[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6063 Introduced in House (IH)]
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6063
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 15, 2008
Mr. Udall of Colorado (for himself, Mr. Gordon of Tennessee, Mr. Hall
of Texas, and Mr. Feeney) introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Science and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Sec. 101. Fiscal year 2009.
TITLE II--EARTH SCIENCE
Sec. 201. Goal.
Sec. 202. Governance of United States Earth observations activities.
Sec. 203. Decadal survey missions.
Sec. 204. Transitioning experimental research into operational
services.
Sec. 205. Landsat thermal infrared data continuity.
Sec. 206. Reauthorization of Glory Mission.
Sec. 207. Plan for disposition of Deep Space Climate Observatory.
TITLE III--AERONAUTICS
Sec. 301. Environmentally friendly aircraft research and development
initiative.
Sec. 302. Research alignment.
Sec. 303. Research program to determine perceived impact of sonic
booms.
Sec. 304. External review of NASA's aviation safety-related research
programs.
Sec. 305. Interagency research initiative on the impact of aviation on
the climate.
Sec. 306. Research program on design for certification.
Sec. 307. Aviation weather research.
Sec. 308. Joint Aeronautics Research and Development Advisory
Committee.
Sec. 309. Funding for research and development activities in support of
other mission directorates.
Sec. 310. University-based centers for research on aviation training.
TITLE IV--INTERNATIONAL EXPLORATION INITIATIVE
Sec. 401. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 402. Stepping stone approach to exploration.
Sec. 403. Lunar outpost.
Sec. 404. Exploration technology development.
Sec. 405. Exploration risk mitigation plan.
Sec. 406. Exploration crew rescue.
Sec. 407. Participatory exploration.
Sec. 408. Science and exploration.
TITLE V--SPACE SCIENCE
Sec. 501. Technology development.
Sec. 502. Provision for future servicing of observatory-class
scientific spacecraft.
Sec. 503. Mars exploration.
Sec. 504. Importance of a balanced science program.
Sec. 505. Restoration of radioisotope thermoelectric generator material
production.
Sec. 506. Assessment of impediments to interagency cooperation on space
and Earth science missions.
Sec. 507. Assessment of cost growth.
TITLE VI--SPACE OPERATIONS
Subtitle A--International Space Station
Sec. 601. Utilization.
Sec. 602. Research management plan.
Sec. 603. Contingency plan for cargo resupply.
Subtitle B--Space Shuttle
Sec. 611. Flight manifest.
Sec. 612. Disposition of shuttle-related assets.
Sec. 613. Space Shuttle transition liaison office.
Subtitle C--Launch Services
Sec. 621. Launch services strategy.
TITLE VII--EDUCATION
Sec. 701. Response to review.
Sec. 702. External review of Explorer Schools program.
TITLE VIII--NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS
Sec. 801. In general.
Sec. 802. Findings.
Sec. 803. Requests for information.
Sec. 804. Establishment of policy.
Sec. 805. Planetary radar capability.
Sec. 806. Arecibo Observatory.
TITLE IX--COMMERCIAL INITIATIVES
Sec. 901. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 902. Commercial crew initiative.
TITLE X--REVITALIZATION OF NASA INSTITUTIONAL CAPABILITIES
Sec. 1001. Review of information security controls.
Sec. 1002. Maintenance and upgrade of Center facilities.
Sec. 1003. Assessment of NASA laboratory capabilities.
TITLE XI--OTHER PROVISIONS
Sec. 1101. Space weather.
Sec. 1102. Space traffic management.
Sec. 1103. Study of export control policies related to civil and
commercial space activities.
Sec. 1104. Astronaut health care.
Sec. 1105. National Academies decadal surveys.
Sec. 1106. Innovation prizes.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds, on this, the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
following:
(1) NASA is and should remain a multimission agency with a
balanced and robust set of core missions in science,
aeronautics, and human space flight and exploration.
(2) Investment in NASA's programs will promote innovation
through research and development, and will improve the
competitiveness of the United States.
(3) Investment in NASA's programs, like investments in
other Federal science and technology activities, is an
investment in our future.
(4) Properly structured, NASA's activities can contribute
to an improved quality of life, economic vitality, United
States leadership in peaceful cooperation with other nations on
challenging undertakings in science and technology, national
security, and the advancement of knowledge.
(5) NASA should assume a leadership role in a cooperative
international Earth observations and research effort to address
key research issues associated with climate change and its
impacts on the Earth system.
(6) NASA should undertake a program of aeronautical
research, development, and where appropriate demonstration
activities with the overarching goals of--
(A) ensuring that the Nation's future air
transportation system can handle up to 3 times the
current travel demand and incorporate new vehicle types
with no degradation in safety or adverse environmental
impact on local communities;
(B) protecting the environment;
(C) promoting the security of the Nation; and
(D) retaining the leadership of the United States
in global aviation.
(7) Human and robotic exploration of the solar system will
be a significant long term undertaking of humanity in the 21st
century and beyond, and it is in the national interest that the
United States should assume a leadership role in a cooperative
international exploration initiative.
(8) Developing United States human space flight
capabilities to allow independent American access to the
International Space Station, and to explore beyond low Earth
orbit, is a strategically important national imperative, and
all prudent steps should thus be taken to bring the Orion Crew
Exploration Vehicle and Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle to full
operational capability as soon as practicable.
(9) NASA's scientific research activities have contributed
much to the advancement of knowledge, provided societal
benefits, and helped train the next generation of scientists
and engineers, and those activities should continue to be an
important priority.
(10) NASA should make a sustained commitment to a robust
long-term technology development activity. Such investments
represent the critically important ``seed corn'' on which
NASA's ability to carry out challenging and productive missions
in the future will depend.
(11) NASA, through its pursuit of challenging and relevant
activities, can provide an important stimulus to the next
generation to pursue careers in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics.
