[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2687 Introduced in House (IH)]

113th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 2687

    To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space 
                Administration, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 15, 2013

    Mr. Palazzo (for himself and Mr. Smith of Texas) introduced the 
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, 
                             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 2013''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 101. Fiscal year 2014.
Sec. 102. Fiscal year 2015.
Sec. 103. Budget control.
                      TITLE II--HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT

                        Subtitle A--Exploration

Sec. 201. Space exploration policy.
Sec. 202. Stepping stone approach to exploration.
Sec. 203. Space Launch System.
Sec. 204. Orion crew capsule.
Sec. 205. Advanced booster competition.
                      Subtitle B--Space Operations

Sec. 211. Findings.
Sec. 212. International Space Station.
Sec. 213. Commercial crew report.
Sec. 214. Flight readiness demonstration.
Sec. 215. Certification Products Contract phase two.
Sec. 216. Space communications.
                           TITLE III--SCIENCE

                          Subtitle A--General

Sec. 301. Science portfolio.
Sec. 302. Assessment of science mission extensions.
Sec. 303. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators.
Sec. 304. Congressional declaration of policy and purpose.
                        Subtitle B--Astrophysics

Sec. 311. Decadal cadence.
Sec. 312. Extrasolar planet exploration strategy.
Sec. 313. James Webb Space Telescope.
Sec. 314. Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope.
Sec. 315. National Reconnaissance Office telescope donation.
                     Subtitle C--Planetary Science

Sec. 321. Decadal cadence.
Sec. 322. Near-Earth objects.
Sec. 323. Astrobiology strategy.
Sec. 324. Public-private partnerships.
                        Subtitle D--Heliophysics

Sec. 331. Decadal cadence.
Sec. 332. Review of space weather.
Sec. 333. Deep Space Climate Observatory.
                       Subtitle E--Earth Science

Sec. 341. Goal.
Sec. 342. Decadal cadence.
Sec. 343. Research to operations.
Sec. 344. Interagency coordination.
Sec. 345. Joint Polar Satellite System climate sensors.
Sec. 346. Land imaging.
Sec. 347. Sources of Earth science data.
                         TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS

Sec. 401. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 402. Unmanned aerial systems research and development.
Sec. 403. Research program on composite materials used in aeronautics.
Sec. 404. Hypersonic research.
Sec. 405. Supersonic research.
Sec. 406. Research on NextGen airspace management concepts and tools.
Sec. 407. Rotorcraft research.
                       TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 501. Space technology.
                          TITLE VI--EDUCATION

Sec. 601. Education.
                      TITLE VII--POLICY PROVISIONS

Sec. 701. Asteroid Retrieval Mission.
Sec. 702. Termination liability.
Sec. 703. Indemnification extension.
Sec. 704. Baseline and cost controls.
Sec. 705. Project and program reserves.
Sec. 706. Independent reviews.
Sec. 707. Space Act Agreements.
Sec. 708. Human spaceflight accident investigations.
Sec. 709. Commercial technology transfer program.
Sec. 710. Orbital debris.
Sec. 711. NASA leadership.
Sec. 712. NASA Advisory Council.
Sec. 713. Cost estimation.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
            (2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
        Administrator of the Administration.
            (3) Orion crew capsule.--The term ``Orion crew capsule'' 
        refers to the multipurpose crew vehicle described in section 
        303 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
        Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323).
            (4) Space act agreement.--The term ``Space Act Agreement'' 
        means an agreement created under the authority to enter into 
        ``other transactions'' under section 20113(e) of title 51, 
        United States Code.
            (5) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System'' 
        refers to the follow-on Government-owned civil launch system 
        developed, managed, and operated by the Administration to serve 
        as a key component to expand human presence beyond low-Earth 
        orbit, as described in section 302 of the National Aeronautics 
        and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
        18322).

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

SEC. 101. FISCAL YEAR 2014.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administration for 
fiscal year 2014 $16,865,200,000 as follows:
            (1) For Space Exploration, $4,007,400,000, of which--
                    (A) $1,802,400,000 shall be for the Space Launch 
                System;
                    (B) $1,200,000,000 shall be for the Orion crew 
                capsule;
                    (C) $305,000,000 shall be for Exploration Research 
                and Development; and
                    (D) $700,000,000 shall be for Commercial Crew 
                Development activities.
            (2) For Space Operations, $3,817,900,000, of which--
                    (A) $2,984,100,000 shall be for the International 
                Space Station Program; and
                    (B) $833,800,000 shall be for Space and Flight 
                Support.
            (3) For Science, $4,626,900,000, of which--
                    (A) $1,200,000,000 shall be for Earth Science;
                    (B) $1,500,000,000 shall be for Planetary Science, 
                of which $30,000,000 shall be for the Astrobiology 
                Institute;
                    (C) $642,300,000 shall be for Astrophysics;
                    (D) $658,200,000 shall be for the James Webb Space 
                Telescope; and
                    (E) $626,400,000 shall be for Heliophysics.
            (4) For Aeronautics, $565,700,000.
            (5) For Space Technology, $500,000,000.
            (6) For Education, $125,000,000.
            (7) For Cross-Agency Support, $2,600,000,000, of which--
                    (A) $2,000,000,000 shall be for Center Management 
                and Operations; and
                    (B) $600,000,000 shall be for Agency Management and 
                Operations.
            (8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and 
        Restoration, $587,000,000, of which--
                    (A) $542,000,000 shall be for Construction and 
                Facilities; and
                    (B) $45,000,000 shall be for Environmental 
                Compliance and Restoration.
            (9) For Inspector General, $35,300,000.

SEC. 102. FISCAL YEAR 2015.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administration for 
fiscal year 2015 $16,865,200,000 as follows:
            (1) For Space Exploration, $4,007,400,000, of which--
                    (A) $1,802,400,000 shall be for the Space Launch 
                System;
                    (B) $1,200,000,000 shall be for the Orion crew 
                capsule;
                    (C) $305,000,000 shall be for Exploration Research 
                and Development; and
                    (D) $700,000,000 shall be for Commercial Crew 
                Development activities.
            (2) For Space Operations, $3,817,900,000, of which--
                    (A) $2,984,100,000 shall be for the International 
                Space Station Program; and
                    (B) $833,800,000 shall be for Space and Flight 
                Support.
            (3) For Science, $4,626,900,000, of which--
                    (A) $1,200,000,000 shall be for Earth Science;
                    (B) $1,500,000,000 shall be for Planetary Science, 
                of which $30,000,000 shall be for the Astrobiology 
                Institute;
                    (C) $642,300,000 shall be for Astrophysics;
                    (D) $658,200,000 shall be for the James Webb Space 
                Telescope; and
                    (E) $626,400,000 shall be for Heliophysics.
            (4) For Aeronautics, $565,700,000.
            (5) For Space Technology, $500,000,000.
            (6) For Education, $125,000,000.
            (7) For Cross-Agency Support, $2,600,000,000, of which--
                    (A) $2,000,000,000 shall be for Center Management 
                and Operations; and
                    (B) $600,000,000 shall be for Agency Management and 
                Operations.
            (8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and 
        Restoration, $587,000,000, of which--
                    (A) $542,000,000 shall be for Construction and 
                Facilities; and
                    (B) $45,000,000 shall be for Environmental 
                Compliance and Restoration.
            (9) For Inspector General, $35,300,000.

SEC. 103. BUDGET CONTROL.

    The amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Administration for 
fiscal years 2014 and 2015 are consistent with the Budget Control Act 
of 2011 (Public Law 112-25). If such Act is repealed or replaced with 
an Act that increases allocations, there are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Administration such sums as that increase allows, 
with increases allocated as follows:
            (1) One-third of such increase shall be for the 
        International Space Station Program.
            (2) One-third of such increase shall be for the Space 
        Launch System.
            (3) One-third of such increase shall be divided evenly 
        between--
                    (A) Commercial Crew Development activities; and
                    (B) the Orion crew capsule.

