Podcast Summary: T-Minus Space Daily

Episode: Should we repeal the Wolf Amendment?
Host: Maria Varmazas (N2K Networks)
Guest: Brian Weeden, Director for Civil Commercial Policy, Aerospace Corporation
Date: December 6, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the Wolf Amendment, a piece of US legislation that restricts NASA and certain agencies from engaging in bilateral cooperation with China in space activities unless specific approval from Congress is obtained. Nearly fifteen years after its enactment, the question persists: Should the Wolf Amendment be repealed in light of shifting geopolitical realities and advancements in China's space program? Host Maria Varmazas speaks with space policy expert Brian Weeden to unpack the arguments for and against repeal, based on a recent debate series hosted by the Aerospace Corporation.

What is the Wolf Amendment?

[03:18 – 07:26]

• Origins and Scope:

  • Enacted in 2011 as part of the annual appropriations bill.
  • Prohibits NASA, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and now the National Space Council, from spending money on bilateral cooperation with China (government or private entities), absent Congressional approval.
  • Also blocks government funds for hosting Chinese visitors at NASA facilities.
  • Recent updates include FBI review of proposed certifications to manage counterintelligence and technology transfer concerns.

• Common Misconceptions:

  • Does not outright ban all engagement; cooperation is possible with Congressional approval.
  • Only applies to specified agencies (NASA, OSTP, National Space Council), not to other government bodies like the Department of Defense or Commerce, and not to private industry.

"It also does not apply to industry. It only applies to these government agencies. But I think in general, it has had the effect of chilling or putting up maybe some doubt amongst all the US Government entities, public and private, on whether they should engage with China if there is this sort of congressional concern."
— Brian Weeden [06:06]

Core Arguments: Should the Wolf Amendment Be Repealed?

Why Consider Repeal?

[09:24 – 11:43]

• Presented by Dan Hart (summarized by Brian Weeden):
  • The Amendment hasn't fulfilled its intended goals:
    • Hasn't incentivized China to change its human rights record.
    • Hasn't slowed China's technological advancements in space.
  • May have been counterproductive; forced China to develop independent, advanced space capabilities.
  • The bureaucratic process inhibits even basic communication, creating redundant or unnecessary barriers due to other existing restrictions (export controls, technology transfer protections).
  • Cooperation during the Cold War (e.g., Apollo–Soyuz mission) is cited as precedent for working with adversaries, suggesting that collaboration could further scientific and commercial progress today.

"Keeping this broad restriction on everything in space hinders both scientific advancement and commercial innovation."
— Brian Weeden [11:03]

Why Retain the Wolf Amendment?

[13:02 – 15:54]

• Presented by Dean Cheng (summarized by Brian Weeden):
  • Argues that improved political relationships lead to cooperation—not the other way around.
  • Cooperation should not be assumed to influence positive change in China.
  • Congress's mistrust in the executive branch's ability to negotiate meaningful or secure cooperation remains a factor.
  • In China, the military is deeply entwined with its space program, making it unclear or problematic for NASA to find a genuine civil counterpart.
  • Ongoing concerns over intellectual property theft and technology transfer from China amplify risks.

"Virtually the entire Chinese space program involves the military. And the People's Liberation Army plays a really big role even in their crude human space flight exploration programs and wonders, you know, is that really the entity that is equal to NASA or that NASA should be engaging with?"
— Brian Weeden [14:57]

Key Insights and Nuances

Has the Global Context Changed?

[07:29 – 09:08]

• The debate is particularly relevant due to China's ascension as a major civil space power.
• Whereas the US–Russia axis once defined space relations, today the US and China are the primary actors, each with independent programs (space stations, lunar missions).
• This new reality prompts questions about the US’s overall strategy for engaging with China in space.

"It's no longer US and Russia, but rather US and China that are the main civil space actors."
— Brian Weeden [07:59]

Does China Still Want Cooperation?

[15:54 – 17:39]

• China may no longer have much incentive for cooperation with the US, having built robust independent capabilities and international partnerships (e.g., with Russia).
• The dynamic has become one of equals; the notion of "helping" China doesn't resonate and may be regarded as condescending.
• The landscape is fundamentally different from a decade ago—both sides’ motivations must be revisited.

"They see themselves as increasingly as equals to the United States. So, you know, I think there's also that why are we doing this? Is a really big question."
— Brian Weeden [16:11]

The Practical Middle Ground—Coordination vs. Full Cooperation

[19:13 – 20:46]

• Beyond scientific or human spaceflight partnerships, coordination is critical to avoid operational mishaps (e.g., satellite collisions).
• Many ways to interact exist aside from direct collaboration—sharing orbital information, deconflicting missions, etc.
• The importance of comprehensive strategies at both the executive and legislative level for shaping these interactions.

"We need to be thinking about that whole spectrum of interactions and engagement with China and, and how we're going to be doing that going forward and maybe where there's room to do that and maybe what are some things that are still really difficult?"
— Brian Weeden [20:17]

Notable Quotes

• On what the Wolf Amendment really does:

  "It says you can't do this unless you have prior coordination and permission from Congress."
  — Brian Weeden [04:26]

• On lessons from Cold War cooperation:

  "We were able to work with the Soviets and do things like the Apollo Soyuz mission even at the height of the Cold War when... tensions were even worse between the US and Soviet Union than they are today with the US and China."
  — Brian Weeden [11:03]

• On political realism:

  "A more positive relationship is the result of political changes. It's not the driver."
  — Brian Weeden (summarizing Dean Cheng) [13:30]

• On the spectrum of engagement:

  "If may not cooperate, maybe we, we coordinate with them on some things. Right. We're operating satellites in the same areas... how do we coordinate with them so we're not stepping on each other's toes?"
  — Brian Weeden [19:13]

Memorable Moments

• Maria Varmazas remarks on how reading the debate paper "wavered" her opinion, demonstrating the issue’s nuance [17:54].
• The recurring theme that there are “no easy answers” or “clear answers” to the Wolf Amendment question, symbolizing the complexity of space diplomacy [17:39].

Major Takeaways

• The Wolf Amendment remains a focal point for larger questions about US–China relations in space.
• Arguments on both sides reflect deep concerns—about technology security, political trust, and the evolving role of space as a domain for both cooperation and competition.
• There’s a wide spectrum between full cooperation and total isolation; current and future needs may demand a more flexible, strategic approach.
• The decision ultimately rests on defining clear US priorities and crafting a holistic legislative and executive strategy.

Further Reading

• The Aerospace Corporation’s debate paper on the Wolf Amendment (link to be provided as referenced by host).

End of Summary