(12) Commercial activities have substantially contributed
to the strength of both the United States space program and the
national economy, and the development of a healthy and robust
United States commercial space sector should continue to be
encouraged.
(13) It is in the national interest for the United States
to have an export control policy that protects the national
security while also enabling the United States aerospace
industry to compete effectively in the global market place and
the United States to undertake cooperative programs in science
and human space flight in an effective and efficient manner.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of NASA.
(2) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
(3) NOAA.--The term ``NOAA'' means the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
(4) OSTP.--The term ``OSTP'' means the Office of Science
and Technology Policy.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
SEC. 101. FISCAL YEAR 2009.
(a) Baseline Authorization.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to NASA for fiscal year 2009 $19,210,000,000, as follows:
(1) For Science, $4,932,200,000, of which--
(A) $1,518,000,000 shall be for Earth Science,
including $29,200,000 for Suborbital activities and
$2,500,000 for carrying out section 313 of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act
of 2005 (Public Law 109-155);
(B) $1,483,000,000 shall be for Planetary Science,
including $486,500,000 for the Mars Exploration
program, $2,000,000 to continue planetary radar
operations at the Arecibo Observatory in support of the
Near-Earth Object program, and $5,000,000 for
radioisotope material production, to remain available
until expended;
(C) $1,290,400,000 shall be for Astrophysics,
including $27,300,000 for Suborbital activities;
(D) $640,800,000 shall be for Heliophysics,
including $50,000,000 for Suborbital activities; and
(E) $75,000,000 shall be for Cross-Science Mission
Directorate Technology Development, to be taken on a
proportional basis from the funding subtotals under
subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D).
(2) For Aeronautics, $853,400,000, of which $406,900,000
shall be for system-level research, development, and
demonstration activities related to--
(A) aviation safety;
(B) environmental impact mitigation, including
noise, energy efficiency, and emissions;
(C) support of the Next Generation Air
Transportation System initiative; and
(D) investigation of new vehicle concepts and
flight regimes.
(3) For Exploration, $3,886,000,000, of which $100,000,000
shall be for the activities under sections 902(b) and 902(d);
and $737,800,000 shall be for Advanced Capabilities, including
$106,300,000 for the Lunar Precursor Robotic Program,
$276,500,000 for International Space Station-related research
and development activities, and $355,000,000 for research and
development activities not related to the International Space
Station.
(4) For Education, $128,300,000.
(5) For Space Operations, $6,074,700,000, of which--
(A) $150,000,000 shall be for an additional Space
Shuttle flight to deliver the Alpha Magnetic
Spectrometer to the International Space Station;
(B) $100,000,000 shall be to augment funding for
International Space Station Cargo Services to enhance
research utilization of the International Space
Station, to remain available until expended; and
(C) $50,000,000 shall be to augment funding for
Space Operations Mission Directorate reserves and
Shuttle Transition and Retirement activities.
(6) For Cross-Agency Support Programs, $3,299,900,000.
(7) For Inspector General, $35,500,000.
(b) Additional Authorization To Address Human Space Flight Gap.--
In addition to the sums authorized by subsection (a), there are
authorized to be appropriated for the purposes described in subsection
(a)(3) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, to be used to accelerate
the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration
Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle and associated ground
support systems, to remain available until expended.
TITLE II--EARTH SCIENCE
SEC. 201. GOAL.
The goal for NASA's Earth Science program shall be to pursue a
program of Earth observations, research, and applications activities to
better understand the Earth, how it supports life, and how human
activities affect its ability to do so in the future. In pursuit of
this goal, NASA's Earth Science program shall ensure that securing
practical benefits for society will be an important measure of its
success in addition to securing new knowledge about the Earth system
and climate change. In further pursuit of this goal, NASA shall assume
a leadership role in developing and carrying out a cooperative
international Earth observations-based research and applications
program.
SEC. 202. GOVERNANCE OF UNITED STATES EARTH OBSERVATIONS ACTIVITIES.
(a) Study.--The Director of the OSTP shall enter into an
arrangement with the National Academies for a study to determine the
most appropriate governance structure for United States Earth
Observations programs in order to meet evolving United States Earth
information needs and facilitate United States participation in global
Earth Observations initiatives.
(b) Report.--The Director shall transmit the study to the Committee
on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not
later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and shall
provide OSTP's plan for implementing the study's recommendations not
later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 203. DECADAL SURVEY MISSIONS.
(a) In General.--The missions recommended in the National
Academies' decadal survey ``Earth Science and Applications from Space''
provide the basis for a compelling and relevant program of research and
applications, and the Administrator should work to establish an
international cooperative effort to pursue those missions.
(b) Plan.--The Administrator shall prepare a plan for submission to
Congress not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this
Act that shall describe how NASA intends to implement the missions
recommended as described in subsection (a), whether by means of
dedicated NASA missions, multi-agency missions, international
cooperative missions, data sharing, or commercial data buys, or by
means of long-term technology development to determine whether specific
missions would be executable at a reasonable cost and within a
reasonable schedule.
SEC. 204. TRANSITIONING EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH INTO OPERATIONAL
SERVICES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that
experimental NASA sensors and missions that have the potential to
benefit society if transitioned into operational monitoring systems be
transitioned into operational status whenever possible.
(b) Interagency Process.--The Director of OSTP, in consultation
with the Administrator and the Administrator of NOAA, shall develop a
process for Federal agencies to transition, when appropriate, NASA
Earth science and space weather missions or sensors into operational
status. The process shall include coordination of annual agency budget
requests as required to execute the transitions.
(c) Responsible Agency Official.--The Administrator and the
Administrator of NOAA shall each designate an agency official who shall
have the responsibility for and authority to lead NASA's and NOAA's
transition activities and interagency coordination.
(d) Plan.--For each mission or sensor that is determined to be
appropriate for transition under subsection (b), NASA and NOAA shall
transmit to Congress a joint plan for conducting the transition. The
plan shall include the strategy, milestones, and budget required to
execute the transition. The transition plan shall be transmitted to
Congress not later than 60 days after the successful completion of the
mission or sensor critical design review.