                      TITLE II--HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT

                        Subtitle A--Exploration

SEC. 201. SPACE EXPLORATION POLICY.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Congress supports a human exploration program that is 
        not critically dependent on the achievement of milestones by 
        fixed dates and an exploration technology development program 
        to enable lunar human and robotic operations, as described in 
        paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 70502 of title 51, United 
        States Code.
            (2) Congress supports the expansion of permanent human 
        presence beyond low-Earth orbit, in a manner involving 
        international partners where practical.
            (3) Congress remains committed to ensuring that authorized 
        budgets for the human space flight program should allow the 
        Administration to maintain high safety standards.
            (4) Exploration deeper into the solar system should be the 
        core mission of the Administration.
            (5) Congress strongly supports the development of the Space 
        Launch System and the Orion crew capsule as the enabling 
        elements for human exploration, advanced scientific missions, 
        and national security priorities beyond low-Earth orbit.
    (b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that the 
development of capabilities and technologies necessary for human 
missions to lunar orbit, the surface of the Moon, the surface of Mars, 
and beyond shall be the goal of the Administration's human space flight 
program.
    (c) Vision for Space Exploration.--Section 20302 of title 51, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall establish a program to 
develop a sustained human presence on the Moon and the surface of Mars, 
including a robust precursor program that follows the stepping stone 
plan required in section 70504 to promote exploration, science, 
commerce, and United States preeminence in space. The Administrator is 
further authorized to develop and conduct appropriate international 
collaborations in pursuit of such program, but the absence of an 
international partner may not be justification for failure to pursue 
such program in a timely manner.'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(1) Returning Americans to the Moon.'';
                    (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(2) Launching the first crewed mission of the fully 
        integrated Orion crew capsule with the Space Launch System as 
        close to 2020 as possible.''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``from Mars and'' 
                and inserting ``from the Moon, Mars, and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Orion crew capsule.--The term `Orion crew capsule' 
        refers to the multipurpose crew vehicle described in section 
        303 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
        Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323).
            ``(2) Space launch system.--The term `Space Launch System' 
        refers to the follow-on Government-owned civil launch system 
        developed, managed, and operated by the Administration to serve 
        as a key component to expand human presence beyond low-Earth 
        orbit, as described in section 302 of the National Aeronautics 
        and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
        18322).''.
    (d) Key Objectives.--Section 202(b) of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(b)) is 
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(5) to accelerate the development of capabilities to 
        enable a human exploration mission to the surface of Mars and 
        beyond through the prioritization of those technologies and 
        capabilities best suited for such a mission in accordance with 
        the Mars Human Exploration Roadmap under section 70504 of title 
        51, United States Code.''.
    (e) Use of Non-United States Human Space Flight Transportation 
Capabilities.--Section 201(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18311(a)) is 
amended to read as follows:
    ``(a) Use of Non-United States Human Space Flight Transportation 
Capabilities.--
            ``(1) In general.--NASA may not obtain non-United States 
        human space flight capabilities unless no domestic commercial 
        provider is available to provide such capabilities.
            ``(2) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
        term `domestic commercial provider' means a person providing 
        space transportation services or other space-related 
        activities, the majority control of which is held by persons 
        other than a Federal, State, local, or foreign government, 
        foreign company, or foreign national.''.
    (f) Repeal of Space Shuttle Capability Assurance.--Section 203 of 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
2010 (42 U.S.C. 18313) is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (b);
            (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``subsection (c)'' and 
        inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
            (3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
        (b) and (c), respectively.

SEC. 202. STEPPING STONE APPROACH TO EXPLORATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 70504 of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 70504. Stepping stone approach to exploration
    ``(a) In General.--In order to maximize the cost effectiveness of 
the long-term space exploration and utilization activities of the 
United States, the Administrator shall direct the Human Exploration and 
Operations Mission Directorate to develop a Mars Human Exploration 
Roadmap to define the specific capabilities and technologies necessary 
to extend human presence to the surface of Mars and the mission sets 
required to demonstrate such capabilities and technologies.
    ``(b) Roadmap Requirements.--In developing the Mars Human 
Exploration Roadmap, the Administrator shall--
            ``(1) include the specific set of capabilities and 
        technologies required to extend human presence to the surface 
        of Mars and the mission sets necessary to demonstrate the 
        proficiency of these capabilities and technologies with an 
        emphasis on using the International Space Station, lunar 
        landings, cis-lunar space, trans-lunar space, Lagrangian 
        points, and the natural satellites of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, 
        as testbeds, as necessary, and shall include the most 
        appropriate process for developing such capabilities and 
        technologies;
            ``(2) provide a specific process for the evolution of the 
        capabilities of the fully integrated Orion crew capsule with 
        the Space Launch System and how these systems demonstrate the 
        capabilities and technologies described in paragraph (1);
            ``(3) provide a description of the capabilities and 
        technologies that could be demonstrated or research data that 
        could be gained through the utilization of the International 
        Space Station and the status of the development of such 
        capabilities and technologies;
            ``(4) describe a framework for international cooperation in 
        the development of all technologies and capabilities required 
        in this section, as well as an assessment of the risks posed by 
        relying on international partners for capabilities and 
        technologies on the critical path of development;
            ``(5) describe a process for utilizing nongovernmental 
        entities for future human exploration beyond trans-lunar space 
        and specify what, if any, synergy could be gained from--
                    ``(A) partnerships using Space Act Agreements (as 
                defined in section 2 of the National Aeronautics and 
                Space Administration Authorization Act of 2013); or
                    ``(B) other acquisition instruments; and
            ``(6) include in the Roadmap an addendum from the NASA 
        Advisory Council, and an addendum from the Aerospace Safety 
        Advisory Panel, each with a statement of review of the Roadmap 
        that shall include--
                    ``(A) subjects of agreement;
                    ``(B) areas of concern; and
                    ``(C) recommendations.
    ``(c) Updates.--The Administrator shall update such Roadmap at 
least every 4 years and include it in the budget for that fiscal year 
transmitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, and 
describe--
            ``(1) the achievements and goals reached in the process of 
        developing such capabilities and technologies during the 4-year 
        period prior to the submission of the Roadmap to Congress; and
            ``(2) the expected goals and achievements in the following 
        4-year period.
    ``(d) Definitions.--The terms `Orion crew capsule' and `Space 
Launch System' have the meanings given such terms in section 20302.''.
    (b) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a copy 
        of the Mars Human Exploration Roadmap developed under section 
        70504 of title 51, United States Code, to the Committee on 
        Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
        and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
        the Senate.
            (2) Updates.--The Administrator shall transmit a copy of 
        each updated Mars Human Exploration Roadmap to the Committee on 
        Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
        and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
        the Senate not later than 7 days after such Roadmap is updated 
        under section 70504(b)(6) of such title.

SEC. 203. SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            (1) the Space Launch System is the most practical approach 
        to reaching the Moon, Mars, and beyond, and Congress reaffirms 
        the policy and minimum capability requirements for the Space 
        Launch System contained in section 302 of the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
        (42 U.S.C. 18322);
            (2) the primary goal for the design of the fully integrated 
        Space Launch System is to safely carry a total payload of 130 
        tons or more to low-Earth orbit to enable human space 
        exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond over the course of 
        the next century as required in section 302(c) of the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
        (42 U.S.C. 18322(c));
            (3) the uncrewed flight test of the 70-ton core element of 
        the Space Launch System fully integrated with the Orion crew 
        capsule as described in section 302(c)(1) of the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
        (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)(1)) is a necessary flight demonstration in 
        an overall program plan, subject to appropriations; and
            (4) the schedule of the 70-ton core element crewed flight 
        demonstration in 2021 with the Space Launch System fully 
        integrated with the Orion crew capsule as described in section 
        302(c)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
        Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)(1)) is subject to 
        appropriations.
    (b) In General.--As required in section 302(c)(2) of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 
U.S.C. 18322(c)(2)), the Administration shall design the Space Launch 
System as a fully integrated vehicle capable of carrying a total 
payload of 130 tons or more into low-Earth orbit in preparation for 
transit for missions beyond low-Earth orbit.
    (c) Progress Report.--
            (1) In general.--Using the President's budget request for 
        fiscal year 2014 and notional numbers requested therein as a 
        baseline, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
        this Act the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on 
        Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
        and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
        the Senate an estimate of--
                    (A) when the 70-ton core element of the Space 
                Launch System fully integrated with the Orion crew 
                capsule may be demonstrated as an operational 
                capability;
                    (B) when the 130-ton Space Launch System fully 
                integrated with the Orion crew capsule may be 
                demonstrated as an operational capability;
                    (C) the projected annual operational costs through 
                2030 for the 130-ton Space Launch System fully 
                integrated with the Orion crew capsule after its 
                operational capability has been demonstrated; and
                    (D) the projected flight rate for the 130-ton Space 
                Launch System fully integrated with the Orion crew 
                capsule through 2030.
            (2) Contingency funding estimates.--If the Administrator 
        determines that the uncrewed test flight of the 70-ton core 
        element of the Space Launch System fully integrated with the 
        Orion crew capsule will not occur on or before December 31, 
        2017, or that the crewed test flight of the 70-ton core element 
        of the Space Launch System fully integrated with the Orion crew 
        capsule will not occur on or before December 31, 2021, the 
        report transmitted under paragraph (1) shall include an 
        estimate of additional funds required through annual 
        appropriations for fiscal years 2015 through 2021 which may be 
        necessary to meet such goals in those years.
    (d) Utilization Report.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, 
shall prepare a report that addresses the effort and budget required to 
enable and utilize a cargo variant of the 130-ton Space Launch System 
configuration described in section 302(c) of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
18322(c)). This report shall also include consideration of the 
technical requirements of the scientific and national security 
communities related to such Space Launch System and shall directly 
assess the utility and estimated cost savings obtained by using such 
Space Launch System for national security and space science missions. 
The Administrator shall transmit such report to the Committee on 
Science, Space, 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.

