The new frontier of space isn’t in massive research centers or high-tech labs.

It’s unfolding in unexpected places: a repurposed swimsuit warehouse, a gutted shipping container parked in a nondescript lot, or a rented vibration table in an industrial space. These humble settings, though far from glamorous, are the birthplaces of modern space innovation. And despite being tucked away in less-than-ideal locations, often with cramped parking spaces and just a short drive from an In-n-Out Burger, these companies are redefining the future of space exploration.

In this rapidly evolving space economy, Americans are doing what they do best: pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They’re growing seed crystals in microgravity for breakthrough medical treatments, designing energy-efficient lasers for deep-space mining, and building modular platforms for scientific missions. Some are creating smaller, more efficient earth stations to manage data for orbital operations, while others are developing lighter, more versatile rocket components. All of this is happening with the help of commercial launch providers, proving that the dream of space exploration is no longer a distant vision but an achievable reality.

None of this would have been possible without Elon Musk. SpaceX revolutionized the commercial launch industry, and without it, the entire startup ecosystem that we see today may not have existed. But Musk didn’t achieve this alone. Alongside his team of engineers, investors, and advisors, one of the most critical players in this transformation was Lori Garver, who served as NASA’s deputy administrator under President Obama.

Garver’s contribution was instrumental in shaping the current landscape of private space exploration. She recognized that government regulations were a significant barrier to innovation and took decisive action to remove obstacles. Her strategy was clear: cut through the red tape and create an environment where private companies could thrive. By streamlining NASA’s processes, fast-tracking projects, and forming partnerships with private space companies, Garver laid the groundwork for today’s commercial space boom. Her efforts essentially created a framework where space startups could flourish.

As a Trump-appointed commissioner at the FCC, I believe in adopting successful ideas, regardless of their origin. Garver’s approach offers a blueprint for how the next administration could accelerate space innovation by reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens. Today, the regulatory landscape for space startups is complex and fragmented, with numerous agencies involved, each with its own set of rules and requirements. Entrepreneurs seeking to launch a space company must navigate a maze of permissions, from the FCC for spectrum rights to the FAA for launch approvals, as well as compliance with NASA, NOAA, and even the Department of Defense for landing permissions.

This regulatory web, though designed to ensure safety and coordination, often acts as a drag on innovation. The process can be so slow and complicated that it stifles the very creativity it seeks to protect. It’s clear that a more streamlined approach is necessary. The next administration has the opportunity to simplify the regulatory framework and make it easier for space startups to thrive. By creating a single point of contact for all regulatory matters, standardizing processes, and enforcing faster decision-making, we can eliminate much of the unnecessary friction that currently slows down progress.

Taking cues from Garver’s successful strategy, the next administration could take bold steps to create an environment that fosters innovation. A more unified and efficient regulatory process would allow the space industry to grow and expand at a faster pace, attracting more entrepreneurs and startups to the field. This, in turn, could help the U.S. maintain its leadership in space exploration and technology.

This sector has the potential to drive groundbreaking discoveries with far-reaching applications, from advancing national security to improving global communications and data infrastructure. The innovations being developed now will not only change the course of space exploration but will also have profound effects on life here on Earth. For the U.S. to stay ahead of global competitors, particularly China, and to ensure the long-term success of space exploration, it’s crucial that we reduce the regulatory burdens holding back innovation.

With the right regulatory reforms, the U.S. can remain at the forefront of space exploration, building the infrastructure necessary to achieve ambitious goals like sending humans to Mars. The next administration, led by Donald Trump, has the opportunity to lower the regulatory barriers and let the rockets soar, propelling the American space economy to new heights.