SEC. 205. LANDSAT THERMAL INFRARED DATA CONTINUITY.
(a) Plan.--In view of the importance of Landsat thermal infrared
data for both scientific research and water management applications,
the Administrator shall prepare a plan for ensuring the continuity of
Landsat thermal infrared data or its equivalent, including allocation
of costs and responsibility for the collection and distribution of the
data, and a budget plan. As part of the plan, the Administrator shall
provide an option for developing a thermal infrared sensor at minimum
cost to be flown on the Landsat Data Continuity Mission with minimum
delay to the schedule of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission.
(b) Deadline.--The plan shall be provided to Congress not later
than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 206. REAUTHORIZATION OF GLORY MISSION.
(a) Reauthorization.--Congress reauthorizes NASA to continue with
development of the Glory Mission, which will examine how aerosols and
solar energy affect the Earth's climate.
(b) Baseline Report.--Pursuant to the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155),
not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall transmit a new baseline report consistent with
section 103(b)(2) of such Act. The report shall include an analysis of
the factors contributing to cost growth and the steps taken to address
them.
SEC. 207. PLAN FOR DISPOSITION OF DEEP SPACE CLIMATE OBSERVATORY.
(a) Plan.--NASA shall develop a plan for the Deep Space Climate
Observatory (DSCOVR), including such options as using the parts of the
spacecraft in the development and assembly of other science missions,
transferring the spacecraft to another agency, reconfiguring the
spacecraft for another Earth science mission, establishing a public-
private partnership for the mission, and entering into an international
cooperative partnership to use the spacecraft for its primary or other
purposes. The plan shall include an estimate of budgetary resources and
schedules required to implement each of the options.
(b) Consultation.--NASA shall consult, as necessary, with other
Federal agencies, industry, academic institutions, and international
space agencies in developing the plan.
(c) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit the plan required
under subsection (a) to the Committee on Science and Technology of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
TITLE III--AERONAUTICS
SEC. 301. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AIRCRAFT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
INITIATIVE.
The Administrator shall establish an initiative of research,
development, and demonstration, in a relevant environment, of
technologies to enable the following commercial aircraft performance
characteristics:
(1) Noise levels on takeoff and on airport approach and
landing that do not exceed ambient noise levels in the absence
of flight operations in the vicinity of airports from which
such commercial aircraft would normally operate, without
increasing energy consumption or nitrogen oxide emissions
compared to aircraft in commercial service as of the date of
enactment of this Act.
(2) Significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
compared to aircraft in commercial services as of the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 302. RESEARCH ALIGNMENT.
In addition to pursuing the research and development initiative
described in section 301, the Administrator shall, to the maximum
extent practicable within available funding, align the fundamental
aeronautics research program to address high priority technology
challenges of the National Academies' Decadal Survey of Civil
Aeronautics.
SEC. 303. RESEARCH PROGRAM TO DETERMINE PERCEIVED IMPACT OF SONIC
BOOMS.
(a) In General.--The ability to fly commercial aircraft over land
at supersonic speeds without adverse impacts on the environment or on
local communities would open new markets and enable new transportation
capabilities. In order to have the basis for establishing an
appropriate sonic boom standard for such flight operations, a research
program is needed to assess the impact in a relevant environment of
commercial supersonic flight operations.
(b) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a cooperative
research program with industry, including the conduct of flight
demonstrations in a relevant environment, to collect data on the
perceived impact of sonic booms that would enable the promulgation of a
standard that would have to be met for overland commercial supersonic
flight operations.
SEC. 304. EXTERNAL REVIEW OF NASA'S AVIATION SAFETY-RELATED RESEARCH
PROGRAMS.
(a) Review.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with
the National Research Council for an independent review of NASA's
aviation safety-related research programs. The review shall assess
whether--
(1) the programs have well-defined, prioritized, and
appropriate research objectives;
(2) the programs are properly coordinated with the safety
research programs of the Federal Aviation Administration and
other relevant Federal agencies;
(3) the programs have allocated appropriate resources to
each of the research objectives; and
(4) suitable mechanisms exist for transitioning the
research results from the programs into operational
technologies and procedures and certification activities in a
timely manner.
(b) Report.--Not later than 14 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Science
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the
results of the review.
SEC. 305. INTERAGENCY RESEARCH INITIATIVE ON THE IMPACT OF AVIATION ON
THE CLIMATE.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in coordination with the United
States Climate Change Science Program and other appropriate agencies,
shall establish a research initiative to assess the impact of aviation
on the climate and, if warranted, to evaluate approaches to mitigate
that impact.
(b) Research Plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the participating Federal entities shall jointly
develop a plan for the research initiative that contains objectives,
proposed tasks, milestones, and a 5-year budgetary profile.
(c) Review.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with
the National Research Council for conducting an independent review of
the interagency research program plan, and shall provide the results of
that review to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 306. RESEARCH PROGRAM ON DESIGN FOR CERTIFICATION.
(a) Program.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, NASA, in consultation with other appropriate agencies,
shall establish a research program on methods to improve both
confidence in and the timeliness of certification of new technologies
for their introduction into the national airspace system.
(b) Research Plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, as part of the activity described in subsection
(a), NASA shall develop a plan for the research program that contains
objectives, proposed tasks, milestones, and a 5-year budgetary profile.
(c) Review.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with
the National Research Council for conducting an independent review of
the research program plan, and shall provide the results of that review
to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 307. AVIATION WEATHER RESEARCH.
The Administrator shall establish a program of collaborative
research with NOAA on convective weather events, with the goal of
significantly improving the reliability of 2-hour to 6-hour aviation
weather forecasts.
SEC. 308. JOINT AERONAUTICS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--A joint Aeronautics Research and Development
Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Advisory
Committee'') shall be established.