SEC. 204. ORION CREW CAPSULE.

    (a) In General.--The Orion crew capsule shall meet the practical 
needs and the minimum capability requirements described in section 303 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act 
of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323).
    (b) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate--
            (1) detailing those components and systems of the Orion 
        crew capsule that ensure it is in compliance with section 
        303(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 18323(b));
            (2) detailing the expected date that the Orion crew capsule 
        will be available to transport crew and cargo to the 
        International Space Station; and
            (3) certifying that the requirements of section 303(b)(3) 
        of such Act (42 U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)) will be met by the 
        Administration in time for the first crewed test flight in 
        2021.

SEC. 205. ADVANCED BOOSTER COMPETITION.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Associate Administrator of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that--
            (1) describes the estimated total development cost of an 
        advanced booster for the Space Launch System; and
            (2) details any reductions or increases to the development 
        cost of the Space Launch System which may result from 
        conducting a competition for an advanced booster.
    (b) Competition.--If the Associate Administrator reports reductions 
pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (a), then the Administration 
shall conduct a full and open competition for an advanced booster for 
the Space Launch System to meet the requirements described in section 
302(c) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)), to begin not later than 
1 year after the Associate Administrator transmits the report required 
under subsection (a).

                      Subtitle B--Space Operations

SEC. 211. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) The International Space Station is the ideal short-term 
        testbed for future exploration systems development, including 
        long-duration space travel.
            (2) The use of the private market to provide cargo and crew 
        transportation services is currently the most expeditious 
        process to restore domestic access to the International Space 
        Station and low-Earth orbit.
            (3) Government-assured access to low-Earth orbit is 
        paramount to the continued success of the International Space 
        Station and National Laboratory.
            (4) Acquiring and maintaining an operational domestic 
        commercial crew transportation service by the year 2017 is of 
        the utmost importance for the future viability of the 
        International Space Station and National Laboratory.

SEC. 212. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.

    (a) In General.--The following is the policy of the United States:
            (1) The International Space Station shall be utilized to 
        the maximum extent practicable for the development of 
        capabilities and technologies needed for the future of human 
        exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.
            (2) The Administrator shall, in consultation with the 
        International Space Station partners--
                    (A) take all necessary measures to support the 
                operation and full utilization of the International 
                Space Station; and
                    (B) seek to minimize, to the extent practicable, 
                the operating costs of the International Space Station.
            (3) Reliance on foreign carriers for crew transfer is 
        unacceptable, and the Nation's human space flight program must 
        acquire the capability to launch United States astronauts on 
        United States rockets from United States soil as soon as is 
        safe and practically possible, whether on Government-owned and 
        operated space transportation systems or privately owned 
        systems that have been certified for flight by the appropriate 
        Federal agencies.
    (b) Reaffirmation of Policy.--Congress reaffirms--
            (1) its commitment to the development of a commercially 
        developed launch and delivery system to the International Space 
        Station for crew missions as expressed in the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 
        (Public Law 109-155), the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-422), 
        and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
        Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-267);
            (2) that the Administration shall make use of United States 
        commercially provided International Space Station crew transfer 
        and crew rescue services to the maximum extent practicable; and
            (3) the policy stated in section 501(b) of the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
        (42 U.S.C. 18351(b)) that the Administration shall pursue 
        international, commercial, and intragovernmental means to 
        maximize International Space Station logistics supply, 
        maintenance, and operational capabilities, reduce risks to 
        International Space Station systems sustainability, and offset 
        and minimize United States operations costs relating to the 
        International Space Station.
    (c) Assured Access to Low-Earth Orbit.--Section 70501(a) of title 
51, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(a) Policy Statement.--It is the policy of the United States to 
maintain an uninterrupted capability for human space flight and 
operations in low-Earth orbit, and beyond, as an essential instrument 
of national security and the capability to ensure continued United 
States participation and leadership in the exploration and utilization 
of space.''.
    (d) Repeals.--
            (1) Use of space shuttle or alternatives.--Chapter 701 of 
        title 51, United States Code, and the item relating to such 
        chapter in the table of chapters for such title, is repealed.
            (2) Shuttle pricing policy for commercial and foreign 
        users.--Chapter 703 of title 51, United States Code, and the 
        item relating to such chapter in the table of chapters for such 
        title, is repealed.
            (3) Shuttle privatization.--Section 50133 of title 51, 
        United States Code, and the item relating to such section in 
        the table of sections for chapter 501 of such title, is 
        repealed.
    (e) Extension Criteria Report.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report on the feasibility of extending 
the operation of the International Space Station that includes--
            (1) criteria for defining the International Space Station 
        as a research success;
            (2) cost estimates for operating the International Space 
        Station to achieve the criteria in paragraph (1);
            (3) cost estimates for extending operations to 2020, 2025, 
        and 2030; and
            (4) an assessment of how the defined criteria under 
        paragraph (1) respond to the National Academies Decadal Survey 
        on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space.
    (f) Strategic Plan for International Space Station Research.--
            (1) In general.--The Director of the Office of Science and 
        Technology Policy, in consultation with the Administrator, 
        academia, other Federal agencies, the International Space 
        Station National Laboratory Advisory Committee, and other 
        potential stakeholders, shall develop and transmit to the 
        Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate a strategic plan for conducting 
        competitive, peer-reviewed research in physical and life 
        sciences and related technologies on the International Space 
        Station through at least 2020.
            (2) Plan requirements.--The strategic plan shall--
                    (A) be consistent with the priorities and 
                recommendations established by the National Academies 
                in its Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical 
                Sciences in Space;
                    (B) provide a research timeline and identify 
                resource requirements for its implementation, including 
                the facilities and instrumentation necessary for the 
                conduct of such research; and
                    (C) identify--
                            (i) criteria for the proposed research, 
                        including--
                                    (I) a justification for the 
                                research to be carried out in the space 
                                microgravity environment;
                                    (II) the use of model systems;
                                    (III) the testing of flight 
                                hardware to understand and ensure its 
                                functioning in the microgravity 
                                environment;
                                    (IV) the use of controls to help 
                                distinguish among the direct and 
                                indirect effects of microgravity, among 
                                other effects of the flight or space 
                                environment;
                                    (V) approaches for facilitating 
                                data collection, analysis, and 
                                interpretation;
                                    (VI) procedures to ensure 
                                repetition of experiments, as needed;
                                    (VII) support for timely 
                                presentation of the peer-reviewed 
                                results of the research; and
                                    (VIII) defined metrics for the 
                                success of each study;
                            (ii) instrumentation required to support 
                        the measurements and analysis of the research 
                        to be carried out under the strategic plan;
                            (iii) the capabilities needed to support 
                        direct, real-time communications between 
                        astronauts working on research experiments 
                        onboard the International Space Station and the 
                        principal investigator on the ground;
                            (iv) a process for involving the external 
                        user community in research planning, including 
                        planning for relevant flight hardware and 
                        instrumentation, and for utilization of the 
                        International Space Station, free flyers, or 
                        other research platforms; and
                            (v) defined metrics for success of the 
                        research plan.
            (3) Report.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
                date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
                of the United States shall transmit to the Committee on 
                Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
                Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
                and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
                progress of the organization chosen for the management 
                of the International Space Station National Laboratory 
                as directed in section 504 of the National Aeronautics 
                and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 
                U.S.C. 18354).
                    (B) Specific requirements.--The report shall assess 
                the management, organization, and performance of such 
                organization and shall include a review of the status 
                of each of the 7 required activities listed in section 
                504(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 18354(c)).

SEC. 213. COMMERCIAL CREW REPORT.

    (a) In General.--The Administration shall consider the 
ramifications of and create contingencies as the sequestration adopted 
in the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-25) continues to 
reduce the Administration's overall budget.
    (b) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the 
        Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate a report containing 5 distinct 
        options for the final stages of the commercial crew program.
            (2) Requirements.--These options shall include--
                    (A) a strategy that assumes an appropriation of 
                $500,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal years;
                    (B) a strategy that assumes an appropriation of 
                $600,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal years;
                    (C) a strategy that assumes an appropriation of 
                $700,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal years;
                    (D) a strategy that assumes an appropriation of 
                $800,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal years; and
                    (E) a strategy that has yet to be considered 
                previously in any budget submission but that the 
                Administration believes could ensure the flight 
                readiness date of 2017 for at least one provider or 
                significantly decreases the overall program lifecycle 
                cost.
            (3) Inclusions.--Each strategy shall include the 
        contracting instruments the Administration will employ to 
        acquire the services in each phase of development or 
        acquisition, the number of commercial providers the 
        Administration will include in the program, and the estimated 
        flight readiness date in each scenario.

