House Communications & Technology Committee hearing focused on space exploration and threats to airspace safety
Rep. Joseph Ciresi July 2, 2026 | 8:09 AM
HARRISBURG, July 2 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting on Tuesday on space exploration and Pennsylvania’s leadership in space technology, scientific research, and airspace security.
“Today’s meeting stressed the need for increased technological development to protect our airspace,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair, said. “Pennsylvania has the talent and the resources to lead the charge in developing technology to explore space and protect our airspace.”
The committee heard from three speakers: Dr. Jason Wright, Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Penn State University on astronomical and scientific research, Ryan Graves, Founder/Executive Director, Americans for Safe Aerospace on aerospace and aviation perspectives, and Chris Mellon, Chairman of the Board, The Disclosure Foundation; Former Deputy Secretary of Defense; and Former Minority Staff Director, US Senate Intelligence Committee.
“Exploration begins with curiosity,” state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila. said. “Pennsylvania has the talent and institutions to help push the boundaries of scientific discovery, and today's hearing was an important step in that direction — wherever the evidence leads"
Wright said that the search for the means to find extraterrestrial intelligence is leading the development of detection technology, such as radio waves, probes, infrared light and more.
Graves argued for the need to establish an infrastructure at federal and state levels to detect and protect airspace from foreign objects.
Mellon stressed the need to improve detection capabilities given unidentified aircraft—including foreign drones—have repeatedly entered restricted U.S. military airspace.