(b) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall--
(1) assess, and make recommendations regarding, the
coordination of research and development activities of NASA and
the Federal Aviation Administration;
(2) assess, and make recommendations regarding, the status
of the activities of NASA and the Federal Aviation
Administration's research and development programs as they
relate to the recommendations contained in the National
Research Council's 2006 report entitled ``Decadal Survey of
Civil Aeronautics'', and the recommendations contained in
subsequent National Research Council reports of a similar
nature; and
(3) not later than March 15 of each year, transmit a report
to the Administrator, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration, the Committee on Science and Technology of the
House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the Advisory
Committee's findings and recommendations under paragraphs (1)
and (2).
(c) Membership.--The Advisory Committee shall consist of 10
members, none of whom shall be a Federal employee, including--
(1) 5 members selected by the Administrator; and
(2) 5 members selected by the Chair of the Federal Aviation
Administration's Research, Engineering, and Development
Advisory Committee (REDAC).
(d) Selection Process.--Initial selections under subsection (c)
shall be made within 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as provided in subsection
(c).
(e) Chairperson.--The Advisory Committee shall select a chairperson
from among its members.
(f) Coordination.--The Advisory Committee shall coordinate with the
advisory bodies of other Federal agencies, which may engage in related
research activities.
(g) Compensation.--The members of the Advisory Committee shall
serve without compensation, but shall receive travel expenses,
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections
5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
(h) Meetings.--The Advisory Committee shall convene, in person or
by electronic means, at least 4 times per year.
(i) Quorum.--A majority of the members serving on the Advisory
Committee shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting the
business of the Advisory Committee.
(j) Duration.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act
shall not apply to the Advisory Committee.
SEC. 309. FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF
OTHER MISSION DIRECTORATES.
Research and development activities performed by the Aeronautics
Research Mission Directorate with the primary objective of assisting in
the development of a flight project in another Mission Directorate
shall be funded by the Mission Directorate seeking assistance.
SEC. 310. UNIVERSITY-BASED CENTERS FOR RESEARCH ON AVIATION TRAINING.
Section 427(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155) is amended by striking
``may'' and inserting ``shall''.
TITLE IV--INTERNATIONAL EXPLORATION INITIATIVE
SEC. 401. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that the President of the United States
should invite America's friends and allies to participate in a long-
term international initiative under the leadership of the United States
to expand human and robotic presence into the solar system, including
the exploration and utilization of the Moon, near Earth asteroids,
Lagrangian points, and eventually Mars and its moons, among other
exploration and utilization goals.
SEC. 402. STEPPING STONE APPROACH TO EXPLORATION.
In order to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the long-term
exploration and utilization activities of the United States, the
Administrator shall take all necessary steps to ensure that activities
in its lunar exploration program shall be designed and implemented in a
manner that gives strong consideration to how those activities might
also help meet the requirements of future exploration and utilization
activities beyond the Moon. The timetable of the lunar phase of the
long-term international exploration initiative shall be determined by
the availability of funding and agreement on an international
cooperative framework for the conduct of the international exploration
initiative. However, once an exploration-related project enters its
development phase, the Administrator shall seek, to the maximum extent
practicable, to complete that project without undue delays.
SEC. 403. LUNAR OUTPOST.
(a) Establishment.--As NASA works toward the establishment of a
lunar outpost, NASA shall make no plans that would require a lunar
outpost to be occupied to maintain its viability. Any such outpost
shall be operable as a human-tended facility capable of remote or
autonomous operation for extended periods.
(b) Designation.--The United States portion of the first human-
tended outpost established on the surface of the Moon shall be
designated the ``Neil A. Armstrong Lunar Outpost''.
(c) Congressional Intent.--It is the intent of Congress that NASA
shall make use of commercial services to the maximum extent practicable
in support of its lunar outpost activities.
SEC. 404. EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--A robust program of long-term exploration-related
technology research and development will be essential for the success
and sustainability of any enduring initiative of human and robotic
exploration of the solar system.
(b) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish and maintain
a program of long-term exploration-related technology research and
development that is not tied to specific flight projects and that has a
funding goal of at least 10 percent of the total budget of the
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate.
(c) Goals.--The long-term technology program shall have the goal of
having at least 50 percent of the funding allocated to external grants
and contracts with universities, research institutions, and industry.
SEC. 405. EXPLORATION RISK MITIGATION PLAN.
(a) Plan.--The Administrator shall prepare a plan that identifies
and prioritizes the scientific and technical risks that will need to be
addressed in carrying out human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and
the research and development activities required to address those
risks. The plan shall address the role of the International Space
Station in exploration risk mitigation and include a detailed
description of the specific steps being taken to utilize the
International Space Station for that purpose.
(b) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on
Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the
plan described in subsection (a) not later than one year after the date
of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 406. EXPLORATION CREW RESCUE.
In order to maximize the ability to rescue astronauts whose space
vehicles have become disabled, the Administrator shall enter into
discussions with the appropriate representatives of spacefaring nations
who have or plan to have crew transportation systems capable of orbital
flight or flight beyond low Earth orbit for the purpose of agreeing on
a common docking system standard.
SEC. 407. PARTICIPATORY EXPLORATION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall develop a technology plan
to enable dissemination of information to the public to allow the
public to experience missions to the Moon, Mars, or other bodies within
our solar system by leveraging advanced exploration technologies. The
plan shall identify opportunities to leverage technologies in NASA's
Constellation systems that deliver a rich, multi-media experience to
the public, and that facilitate participation by the public, the
private sector, and international partners. Technologies for collecting
high-definition video, 3-dimensional images, and scientific data, along
with the means to rapidly deliver this content through extended high
bandwidth communications networks shall be considered as part of this
plan. It shall include a review of high bandwidth radio and laser
communications, high-definition video, stereo imagery, 3-dimensional
scene cameras, and Internet routers in space, from orbit, and on the
lunar surface. The plan shall also consider secondary cargo capability
for technology validation and science mission opportunities. In
addition, the plan shall identify opportunities to develop and
demonstrate these technologies on the International Space Station and
robotic missions to the Moon.