SEC. 214. FLIGHT READINESS DEMONSTRATION.

    (a) In General.--The Administration shall carry out its flight 
readiness demonstration, in which one or more commercial crew partner 
companies safely transports United States astronauts to the 
International Space Station, by December 31, 2017.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act and every 90 days thereafter until the Administration carries 
out its flight readiness demonstration, the Administrator shall 
transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report--
            (1) describing the current status of the Commercial Crew 
        program, including all funding paid to any partner company 
        throughout the life of the program detailed by specific dollar 
        amounts provided for each milestone completed for each partner 
        company;
            (2) specifying the accomplishments and milestones completed 
        in the 90 days prior to the date of transmission of the report 
        under any phase of the program and all dollar amounts provided 
        for each of those milestones;
            (3) identifying those accomplishments and milestones that 
        were expected to be completed in the 90 days prior to the date 
        of transmission of such report under any phase of the program 
        but that were not completed in that timeframe;
            (4) setting forth the accomplishments and milestones that 
        are expected to be completed in the 90-day period following the 
        transmission of such report under any phase of the program; and
            (5) containing a statement of flight readiness under 
        subsection (c).
    (c) Statement of Flight Readiness.--The statement of flight 
readiness required by subsection (b)(5) shall include--
            (1) either--
                    (A) a certification by the Administrator that the 
                Administration is on schedule to comply with subsection 
                (a); or
                    (B) an explanation as to why the Administration is 
                not on schedule to comply with subsection (a) and why 
                the Administration did not develop an acquisition 
                strategy based on existing budget authority; and
            (2) a certification by the Administrator that all 
        deviations from the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel 
        recommendations have been reported in accordance with section 
        215.
    (d) Authorization of Funds.--Not later than 60 days after the 
issuance of the explanation described in subsection (c)(2), the 
Administrator shall provide, and begin implementation of, a new 
acquisition strategy that ensures that at least 1 company will be 
prepared to provide crew transport services by December 31, 2017.

SEC. 215. CERTIFICATION PRODUCTS CONTRACT PHASE TWO.

    (a) In General.--Phase two and any subsequent phase of the 
Certification Products Contract, and any further acquisition or 
development actions taken by the Administration under the Commercial 
Crew Program, shall be executed--
            (1) under a cost-type contract specified by Federal 
        Acquisition Regulations; and
            (2) except as provided in subsection (b), in accordance 
        with the 2012 Annual Report of the Aerospace Safety Advisory 
        Panel.
    (b) Deviations.--
            (1) Authority.--The Administrator may deviate from any 
        findings and recommendations of the 2012 Annual Report of the 
        Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel if the Administrator has 
        determined doing so is in the best interest of the program.
            (2) Notice and justification.--If the Administrator 
        deviates from any findings and recommendations of the 2012 
        Annual Report of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall transmit in writing to 
        the Chair of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, the Committee 
        on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
        Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate notice of any planned deviations, 
        along with a justification therefor, as part of the statement 
        required under section 214(c)(1).
    (c) Report.--The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel shall review and 
report to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate on any deviation within 45 days of 
notification.

SEC. 216. SPACE COMMUNICATIONS.

    (a) Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a plan, in consultation 
with relevant Federal agencies, for updating the Administration's space 
communications architecture for both low-Earth orbital operations and 
deep space exploration so that it is capable of meeting the 
Administration's needs over the next 20 years. The plan shall include 
lifecycle cost estimates, milestones, estimated performance 
capabilities, and 5-year funding profiles. The plan shall also include 
an estimate of the amounts of any reimbursements the Administration is 
likely to receive from other Federal agencies during the expected life 
of the upgrades described in the plan. At a minimum, the plan shall 
include a description of the following:
            (1) Projected Deep Space Network requirements for the next 
        20 years, including those in support of human space exploration 
        missions.
            (2) Upgrades needed to support Deep Space Network 
        requirements, including cost estimates and schedules.
            (3) Cost estimates for the maintenance of existing Deep 
        Space Network capabilities.
            (4) Projected Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System 
        requirements for the next 20 years, including those in support 
        of other relevant Federal agencies.
            (5) Cost and schedule estimates to maintain and upgrade the 
        Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System to meet projected 
        requirements.
            (6) Steps the Administration is taking to mitigate threats 
        to electromagnetic spectrum use.
    (b) Schedule.--The Administrator shall transmit the plan developed 
under this section to the Committee on Science, Space, 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 III--SCIENCE

                          Subtitle A--General

SEC. 301. SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.

    (a) Balanced and Adequately Funded Activities.--Section 803 of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(124 Stat. 2832) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 803. OVERALL SCIENCE PORTFOLIO; SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    ``Congress reaffirms its sense, expressed in the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010, that a 
balanced and adequately funded set of activities, consisting of 
research and analysis grants programs, technology development, small, 
medium, and large space missions, and suborbital research activities, 
contributes to a robust and productive science program and serves as a 
catalyst for innovation and discovery.''.
    (b) Decadal Surveys.--In proposing the funding of programs and 
activities for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for 
each fiscal year, the Administrator shall, to the greatest extent 
practicable, follow guidance provided in the current decadal surveys 
from the National Academies' Space Studies Board.

SEC. 302. ASSESSMENT OF SCIENCE MISSION EXTENSIONS.

    Section 30504 of title 51, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows:
``Sec. 30504. Assessment of science mission extensions
    ``(a) Assessment.--The Administrator shall carry out biennial 
reviews within each of the Science divisions to assess the cost and 
benefits of extending the date of the termination of data collection 
for those missions that exceed their planned mission lifetime. The 
assessment shall take into consideration how extending existing 
missions impacts the start of future missions.
    ``(b) Consultation and Consideration of Potential Benefits of 
Instruments on Missions.--When deciding whether to extend a mission 
that has an operational component, the Administrator shall consult with 
any affected Federal agency and shall take into account the potential 
benefits of instruments on missions that are beyond their planned 
mission lifetime.
    ``(c) Costs.--If a mission is extended based on consultation 
required under subsection (b), the full costs of the extension shall be 
paid for by the operational agency or agencies.
    ``(d) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, at 
the same time as the submission to Congress of the President's annual 
budget request, a report detailing any assessment required by 
subsection (a) that was carried out during the previous year.''.

SEC. 303. RADIOISOTOPE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS.

    (a) Analysis of Requirements and Risks.--The Administrator, in 
consultation with other Federal agencies, shall conduct an analysis 
of--
            (1) the requirements of the Administration for radioisotope 
        power system material that is needed to carry out planned, high 
        priority robotic missions in the solar system and other surface 
        exploration activities beyond low-Earth orbit; and
            (2) the risks to missions of the Administration in meeting 
        those requirements, or any additional requirements, due to a 
        lack of adequate radioisotope power system material.
    (b) Contents of Analysis.--The analysis conducted under subsection 
(a) shall--
            (1) detail the Administration's current projected mission 
        requirements and associated timeframes for radioisotope power 
        system material;
            (2) explain the assumptions used to determine the 
        Administration's requirements for the material, including--
                    (A) the planned use of Advanced Stirling 
                Radioisotope Generator technology;
                    (B) the status of and timeline for completing 
                development and demonstration of the Advanced Stirling 
                Radioisotope Generator technology, including the 
                development of flight readiness requirements; and
                    (C) the risks and implications of, and 
                contingencies for, any delays or unanticipated 
                technical challenges affecting or related to the 
                Administration's mission plans for the anticipated use 
                of Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator technology;
            (3) assess the risk to the Administration's programs of any 
        potential delays in achieving the schedule and milestones for 
        planned domestic production of radioisotope power system 
        material;
            (4) outline a process for meeting any additional 
        Administration requirements for the material;
            (5) estimate the incremental costs required to increase the 
        amount of material produced each year, if such an increase is 
        needed to support additional Administration requirements for 
        the material;
            (6) detail how the Administration and other Federal 
        agencies will manage, operate, and fund production facilities 
        and the design and development of all radioisotope power 
        systems used by the Administration and other Federal agencies 
        as necessary;
            (7) specify the steps the Administration will take, in 
        consultation with the Department of Energy, to preserve the 
        infrastructure and workforce necessary for production of 
        radioisotope power systems; and
            (8) detail how the Administration has implemented or 
        rejected the recommendations from the National Research 
        Council's 2009 report titled ``Radioisotope Power Systems: An 
        Imperative for Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Space 
        Exploration''.
    (c) Transmittal.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the results of 
the analysis to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate.

SEC. 304. CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATION OF POLICY AND PURPOSE.

