's interest regarding public health and safety, safety of property, or national security interests.