(b) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit the plan to the Committee on
Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
SEC. 408. SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION.
It is the sense of Congress that NASA's scientific and human
exploration activities are synergistic, i.e. science enables
exploration and human exploration enables science. The Congress
encourages the Administrator to coordinate, where practical, NASA's
science and exploration activities with the goal of maximizing the
success of human exploration initiatives and furthering our
understanding of the Universe that we explore.
TITLE V--SPACE SCIENCE
SEC. 501. TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT.
The Administrator shall establish a cross-Directorate long-term
technology development program for space and Earth science within the
Science Mission Directorate for the development of new technology. The
program shall be independent of the flight projects under development.
NASA shall have a goal of funding the cross-Directorate technology
development program at a level of 5 percent of the total Science
Mission Directorate annual budget. The program shall be structured to
include competitively awarded grants and contracts.
SEC. 502. PROVISION FOR FUTURE SERVICING OF OBSERVATORY-CLASS
SCIENTIFIC SPACECRAFT.
The Administrator shall take all necessary steps to ensure that
provision is made in the design and construction of all future
observatory-class scientific spacecraft intended to be deployed in
Earth orbit or at a Lagrangian point in space for robotic or human
servicing and repair.
SEC. 503. MARS EXPLORATION.
Congress reaffirms its support for a systematic, integrated program
of exploration of the Martian surface to examine the planet whose
surface is most like Earth's, to search for evidence of past or present
life, and to examine Mars for future habitability and as a long-term
goal for future human exploration.
SEC. 504. IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED SCIENCE PROGRAM.
It is the sense of Congress that a balanced and adequately funded
set of activities, consisting of NASA's research and analysis grants
programs, technology development, small, medium-sized, and large space
science missions, and suborbital research activities, contributes to a
robust and productive science program and serves as a catalyst for
innovation. It is further the sense of Congress that suborbital flight
activities, including the use of sounding rockets, aircraft, and high-
altitude balloons, offer valuable opportunities to advance science,
train the next generation of scientists and engineers, and provide
opportunities for participants in the programs to acquire skills in
systems engineering and systems integration that are critical to
maintaining the Nation's leadership in space programs. The Congress
believes that it is in the national interest to expand the size of
NASA's suborbital research program.
SEC. 505. RESTORATION OF RADIOISOTOPE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR MATERIAL
PRODUCTION.
(a) Plan.--The Director of OSTP shall develop a plan for restarting
and sustaining the domestic production of radioisotope thermoelectric
generator material for deep space and other space science missions.
(b) Report.--The plan developed under subsection (a) shall be
transmitted to Congress not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 506. ASSESSMENT OF IMPEDIMENTS TO INTERAGENCY COOPERATION ON SPACE
AND EARTH SCIENCE MISSIONS.
(a) Assessment.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement
with the National Academies to assess impediments to the successful
conduct of interagency cooperation on space and Earth science missions,
to provide lessons learned and best practices, and to recommend steps
to help facilitate successful interagency collaborations on space and
Earth science missions.
(b) Report.--The report of the assessment carried out under
subsection (a) shall be transmitted to the Committee on Science and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 15
months after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 507. ASSESSMENT OF COST GROWTH.
(a) Study.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement for
an independent external assessment to identify the primary causes of
cost growth in the large, medium-sized, and small space and Earth
science spacecraft mission classes, and make recommendations as to what
changes, if any, should be made to contain costs and ensure frequent
mission opportunities in NASA's science spacecraft mission programs.
(b) Report.--The report of the assessment conducted under
subsection (a) shall be submitted to Congress not later than 15 months
after the date of enactment of this Act.
TITLE VI--SPACE OPERATIONS
Subtitle A--International Space Station
SEC. 601. UTILIZATION.
The Administrator shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the
International Space Station remains a viable and productive facility
capable of potential United States utilization through at least 2020
and shall take no steps that would preclude its continued operation and
utilization by the United States after 2016.
SEC. 602. RESEARCH MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) Research Management Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a
research management plan for the International Space Station. The plan
shall include a process for selecting and prioritizing research
activities (including fundamental, applied, commercial, and other
research) for flight on the International Space Station. This plan
shall be used to prioritize resources such as crew time, racks and
equipment, and United States access to international research
facilities and equipment. The plan shall also identify the organization
to be responsible for managing United States research on the
International Space Station, including a description of the
relationship of the management institution with NASA (e.g., internal
NASA office, contract, cooperative agreement, or grant), the estimated
length of time for the arrangement, and the budget required to support
the management institution. The plan shall be developed in consultation
with other Federal agencies, academia, industry, and other relevant
stakeholders. The plan shall be transmitted to Congress not later than
12 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Access to National Laboratory.--The Administrator shall--
(1) establish a process by which to support International
Space Station National Laboratory users in identifying their
requirements for transportation of research supplies to and
from the International Space Station, and for communicating
those requirements to NASA and International Space Station
transportation services providers; and
(2) develop an estimate of the transportation requirements
needed to support users of the International Space Station
National Laboratory and develop a plan for satisfying those
requirements by dedicating a portion of volume on NASA supply
missions to the International Space Station and missions
returning from the International Space Station to Earth.
(c) Assessment.--The Administrator shall--
(1) identify existing research equipment and racks and
support equipment that are manifested for flight; and
(2) provide a detailed description of the status of
research equipment and facilities that were completed or in
development prior to being cancelled, and provide the budget
and milestones for completing and preparing the equipment for
flight on the International Space Station.
(d) Advisory Committee.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an advisory
panel under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to monitor the
activities and management of the International Space Station National
Laboratory.
SEC. 603. CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR CARGO RESUPPLY.