    Section 20102(d) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(10) The direction of the unique competence of the 
        Administration to the search for life's origin, evolution, 
        distribution, and future in the Universe. In carrying out this 
        objective, the Administration may use any practicable ground-
        based, airborne, or space-based technical means and spectra of 
        electromagnetic radiation.''.

                        Subtitle B--Astrophysics

SEC. 311. DECADAL CADENCE.

    In carrying out section 301(b), the Administrator shall ensure a 
steady cadence of large, medium, and small astrophysics missions.

SEC. 312. EXTRASOLAR PLANET EXPLORATION STRATEGY.

    (a) Strategy.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement 
with the National Academies to develop a science strategy for the study 
and exploration of extrasolar planets, including the use of TESS, the 
James Webb Space Telescope, WFIRST, or any other telescope, spacecraft, 
or instrument as appropriate. Such strategy shall--
            (1) outline key scientific questions;
            (2) identify the most promising research in the field;
            (3) indicate the extent to which the mission priorities in 
        existing decadal surveys address key extrasolar planet research 
        goals; and
            (4) make recommendations with respect to optimal 
        coordination with international partners.
    (b) Use of Strategy.--The Administrator shall use the strategy to--
            (1) inform roadmaps, strategic plans, and other activities 
        of the Administration as they relate to extrasolar planet 
        research and exploration; and
            (2) provide a foundation for future activities and 
        initiatives.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall transmit a report 
to the Administrator, and to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, containing the 
strategy developed under subsection (a).

SEC. 313. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE.

    It is the sense of Congress that the James Webb Space Telescope 
program is significant to our understanding of the history of the 
universe, including galaxies, stars, and planetary systems, and should 
continue to receive priority of funding in accord with the 
recommendation of the most recent decadal survey for Astronomy and 
Astrophysics of the National Academies' Space Studies Board.

SEC. 314. WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE.

    The Administrator shall ensure that the development of the Wide-
Field Infrared Survey Telescope continues while the James Webb Space 
Telescope is completed.

SEC. 315. NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE TELESCOPE DONATION.

    Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall transmit a report to the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate outlining the 
cost of the Administration's potential plan for developing the Wide-
Field Infrared Survey Telescope as described in the most recent 
astronomy and astrophysics decadal survey, including an alternative 
plan for the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope 2.4, which includes 
the donated 2.4-meter aperture National Reconnaissance Office 
telescope. Due to the budget constraints on the Administration's 
science programs, this report shall include--
            (1) an assessment of affordable approaches to develop the 
        Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope;
            (2) a comparison to the development of mission concepts 
        that exclude the utilization of the donated asset;
            (3) an assessment of how the Administration's existing 
        science missions will be affected by the utilization of the 
        donated asset described in this section; and
            (4) a description of the cost associated with storing and 
        maintaining the donated asset.

                     Subtitle C--Planetary Science

SEC. 321. DECADAL CADENCE.

    In carrying out section 301(b), the Administrator shall ensure, to 
the greatest extent practicable, that the Administration carries out a 
balanced set of planetary science programs in accordance with the 
priorities established in the most recent decadal survey for planetary 
science. Such programs shall include, at a minimum--
            (1) a Discovery-class mission at least once every 24 
        months;
            (2) a New Frontiers-class mission at least once every 60 
        months; and
            (3) at least one Flagship-class mission per decadal survey 
        period, starting with a Europa mission with a goal of launching 
        by 2021.

SEC. 322. NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS.

    (a) 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) Similar objects have struck the Earth or passed through 
        the Earth's atmosphere several times in the Earth's history and 
        pose a similar threat in the future.
            (3) 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 to be discovered.
            (4) The efforts taken to date by the Administration for 
        detecting and characterizing the hazards of near-Earth objects 
        must continue to fully determine the threat posed by such 
        objects to cause widespread destruction and loss of life.
    (b) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``near-
Earth object'' means an asteroid or comet with a perihelion distance of 
less than 1.3 Astronomical Units from the Sun.
    (c) Near-Earth Object Survey.--The Administrator shall continue to 
discover, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical 
characteristics of near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 
meters in diameter in order to assess the threat of such near-Earth 
objects to the Earth, pursuant to the George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth 
Object Survey Act (42 U.S.C. 16691). It shall be the goal of the Survey 
program to achieve 90 percent completion of its near-Earth object 
catalogue (based on statistically predicted populations of near-Earth 
objects) by 2020.
    (d) Warning and Mitigation of Potential Hazards of Near-Earth 
Objects.--Congress reaffirms the policy set forth in section 20102(g) 
of title 51, United States Code (relating to detecting, tracking, 
cataloguing, and characterizing asteroids and comets).
    (e) Program Report.--The Administrator shall transmit to the 
Committee on Science, Space, 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, an initial report that provides--
            (1) recommendations for carrying out the Survey program and 
        an associated proposed budget;
            (2) analysis of possible options that the Administration 
        could employ to divert an object on a likely collision course 
        with Earth; and
            (3) a description of the status of efforts to coordinate 
        and cooperate with other countries to discover hazardous 
        asteroids and comets, plan a mitigation strategy, and implement 
        that strategy in the event of the discovery of an object on a 
        likely collision course with Earth.
    (f) Annual Reports.--The Administrator shall annually transmit to 
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report that provides--
            (1) a summary of all activities carried out pursuant to 
        subsection (c) since the date of enactment of this Act; and
            (2) a summary of expenditures for all activities carried 
        out pursuant to subsection (c) since the date of enactment of 
        this Act.

SEC. 323. ASTROBIOLOGY STRATEGY.

    (a) Strategy.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement 
with the National Academies to develop a science strategy for 
astrobiology that would outline key scientific questions, identify the 
most promising research in the field, and indicate the extent to which 
the mission priorities in existing decadal surveys address the search 
for life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the Universe.
    (b) Use of Strategy.--The Administrator shall use the strategy 
developed under subsection (a) in planning and funding research and 
other activities and initiatives in the field of astrobiology. The 
strategy shall include recommendations for coordination with 
international partners.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall transmit a report 
to the Administrator, and to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, containing the 
strategy developed under subsection (a).

SEC. 324. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing 
how the Administration can expand collaborative public-private 
partnerships to study life's origin, evolution, distribution, and 
future in the Universe.

                        Subtitle D--Heliophysics

SEC. 331. DECADAL CADENCE.

    In carrying out section 301(b), the Administrator shall ensure a 
steady cadence of large, medium, and small heliophysics missions.

SEC. 332. REVIEW OF SPACE WEATHER.

    (a) Review.--The Director of the Office of Science and Technology 
Policy, in consultation with the Administrator, the Administrator of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Director of 
the National Science Foundation, the Secretary of Defense, the 
Secretary of Energy, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall 
enter into an arrangement with the National Academies to provide a 
comprehensive study that reviews current and planned space weather 
monitoring requirements and capabilities. The study shall inform the 
process of identifying national needs for future space weather 
monitoring and mitigation. The National Academies shall give 
consideration to international and private sector efforts and 
collaboration. The study shall also review the current state of 
research capabilities in observing, modeling, and prediction and 
provide recommendations to ensure future advancement of predictive 
capability.
    (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall transmit a report 
to the Administrator, and to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, containing the 
results of the study provided under subsection (a).

SEC. 333. DEEP SPACE CLIMATE OBSERVATORY.

    (a) Integrating Sensors.--The Administrator may not integrate or 
fund the development of any sensor on the Deep Space Climate 
Observatory (DSCOVR) that is not aligned with the spacecraft's original 
space weather mission requirements.
    (b) Algorithms.--The Administration may not develop or implement 
algorithms, or any other applications or products, that--
            (1) are not aligned with the Deep Space Climate Observatory 
        mission's intended space weather requirements; or
            (2) enable ``Earth at noon'' images from the spacecraft.

                       Subtitle E--Earth Science

SEC. 341. GOAL.

    (a) In General.--Recognizing the contributions that Earth science 
and remote sensing have made to society over the last 50 years, the 
Administration shall continue to develop first-of-a-kind instruments 
that, once proved, can be transitioned to other agencies for 
operations.
    (b) Amendment.--Section 60501 of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ``In order to accomplish this goal, the 
Administrator shall conduct research and development on new sensors and 
instruments that will mitigate the risks associated with the 
development of operational systems and long-term data continuity 
requirements by other agencies. The Administration shall not be 
responsible for the development of operational Earth science systems, 
including satellite, sensor, or instrument development, acquisition, 
and operations, as well as product development and data analysis, 
unless such work is conducted on a reimbursable basis that accounts for 
the full cost of the work. The Administrator shall use the Joint Agency 
Satellite Division structure, or a direct successor thereto, to manage 
this process on a fully reimbursable basis.'' after ``Earth 
observations-based research program.''.

