The U.S. space program faces three major challenges — sustained public support, funding, and international competition.

That’s the view of Ken Calvert, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Space & Aeronautics, Committee on Science & Technology in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Calvert spoke at the 23rd National Space Symposium, being held here in Colorado Springs, Colorado and sponsored by the Space Foundation.

To spur increased public interest in space, the politician said he will introduce new legislation that can stimulate creative space advertising concepts. His legislation to be introduced to the U.S. Congress will call for a commission to study space advertising ides, as well as propose a trust fund that foots the bill for space prizes.

The lawmaker promoted a web site — secondspaceage@mail.house.gov — and encouraged individuals to send in ideas about strengthening the future of the U.S. space enterprise.

In looking at the overall health of NASA and its funding, it is a precarious time for NASA given the “current atmosphere of competing budgets,” Calvert observed.

International challenges, in both civil and military sectors, specifically from China were also spotlighted by Calvert. He underscored China’s recent anti-satellite test, noting that Chinese space authorities had failed three times before succeeding.

Calvert cautioned the audience to keep an eye on Chinese intentions in space and that country’s “possible hostile aspirations.”