(a) In General.--The International Space Station represents a
significant investment of national resources, and it is a facility that
embodies a cooperative international approach to the exploration and
utilization of space. As such, it is important that its continued
viability and productivity be ensured, to the maximum extent possible,
after the Space Shuttle is retired.
(b) Contingency Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a
contingency plan and arrangements, including use of International Space
Station international partner cargo resupply capabilities, to ensure
the continued viability and productivity of the International Space
Station in the event that United States commercial cargo resupply
services are not available during any extended period after the date
that the Space Shuttle is retired. The plan shall be delivered to the
Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate
not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
Subtitle B--Space Shuttle
SEC. 611. FLIGHT MANIFEST.
(a) Baseline Manifest.--In addition to the Space Shuttle flights
listed as part of the baseline flight manifest as of January 1, 2008,
the Utilization flights ULF-4 and ULF-5 shall be considered part of the
Space Shuttle baseline flight manifest and shall be flown prior to the
retirement of the Space Shuttle.
(b) Additional Flight To Deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to
the International Space Station.--In addition to the flying of the
baseline manifest as described in subsection (a), the Administrator
shall take all necessary steps to fly one additional Space Shuttle
flight to deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the International
Space Station prior to the retirement of the Space Shuttle.
(c) Space Shuttle Retirement Date.--The Space Shuttle shall be
retired following the completion of the baseline flight manifest and
the flight of the additional flight specified in subsection (b), events
that are anticipated to occur in 2010.
SEC. 612. DISPOSITION OF SHUTTLE-RELATED ASSETS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall provide a plan to Congress for the disposition of
the remaining Space Shuttle orbiters and other Space Shuttle program-
related hardware and facilities after the retirement of the Space
Shuttle fleet. The plan shall include a process by which educational
institutions and science museums and other appropriate organizations
may acquire, through loan or disposal by the Federal Government, Space
Shuttle program-related hardware. The Administrator shall not dispose
of any Space Shuttle-related hardware prior to the completion of the
plan.
SEC. 613. SPACE SHUTTLE TRANSITION LIAISON OFFICE.
(a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish an office
within NASA's Office of Human Capital Management that shall assist
local communities affected by the termination of the Space Shuttle
program. The office shall offer technical assistance and serve as a
clearinghouse to assist communities in identifying services available
from other Federal agencies.
(b) Sunset.--The Office established under subsection (a) shall
cease operations 24 months after the last Space Shuttle flight.
Subtitle C--Launch Services
SEC. 621. LAUNCH SERVICES STRATEGY.
(a) In General.--In preparation for the award of contracts to
follow up on the current NASA Launch Services (NLS) contracts, the
Administrator shall develop a strategy for providing domestic
commercial launch services in support of NASA's small and medium-sized
Science, Space Operations, and Exploration missions, consistent with
current law and policy.
(b) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit a report to the
Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate
describing the strategy developed under subsection (a) not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. The report shall
provide, at a minimum--
(1) the results of the Request for Information on small to
medium-sized launch services released on April 22, 2008;
(2) an analysis of possible alternatives to maintain small
and medium-sized lift capabilities after June 30, 2010,
including the use of the Department of Defense's Evolved
Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV);
(3) the recommended alternatives, and associated 5-year
budget plans starting in October 2010 that would enable their
implementation; and
(4) a contingency plan in the event the recommended
alternatives described in paragraph (3) are not available when
needed.
TITLE VII--EDUCATION
SEC. 701. RESPONSE TO REVIEW.
(a) Plan.--The Administrator shall prepare a plan identifying
actions taken or planned in response to the recommendations of the
National Academies report, ``NASA's Elementary and Secondary Education
Program: Review and Critique''. For those actions that have not been
implemented, the plan shall include a schedule and budget required to
support the actions.
(b) Report.--The plan prepared under subsection (a) shall be
transmitted to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 702. EXTERNAL REVIEW OF EXPLORER SCHOOLS PROGRAM.
(a) Review.--The Administrator shall make arrangements for an
independent external review of the Explorer Schools program to evaluate
its goals, status, plans, and accomplishments.
(b) Report.--The report of the independent external review shall be
transmitted to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act.
TITLE VIII--NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS
SEC. 801. IN GENERAL.
The Congress reaffirms the policy direction established in the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005
(Public Law 109-155) for NASA to detect, track, catalogue, and
characterize the physical characteristics of near-Earth objects equal
to or greater than 140 meters in diameter. NASA's Near-Earth Object
program activities will also provide benefits to NASA's scientific and
exploration activities.
SEC. 802. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Near-Earth objects pose a serious and credible threat
to humankind, as many scientists believe that a major asteroid
or comet was responsible for the mass extinction of the
majority of the Earth's species, including the dinosaurs,
nearly 65,000,000 years ago.
(2) Several such near-Earth objects have only been
discovered within days of the objects' closest approach to
Earth and recent discoveries of such large objects indicate
that many large near-Earth objects remain undiscovered.
(3) Asteroid and comet collisions rank as one of the most
costly natural disasters that can occur.
(4) The time needed to eliminate or mitigate the threat of
a collision of a potentially hazardous near-Earth object with
Earth is measured in decades.
(5) Unlike earthquakes and hurricanes, asteroids and comets
can provide adequate collision information, enabling the United
States to include both asteroid-collision and comet-collision
disaster recovery and disaster avoidance in its public-safety
structure.
(6) Basic information is needed for technical and policy
decisionmaking for the United States to create a comprehensive
program in order to be ready to eliminate and mitigate the
serious and credible threats to humankind posed by potentially
hazardous near-Earth asteroids and comets.
(7) As a first step to eliminate and to mitigate the risk
of such collisions, situation and decision analysis processes,
as well as procedures and system resources, must be in place
well before a collision threat becomes known.
SEC. 803. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION.
The Administrator shall issue requests for information on--
(1) a low-cost space mission with the purpose of
rendezvousing with and characterizing the Apophis asteroid,
which scientists estimate will in 2029 pass at a distance from
Earth that is closer than geostationary satellites; and
(2) a medium-sized space mission with the purpose of
detecting near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140
meters in diameter.