SEC. 342. DECADAL CADENCE.

    In carrying out section 301(b), the Administrator shall ensure a 
steady cadence of large, medium, and small Earth science missions.

SEC. 343. RESEARCH TO OPERATIONS.

    Section 60502(a) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``Operational responsibility for Earth science or space 
weather missions or sensors may not be transferred from any other 
Federal agency to the Administration, except as specifically authorized 
by law.'' after ``execute the transitions.''.

SEC. 344. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.

    Section 60505 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and other 
        Federal agencies'' after ``Atmospheric Administration'';
            (2) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by striking ``and the Administrator of the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration'' and 
                inserting ``, the Administrator of the National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, and the heads of other 
                relevant Federal agencies''; and
                    (B) by striking ``the two agencies'' and inserting 
                ``each of those agencies'';
            (3) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking ``and the Administrator of the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration'' and 
                inserting ``, the Administrator of the National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, and the heads of other 
                relevant Federal agencies'';
                    (B) by striking ``Committee on Science and 
                Technology'' and inserting ``Committee on Science, 
                Space, and Technology''; and
                    (C) by striking ``and the National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration'' and inserting ``, the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and 
                other relevant Federal agencies''; and
            (4) in subsection (d), by striking ``Administration Earth 
        science mission'' and all that follows through the period and 
        inserting ``Earth science mission or Earth observing system to 
        or from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
        any other Federal agency, or the Administration, or to or from 
        other stakeholders, until the plans required under subsection 
        (c) have been approved by the Administrator, the Administrator 
        of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the 
        heads of other relevant Federal agencies, and until financial 
        resources have been identified to support the transition or 
        transfer in the President's annual budget request for the 
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 
        Administration, or other relevant agencies. Operational 
        responsibility for Earth science programs may not be 
        transferred from any other Federal agency to the 
        Administration, except as specifically authorized by law.''.

SEC. 345. JOINT POLAR SATELLITE SYSTEM CLIMATE SENSORS.

    The Administration shall not be responsible for the development of 
Joint Polar Satellite System climate sensors, including the Total Solar 
Irradiance Sensor (TSIS-2), the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite-Limb 
(OMPS-L), or the Clouds and Earth Radiant Energy System (CERES-C). Any 
effort by the Administration related to this work shall be conducted on 
a fully reimbursable basis and executed by the Administration's Joint 
Agency Satellite Division or a direct successor thereto.

SEC. 346. LAND IMAGING.

    (a) Reaffirmation of Policy.--Congress reaffirms the finding in 
section 2(1) of the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 (15 U.S.C. 
5601(1)), which states that ``The continuous collection and utilization 
of land remote sensing data from space are of major benefit in studying 
and understanding human impacts on the global environment, in managing 
the Earth's natural resources, in carrying out national security 
functions, and in planning and conducting many other activities of 
scientific, economic, and social importance.''.
    (b) Continuous Land Remote Sensing Data Collection.--The Director 
of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall take steps in 
consultation with other relevant Federal agencies to ensure, to the 
maximum extent practicable, the continuous collection of space-based, 
medium-resolution observations of the Earth's land cover, and to ensure 
that the data are made available in such ways as to facilitate the 
widest possible use.
    (c) Definition of Land Imaging Capabilities.--The Administrator may 
not initiate the definition of requirements for land imaging 
capabilities unless such work is conducted on a fully reimbursable 
basis and executed by the Administration's Joint Agency Satellite 
Division or a direct successor thereto.

SEC. 347. SOURCES OF EARTH SCIENCE DATA.

    (a) Acquisition.--The Administrator shall, to the extent possible 
and while satisfying the scientific or educational requirements of the 
Administration and, where appropriate, of other Federal agencies and 
scientific researchers, acquire, where cost effective, space-based and 
airborne Earth remote sensing data, services, distribution, and 
applications from non-Federal providers.
    (b) Treatment as Commercial Item Under Acquisition Laws.--
Acquisitions by the Administrator of the data, services, distribution, 
and applications referred to in subsection (a) shall be carried out in 
accordance with applicable acquisition laws and regulations (including 
chapters 137 and 140 of title 10, United States Code). For purposes of 
such laws and regulations, such data, services, distribution, and 
applications shall be considered to be commercial items. Nothing in 
this subsection shall be construed to preclude the United States from 
acquiring, through contracts with commercial providers, sufficient 
rights in data to meet the needs of the scientific and educational 
community or the needs of other government activities.
    (c) Safety Standards.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to prohibit the Federal Government from requiring compliance with 
applicable safety standards.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
the Act, the Administrator shall submit a report to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the 
Administration's efforts to carry out this section.

                         TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS

SEC. 401. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) a robust aeronautics research portfolio will help 
        maintain the United States status as a leader in aviation;
            (2) aeronautics research is essential to the 
        Administration's mission; and
            (3) the Administrator should coordinate and consult with 
        relevant Federal agencies and the private sector to minimize 
        duplication and leverage resources.

SEC. 402. UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with the 
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and other Federal 
agencies, shall direct research and technological development to 
facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aerial systems into the 
National Airspace System, including--
            (1) positioning and navigation systems;
            (2) sense and avoid capabilities;
            (3) secure data and communication links;
            (4) flight recovery systems; and
            (5) human systems integration.
    (b) Roadmap.--The Administrator shall update a roadmap for unmanned 
aerial systems research and development and transmit this roadmap to 
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate not later than 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act.
    (c) Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Activities.--Section 31504 
of title 51, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``Operational 
flight data derived from these cooperative agreements shall be made 
available, in appropriate and usable formats, to the Administration and 
the Federal Aviation Administration for the development of regulatory 
standards.'' after ``in remote areas.''.

SEC. 403. RESEARCH PROGRAM ON COMPOSITE MATERIALS USED IN AERONAUTICS.

    (a) Consultation.--The Administrator, in overseeing the 
Administration's Integrated Systems Research Program's work on 
composite materials, shall consult with relevant Federal agencies and 
partners in industry to accelerate safe development and certification 
processes for new composite materials and design methods while 
maintaining rigorous inspection of new composite materials.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
detailing the Administration's work on new composite materials and the 
coordination efforts among Federal agencies.

SEC. 404. HYPERSONIC RESEARCH.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator, in consultation with other Federal agencies, shall 
develop and transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate a research and development roadmap for 
hypersonic aircraft research with the objective of exploring hypersonic 
science and technology using air-breathing propulsion concepts, through 
a mix of theoretical work, basic and applied research, and development 
of flight research demonstration vehicles. The roadmap shall prescribe 
appropriate agency contributions, coordination efforts, and technology 
milestones.

SEC. 405. SUPERSONIC RESEARCH.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall develop and transmit to the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a roadmap that 
allows for flexible funding profiles, for supersonic aeronautics 
research and development with the objective of developing and 
demonstrating, in a relevant environment, airframe and propulsion 
technologies to minimize the environmental impact, including noise, of 
supersonic overland flight in an efficient and economical manner. The 
roadmap shall include--
            (1) a status report on the Administration's existing 
        research on supersonic flight;
            (2) a list of specific technological, environmental, and 
        other challenges that must be overcome to minimize the 
        environmental impact, including noise, of supersonic overland 
        flight;
            (3) a research plan to address such challenges, as well as 
        a project timeline for accomplishing relevant research goals; 
        and
            (4) a plan for coordination with stakeholders, including 
        relevant government agencies and industry.

SEC. 406. RESEARCH ON NEXTGEN AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS AND TOOLS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall, in consultation with the 
Director of the Joint Planning and Development Office of the Federal 
Aviation Administration, review at least annually the alignment and 
timing of the Administration's research and development activities in 
support of the NextGen airspace management modernization initiative, 
and shall make any necessary adjustments by reprioritizing or 
retargeting the Administration's research and development activities in 
support of the NextGen initiative.
    (b) Annual Reports.--The Administrator shall report to the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate annually regarding the progress of the 
Administration's research and development activities in support of the 
NextGen airspace management modernization initiative, including details 
of consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration and any 
adjustments made to research activities.

SEC. 407. ROTORCRAFT RESEARCH.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator, in consultation with other Federal agencies, shall 
prepare and transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate a plan for research relating to 
rotorcraft and other runway-independent air vehicles, with the 
objective of developing and demonstrating improved safety, noise, and 
environmental impact in a relevant environment. The plan shall include 
specific goals for the research, a timeline for implementation, metrics 
for success, and guidelines for collaboration and coordination with 
industry and other Federal agencies.

                       TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

SEC. 501. SPACE TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) The Space Technology Mission Directorate created by the 
        Administration is lacking an organic statutory authorization 
        and in need of congressional direction.
            (2) In order to appropriately prioritize the 
        Administration's resources to accomplish its goals and 
        purposes, the Space Technology Mission Directorate needs to be 
        reorganized as provided in the amendments made by this section.
            (3) Projects, programs, and activities currently within the 
        Exploration Research and Development program should continue as 
        planned as part of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission 
        Directorate.
    (b) Space Technology Program.--
            (1) Amendment.--Section 70507 of title 51, United States 
        Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 70507. Space Technology Program authorized
    ``(a) Program Authorized.--The Administrator shall establish, 
within the office of the Administrator, a Space Technology Program to 
pursue the development of technologies that enable exploration of the 
solar system or advanced space science throughout the various elements 
of the Administration.
    ``(b) Small Business Programs.--The Administrator shall organize 
and manage the Administration's Small Business Innovation Research 
program and Small Business Technology Transfer program within the Space 
Technology Program.
    ``(c) Nonduplication Certification.--The Administrator shall 
include in the budget for each fiscal year, as transmitted to Congress 
under section 1105(a) of title 31, a certification that no project, 
program, or mission undertaken by the Space Technology Program is 
independently under development by any other office or directorate of 
the Administration.''.
            (2) Table of sections amendment.--The item relating to 
        section 70507 in the table of sections for chapter 705 of title 
        51, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

``70507. Space Technology Program authorized.''.

                          TITLE VI--EDUCATION

SEC. 601. EDUCATION.

    (a) In General.--The Administration shall continue its education 
and outreach efforts to--
            (1) increase student interest and participation in Science, 
        Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (``STEM'') education;
            (2) improve public literacy in STEM;
            (3) employ proven strategies for improving student learning 
        and teaching;
            (4) provide curriculum support materials; and
            (5) create and support opportunities for professional 
        development for STEM teachers.
    (b) Organization.--In order to ensure the inspiration and 
engagement of children and the general public, the Administration shall 
continue its STEM education and outreach activities within the Science, 
Aeronautics Research, Space Operations, and Exploration Mission 
Directorates. Funds devoted to education and public outreach shall be 
maintained in the Directorates, and the consolidation of these 
activities into the Education Directorate is prohibited.
    (c) Prohibition.--The Administration may not implement any proposed 
STEM education and outreach-related changes proposed in the budget for 
fiscal year 2014 transmitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 
31, United States Code.

                      TITLE VII--POLICY PROVISIONS

SEC. 701. ASTEROID RETRIEVAL MISSION.

    (a) In General.--Consistent with the policy stated in section 
201(b), the Administrator may not fund the development of an asteroid 
retrieval mission to send a robotic spacecraft to a near-Earth asteroid 
for rendezvous, retrieval, and redirection of that asteroid to lunar 
orbit for exploration by astronauts.
    (b) Asteroid Survey.--The Administration may not pursue a program 
to search for asteroids of 20 meters or less in diameter unless the 
survey program described in section 322(c) is at least 90 percent 
complete.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
proposed Asteroid Retrieval Mission. Such report shall include--
            (1) a detailed budget profile, including cost estimates for 
        the development of all necessary technologies and spacecraft 
        required for the mission;
            (2) a detailed technical plan that includes milestones and 
        a specific schedule;
            (3) a description of the technologies and capabilities 
        anticipated to be gained from the proposed mission that will 
        enable future human missions to Mars which could not be gained 
        by lunar missions; and
            (4) a complete review by the Small Bodies Assessment Group 
        and the NASA Advisory Council that includes a recommendation to 
        Congress on the feasibility of the mission as proposed by the 
        Administration.

SEC. 702. TERMINATION LIABILITY.

    (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) The International Space Station, the Space Launch 
        System, and the Orion crew capsule will enable the Nation to 
        continue operations in low-Earth orbit and to send its 
        astronauts to deep space. As a result of their unique 
        capabilities and their critical contribution to the future of 
        space exploration, these systems have been designated by 
        Congress and the Administration as priority investments.
            (2) While the Space Launch System and the Orion programs, 
        currently under development, have made significant progress, 
        they have not been funded at levels authorized, and as a result 
        congressionally authorized milestones will be delayed by 
        several years.
            (3) In addition, contractors are currently holding program 
        funding, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of 
        dollars, to cover the potential termination liability should 
        the Government choose to terminate a program for convenience. 
        As a result, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are 
        unavailable for meaningful work on these programs.
            (4) According to the Government Accountability Office, the 
        Administration procures most of its goods and services through 
        contracts, and it terminates very few of them. In fiscal year 
        2010, the Administration terminated 28 of 16,343 active 
        contracts and orders--a termination rate of about 0.17 percent.
            (5) Providing processes requiring congressional action on 
        termination of these high-priority programs would enable 
        contractors to apply taxpayer dollars to making maximum 
        progress in meeting the established technical goals and 
        schedule milestones of these programs.
    (b) NASA Termination Liability.--
            (1) General rule.--Termination liability costs for a 
        covered program shall be provided only pursuant to this 
        subsection.
            (2) Prohibition on reserving funds.--The Administrator may 
        not reserve funds from amounts appropriated for a covered 
        program, and shall direct prime contractors not to reserve 
        funds, for potential termination liability costs with respect 
        to a covered program.
            (3) Intent of congress.--It is the intent of Congress that 
        funds authorized to be appropriated for covered programs be 
        applied in meeting established technical goals and schedule 
        milestones.
            (4) Void contractual provisions.--Any provision in a prime 
        contract entered into before the date of enactment of this Act 
        that provides for the payment of termination liability costs 
        through any means other than as provided in this subsection is 
        hereby declared to be void and unenforceable.
            (5) Congressional action; notice.--
                    (A) Termination for convenience.--The Administrator 
                may not initiate termination for the convenience of the 
                Government of a prime contract on a covered program 
                unless such program termination is authorized or 
                required by a law enacted after the date of enactment 
                of this Act.
                    (B) Termination for cause.--The Administrator shall 
                notify the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
                of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
                Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
                before initiating termination for cause of a prime 
                contract on a covered program.
            (6) Supplemental appropriation request.--
                    (A) Request.--If the Administrator decides to 
                terminate a prime contract on a covered program, and 
                sufficient unobligated appropriations are not available 
                to cover termination liability costs in the 
                appropriations account that is funding the prime 
                contract being terminated, the Administrator shall 
                provide to Congress a notification that an 
                authorization of appropriations is necessary not later 
                than 120 days in advance of the proposed contract 
                settlement for the covered program.
                    (B) Intent of congress.--It is the intent of 
                Congress to provide additional authorization for 
                appropriations as may be necessary to pay termination 
                liability costs on prime contracts for covered programs 
                if Congress deems it appropriate that the 
                Administration terminate such prime contracts.
            (7) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
                    (A) Covered program.--The term ``covered program'' 
                means the International Space Station, the Space Launch 
                System, and the Orion crew capsule.
                    (B) Prime contractor.--The term ``prime 
                contractor'' means a person or entity contracting 
                directly with the Federal Government on a covered 
                program.
                    (C) Termination liability costs.--The term 
                ``termination liability costs'' means any costs 
                incurred by a prime contractor, or by any subcontractor 
                of a prime contractor, for which the Federal Government 
                is liable as a result of termination of a prime 
                contract by the Administrator.
    (c) Reporting.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter for the duration of the 
prime contracts on covered programs, the Administrator shall transmit 
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report that provides--
            (1) the estimated termination liability costs for each of 
        the prime contracts; and
            (2) the basis for how such estimate was determined.

SEC. 703. INDEMNIFICATION EXTENSION.

    Section 50915(f) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``December 31, 2013'' and inserting ``December 31, 2018''.

SEC. 704. BASELINE AND COST CONTROLS.

    Section 30104 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Procedural 
        Requirements 7120.5c, dated March 22, 2005'' and inserting 
        ``Procedural Requirements 7120.5E, dated August 14, 2012''; and
            (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``beginning 18 months 
        after the date the Administrator transmits a report under 
        subsection (e)(1)(A)'' and inserting ``beginning 18 months 
        after the Administrator makes such determination''.

SEC. 705. PROJECT AND PROGRAM RESERVES.

    To ensure that the establishment, maintenance, and allotment of 
project and program reserves contribute to prudent management, not 
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing 
the Administration's criteria for establishing the amount of reserves 
at the project and program levels and how such criteria complement the 
Administration's policy of budgeting at a 70-percent confidence level.

SEC. 706. INDEPENDENT REVIEWS.

    Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing 
the Administration's procedures for conducting independent reviews of 
projects and programs at lifecycle milestones and how the 
Administration ensures the independence of the individuals who conduct 
those reviews prior to their assignment.

SEC. 707. SPACE ACT AGREEMENTS.