SEC. 804. ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICY.
The Director of OSTP shall--
(1) develop a policy for notifying Federal agencies and
relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-
Earth object threat, if near term public safety is at stake;
and
(2) recommend a Federal agency or agencies to be
responsible for protecting the Nation from a near-Earth object
that is anticipated to collide with Earth and implementing a
deflection campaign, in consultation with international bodies,
should one be required.
SEC. 805. PLANETARY RADAR CAPABILITY.
The Administrator shall maintain a planetary radar that is, at
minimum, comparable to the capability provided through the NASA Deep
Space Network Goldstone facility.
SEC. 806. ARECIBO OBSERVATORY.
Congress reiterates its support for the use of the Arecibo
Observatory for NASA-funded near-Earth object-related activities. The
Administrator shall ensure the availability of the Arecibo
Observatory's planetary radar to support these activities until the
National Academies' review of NASA's approach for the survey and
deflection of near-Earth objects, including a determination of the role
of Arecibo, that was directed to be undertaken by the Fiscal Year 2008
Omnibus Appropriations Act, is completed.
TITLE IX--COMMERCIAL INITIATIVES
SEC. 901. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that a healthy and robust commercial
sector can make significant contributions to the successful conduct of
NASA's space exploration program. While some activities are inherently
governmental in nature, there are many other activities, such as
routine supply of water, fuel, and other consumables to low Earth orbit
or to destinations beyond low Earth orbit, and provision of power or
communications services to lunar outposts, that potentially could be
carried out effectively and efficiently by the commercial sector at
some point in the future. Congress encourages NASA to look for such
service opportunities and, to the maximum extent practicable, make use
of the commercial sector to provide those services.
SEC. 902. COMMERCIAL CREW INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--In order to stimulate commercial use of space,
help maximize the utility and productivity of the International Space
Station, and enable a commercial means of providing crew transfer and
crew rescue services for the International Space Station, NASA shall--
(1) make use of United States commercially provided
International Space Station crew transfer and crew rescue
services to the maximum extent practicable, if those commercial
services have demonstrated the capability to meet NASA-
specified ascent, entry, and International Space Station
proximity operations safety requirements;
(2) limit, to the maximum extent practicable, the use of
the Crew Exploration Vehicle to missions carrying astronauts
beyond low Earth orbit once commercial crew transfer and crew
rescue services that meet safety requirements become
operational;
(3) facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, the
transfer of NASA-developed technologies to potential United
States commercial crew transfer and rescue service providers,
consistent with United States law; and
(4) issue a notice of intent, not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, to enter into a funded,
competitively awarded Space Act Agreement with two or more
commercial entities for a Phase 1 Commercial Orbital
Transportation Services (COTS) crewed vehicle demonstration
program.
(b) COTS Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to NASA for the program described in subsection (a)(4)
$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, to remain available until expended.
(c) Congressional Intent.--It is the intent of Congress that
funding for the program described in subsection (a)(4) shall not come
at the expense of full funding for Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle
development, Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle development, or International
Space Station cargo delivery.
(d) Additional Technologies Authorization of Appropriations.--There
are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for the provision of
International Space Station-compatible docking adaptors and other
relevant technologies to be made available to the commercial crew
providers selected to service the International Space Station
$50,000,000, to remain available until expended.
(e) Crew Transfer and Crew Rescue Services Contract.--If a
commercial provider demonstrates the capability to provide
International Space Station crew transfer and crew rescue services and
to satisfy NASA ascent, entry, and International Space Station
proximity operations safety requirements, NASA shall enter into an
International Space Station crew transfer and crew rescue services
contract with that commercial provider for a portion of NASA's
anticipated International Space Station crew transfer and crew rescue
requirements from the time the commercial provider commences operations
under contract with NASA through calendar year 2016, with an option to
extend the period of performance through calendar year 2020.
TITLE X--REVITALIZATION OF NASA INSTITUTIONAL CAPABILITIES
SEC. 1001. REVIEW OF INFORMATION SECURITY CONTROLS.
(a) Report on Controls.--Not later than one year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the
Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a
review of information security controls that protect NASA's information
technology resources and information from inadvertent or deliberate
misuse, fraudulent use, disclosure, modification, or destruction. The
review shall focus on networks servicing NASA's mission directorates.
In assessing these controls, the review shall evaluate--
(1) the network's ability to limit, detect, and monitor
access to resources and information, thereby safeguarding and
protecting them from unauthorized access;
(2) the physical access to network resources; and
(3) the extent to which sensitive research and mission data
is encrypted.
(b) Restricted Report on Intrusions.--Not later than one year after
the date of enactment of this Act, and in conjunction with the report
described in subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall transmit to
the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a restricted report detailing results of vulnerability
assessments conducted by the Government Accountability Office on NASA's
network resources. Intrusion attempts during such vulnerability
assessments shall be divulged to NASA senior management prior to their
application. The report shall put vulnerability assessment results in
the context of unauthorized accesses or attempts during the prior two
years and the corrective actions, recent or ongoing, that NASA has
implemented in conjunction with other Federal authorities to prevent
such intrusions.
SEC. 1002. MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADE OF CENTER FACILITIES.
(a) In General.--In order to sustain healthy Centers that are
capable of carrying out NASA's missions, the Administrator shall ensure
that adequate maintenance and upgrading of those Center facilities is
performed on a regular basis.
(b) Review.--The Administrator shall determine and prioritize the
maintenance and upgrade backlog at each of NASA's Centers and
associated facilities, and shall develop a strategy and budget plan to
reduce that maintenance and upgrade backlog by 50 percent over the next
five years.
(c) Report.--The Administrator shall deliver a report to Congress
on the results of the activities undertaken in subsection (b)
concurrently with the delivery of the fiscal year 2011 budget request.