    (a) Cost Sharing.--To the extent that the Administrator determines 
practicable, the funds provided by the Government under a funded Space 
Act Agreement shall not exceed the total amount provided by other 
parties to the Space Act Agreement.
    (b) Need.--A Space Act Agreement may be used only when the use of a 
standard contract, grant, or cooperative agreement is not feasible or 
appropriate, as determined by the Associate Administrator for 
Procurement.
    (c) Public Notice and Comment.--The Administrator shall make 
available for public notice and comment each proposed Space Act 
Agreement at least 30 days before entering into such agreement, with 
appropriate redactions for proprietary, sensitive, or classified 
information.
    (d) Transparency.--The Administrator shall publicly disclose on the 
Administration's website and make available in a searchable format all 
Space Act Agreements, with appropriate redactions for proprietary, 
sensitive, or classified information, not later than 60 days after such 
agreement is signed.
    (e) Authorization.--The Administrator may not enter into a funded 
Space Act Agreement for an amount in excess of $50,000,000 unless such 
agreement has been specifically authorized by law.
    (f) Annual Report.--
            (1) Requirement.--Not later than 90 days after the end of 
        each fiscal year, the Administrator shall submit to the 
        Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate a report on the use of Space Act 
        Agreement authority by the Administration during the previous 
        fiscal year.
            (2) Contents.--The report shall include for each Space Act 
        Agreement in effect at the time of the report--
                    (A) an indication of whether the agreement is a 
                reimbursable, nonreimbursable, or funded Space Act 
                Agreement;
                    (B) a description of--
                            (i) the subject and terms;
                            (ii) the parties;
                            (iii) the responsible--
                                    (I) mission directorate;
                                    (II) center; or
                                    (III) headquarters element;
                            (iv) the value;
                            (v) the extent of the cost sharing among 
                        Federal Government and non-Federal sources;
                            (vi) the time period or schedule; and
                            (vii) all milestones; and
                    (C) an indication of whether the agreement was 
                renewed during the previous fiscal year.
            (3) Anticipated agreements.--The report shall also include 
        a list of all anticipated reimbursable, nonreimbursable, and 
        funded Space Act Agreements for the upcoming fiscal year.
            (4) Cumulative program benefits.--The report shall also 
        include, with respect to the Space Act Agreements covered by 
        the report, a summary of--
                    (A) the technology areas in which research projects 
                were conducted under such agreements;
                    (B) the extent to which the use of the Space Act 
                Agreements--
                            (i) has contributed to a broadening of the 
                        technology and industrial base available for 
                        meeting Administration needs; and
                            (ii) has fostered within the technology and 
                        industrial base new relationships and practices 
                        that support the United States; and
                    (C) the total amount of value received by the 
                Federal Government during the fiscal year pursuant to 
                such Space Act Agreements.

SEC. 708. HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS.

    Section 70702(a) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
            ``(3) any other space vehicle carrying humans that is owned 
        by the Federal Government or that is being used pursuant to a 
        contract or Space Act Agreement, as defined in section 2 of the 
        with the Federal Government; or''.

SEC. 709. COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM.

    Section 50116(a) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``, while protecting national security'' after ``research 
community''.

SEC. 710. ORBITAL DEBRIS.

    (a) Finding.--Congress finds that orbital debris poses serious 
risks to the operational space capabilities of the United States and 
that an international consensus and strategic plan is needed to 
mitigate the growth of orbital debris wherever possible.
    (b) Reports.--
            (1) Coordination.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the 
        Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate with a report on the status of 
        efforts to coordinate with countries within the Inter-Agency 
        Space Debris Coordination Committee to mitigate the effects and 
        growth of orbital debris as required by section 1202(b)(1) of 
        the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
        Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18441(b)(1)).
            (2) Mitigation strategy.--Not later than 90 days after the 
        date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 
        Science and Technology Policy shall provide the Committee on 
        Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
        and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
        the Senate with a report on the status of the orbital debris 
        mitigation strategy required under section 1202(b)(2) of the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act 
        of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18441(b)(2)).

SEC. 711. NASA LEADERSHIP.

    Section 20111 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``The Administrator 
        shall serve for a term of 6 years, and may be reappointed for 
        additional terms.'' after ``and activities thereof.''; and
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by inserting ``The Deputy Administrator may not 
                act for, and exercise the powers of, the Administrator 
                for a period in excess of 45 days. After 45 days, the 
                Associate Administrator shall exercise the powers of 
                the Administrator until a new Administrator is 
                appointed and confirmed by the Senate.'' after 
                ``absence or disability.''; and
                    (B) by striking ``from civilian life''.

SEC. 712. NASA ADVISORY COUNCIL.

    (a) Establishment.--Subchapter II of chapter 201 of title 51, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
section:
``Sec. 20118. NASA Advisory Council
    ``(a) Establishment.--There shall be established a NASA Advisory 
Council (in this section referred to as `the Council') for the 
Administration in accordance with this section, not later than 9 months 
after the date of enactment of this section.
    ``(b) Membership and Appointment.--The Council shall consist of 11 
members to be appointed as follows:
            ``(1) 5 members shall be appointed by the President.
            ``(2) 2 members shall be appointed by the President pro 
        tempore of the Senate.
            ``(3) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority leader of 
        the Senate.
            ``(4) 2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the 
        House of Representatives.
            ``(5) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority leader of 
        the House of Representatives.
In addition to the members appointed under paragraphs (1) through (5), 
the Administrator shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the 
Council. Members of the Council shall comply with the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) and the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 
(5 U.S.C. App.).
    ``(c) Qualifications.--The persons appointed as members of the 
Council shall be--
            ``(1) former astronauts or scientists or engineers eminent 
        in the fields of human spaceflight, planetary science, space 
        science, Earth science, aeronautics, or disciplines related to 
        space exploration and aeronautics, including other scientific, 
        engineering, or business disciplines;
            ``(2) selected on the basis of established records of 
        distinguished service; and
            ``(3) so selected as to provide representation of the views 
        of engineering, science, and aerospace leaders in all areas of 
        the Nation.
    ``(d) Terms.--The term of office of each member of the Council 
shall be 6 years.
    ``(e) Meetings.--The Council shall meet two times annually at 
minimum and at such other times as the Chairman may determine, but the 
Chairman shall also call a meeting whenever one-third of the members so 
request in writing. The Council shall adopt procedures governing the 
conduct of its meetings, including delivery of notice and a definition 
of a quorum, which in no case shall be less than one-half plus one of 
the members of the Council.
    ``(f) Chairman and Vice Chairman.--The Chairman and Vice Chairman 
of the Council shall be elected by a majority vote of the Council for a 
two-year term. A member may serve as Chairman and Vice Chairman for up 
to three terms. The Vice Chairman shall perform the duties of the 
Chairman in his absence. If a vacancy occurs in the chairmanship or 
vice chairmanship, the Council shall elect a member to fill such 
vacancy.
    ``(g) Staff.--The Administrator shall support the Council with 
professional staff to provide for the performance of such duties as may 
be prescribed by the Council.
    ``(h) Committees.--The Council is authorized to appoint from among 
its members such committees as it deems necessary and to assign to 
committees so appointed such survey and advisory functions as the 
Council deems appropriate to assist it in exercising its powers and 
functions.
    ``(i) Functions.--
            ``(1) Budget proposal.--
                    ``(A) Review of proposal.--Not later than October 
                15 of each year, the Council shall have reviewed the 
                Administration's proposed budget for the next fiscal 
                year and shall provide to the President their advice 
                based on the best professional judgment of a majority 
                of members. Portions of Council meetings in which the 
                Council considers the budget proposal for the next 
                fiscal year may be closed to the public until the 
                Council submits the proposal to the President and 
                Congress.
                    ``(B) Advice to congressional committees.--Not 
                later than 14 days following the President's budget 
                submittal to Congress for the next fiscal year, the 
                Council shall provide to the Committee on Science, 
                Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
                and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate their advice based on the 
                best professional judgment of a majority of members.
            ``(2) Advice to the president and congress.--The Council 
        shall report their findings, advice, and recommendations to the 
        President and Congress on matters of particular policy interest 
        on space exploration and aeronautics based on the best 
        professional judgment of a majority of members.''.
    (b) Table of Sections.--The table of sections for chapter 201 of 
title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end of the 
items for subchapter II the following new item:

``20118. NASA Advisory Council.''.
    (c) Consultation and Advice.--Section 20113(g) of title 51, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting ``and Congress'' after ``advice to 
the Administration''.

SEC. 713. COST ESTIMATION.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on 
current and continuing efforts to implement more effective cost-
estimation practices.
    (b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a) shall 
include--
            (1) a list of steps the Administration is undertaking to 
        advance consistent implementation of the joint cost and 
        schedule level (JCL) process; and
            (2) a description of mechanisms the Administration is using 
        and will continue to use to ensure that adequate resources are 
        dedicated to cost estimation.
                                 <all>