SEC. 1003. ASSESSMENT OF NASA LABORATORY CAPABILITIES.
(a) In General.--NASA's laboratories are a critical component of
NASA's research capabilities, and the Administrator shall ensure that
those laboratories remain productive.
(b) Review.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement for
an independent external review of NASA's laboratories, including
laboratory equipment, facilities, and support services, to determine
whether they are equipped and maintained at a level adequate to support
NASA's research activities. The assessment shall also include an
assessment of the relative quality of NASA's in-house laboratory
equipment and facilities compared to comparable laboratories elsewhere.
TITLE XI--OTHER PROVISIONS
SEC. 1101. SPACE WEATHER.
(a) Plan for Replacement of Advanced Composition Explorer at L-1
Lagrangian Point.--
(1) Plan.--The Director of OSTP shall develop a plan for
sustaining space-based measurements of solar wind from the L-1
Lagrangian point in space and for the dissemination of the data
for operational purposes. OSTP shall consult with NASA, NOAA,
and other Federal agencies, and with industry, in developing
the plan.
(2) Report.--The Director shall transmit the plan to
Congress not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(b) Research Program on Space Weather and Aviation.--
(1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall, in
coordination with the National Science Foundation, NOAA, and
other relevant agencies, initiate a research program to--
(A) conduct or supervise research projects on
impacts of space weather to aviation, including impacts
on communication, navigation, avionic systems, and
airline passengers and personnel; and
(B) facilitate the transfer of technology from
space weather research programs to Federal agencies
with operational responsibilities and to the private
sector.
(2) Use of grants or cooperative agreements.--The
Administrator may use grants or cooperative agreements in
carrying out this subsection.
(c) Assessment of the Impact of Space Weather on Aviation.--
(1) Study.--The Administrator shall enter into an
arrangement with the National Research Council for a study of
the impacts of space weather on the current and future United
States aviation industry, and in particular to examine the
risks for Over-The-Pole (OTP) and Ultra-Long-Range (ULR)
operations. The study shall--
(A) examine space weather impacts on at least
communications, navigation, avionics, and human health
in flight;
(B) assess the benefits of space weather
information and services to reduce aviation costs and
maintain safety;
(C) provide recommendations on how NASA, NOAA, and
the National Science Foundation can most effectively
carry out research and monitoring activities related to
space weather and aviation; and
(D) provide recommendations on how to integrate
space weather information into the Next Generation Air
Transportation System.
(2) Report.--A report containing the results of the study
shall be provided to the Committee on Science and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1102. SPACE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT.
(a) In General.--As more nations acquire the capabilities for
launching payloads into outer space, there is an increasing need for a
framework under which information intended to promote safe access into
outer space, operations in outer space, and return from outer space to
Earth free from physical or radio-frequency interference can be shared
among those nations.
(b) Discussions.--The Administrator, in consultation with other
appropriate agencies of the Federal Government, shall initiate
discussions with the appropriate representatives of other spacefaring
nations with the goal of determining an appropriate framework under
which information intended to promote safe access into outer space,
operations in outer space, and return from outer space to Earth free
from physical or radio-frequency interference can be shared among those
nations.
SEC. 1103. STUDY OF EXPORT CONTROL POLICIES RELATED TO CIVIL AND
COMMERCIAL SPACE ACTIVITIES.
(a) Review.--The Director of OSTP shall carry out a study of the
impact of current export control policies and implementation directives
on the United States aerospace industry and its competitiveness in
global markets, and on the ability of United States Government agencies
to carry out cooperative activities in science and technology and human
space flight, including the impact on research carried out under the
sponsorship of those agencies.
(b) Consultation.--In carrying out the study, the Director shall
seek input from industry, academia, representatives of the science
community, all affected United States Government agencies, and any
other appropriate organizations and individuals.
(c) Report.--The Director shall provide a report detailing the
findings and recommendations of the study to the Committee on Science
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 9
months after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1104. ASTRONAUT HEALTH CARE.
(a) Survey.--The Administrator shall administer an anonymous survey
of astronauts and flight surgeons to evaluate communication,
relationships, and the effectiveness of policies. The survey questions
and the analysis of results shall be evaluated by experts independent
of NASA. The survey shall be administered on at least a biennial basis.
(b) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit a report of the
results of the survey to Congress not later than 90 days following
completion of the survey.
SEC. 1105. NATIONAL ACADEMIES DECADAL SURVEYS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall enter into agreements on a
periodic basis with the National Academies for independent assessments,
also known as decadal surveys, to take stock of the status and
opportunities for Earth and space science discipline fields and
Aeronautics research and to recommend priorities for research and
programmatic areas over the next decade.
(b) Independent Cost Estimates.--The agreements described in
subsection(a) shall include independent estimates of the life cycle
costs and technical readiness of missions assessed in the decadal
surveys whenever possible.
(c) Reexamination.--The Administrator shall request that each
National Academies decadal survey committee identify any conditions or
events, such as significant cost growth or scientific or technological
advances, that would warrant NASA asking the National Academies to
reexamine the priorities that the decadal survey had established.
SEC. 1106. INNOVATION PRIZES.
(a) In General.--Prizes can play a useful role in encouraging
innovation in the development of technologies and products that can
assist NASA in its aeronautics and space activities, and the use of
such prizes by NASA should be encouraged.
(b) Amendments.--Section 314 of the National Aeronautics and Space
Act of 1958 is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Topics.--In selecting topics for prize competitions, the
Administrator shall consult widely both within and outside the Federal
Government, and may empanel advisory committees. The Administrator
shall give consideration to prize goals such as the demonstration of
the ability to provide energy to the lunar surface from space-based
solar power systems, demonstration of innovative near-Earth object
survey and deflection strategies, and innovative approaches to
improving the safety and efficiency of aviation systems.''; and
(2) in subsection (i)(4) by striking ``$10,000,000'' and
inserting ``$50,000,000''.
<all>