[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 148 (Monday, September 23, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5606-H5623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1800
NASA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2024
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 8958) to reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 8958
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 ``NASA
Reauthorization Act of 2024''.
(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 2025.
TITLE II--EXPLORATION
Sec. 201. Continuity of purpose for space exploration.
Sec. 202. Artemis program.
Sec. 203. Reaffirmation of the Space Launch System.
Sec. 204. Human-rated lunar landing capabilities.
Sec. 205. Advanced spacesuit capabilities.
TITLE III--SPACE OPERATIONS
Sec. 301. Report on continued United States presence in low earth
orbit.
Sec. 302. International Space Station.
Sec. 303. Nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station.
Sec. 304. Report on suborbital crew missions.
Sec. 305. United States deorbit capabilities.
Sec. 306. Commercial low-earth orbit development.
Sec. 307. Risk of losing access to low-earth orbit.
Sec. 308. Maintenance of service for International Space Station.
Sec. 309. Orbital debris research and development.
Sec. 310. Restriction on Federal funds relating to certain Chinese
space and scientific activities.
TITLE IV--SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 401. SBIR phase II flexibility.
Sec. 402. Lunar power purchase agreement program.
Sec. 403. Cryogenic fluid valve technology review.
Sec. 404. Lunar communications.
Sec. 405. Celestial time standardization.
TITLE V--AERONAUTICS
Sec. 501. Definitions.
Sec. 502. Experimental aircraft demonstrations.
Sec. 503. Hypersonic research.
Sec. 504. Advanced materials and manufacturing technology.
Sec. 505. Unmanned aircraft system and advanced air mobility.
Sec. 506. Advanced capabilities for emergency response operations.
Sec. 507. Hydrogen aviation.
Sec. 508. High-performance chase aircraft.
Sec. 509. Collaboration with academia.
Sec. 510. National student unmanned aircraft systems competition
program.
Sec. 511. Decadal survey for national aeronautics research and
priorities review.
Sec. 512. Making advancements in commercial hypersonics.
TITLE VI--SCIENCE
Sec. 601. Maintaining a balanced science portfolio.
Sec. 602. Implementation of science mission cost-caps.
Sec. 603. Reexamination of decadal surveys.
Sec. 604. Landsat.
Sec. 605. Private earth observation data.
Sec. 606. Commercial satellite data.
Sec. 607. Greenhouse gas emission measurements.
Sec. 608. NASA data for agricultural applications.
Sec. 609. Planetary science portfolio.
Sec. 610. Planetary defense.
Sec. 611. Lunar discovery and exploration.
Sec. 612. Commercial lunar payload services.
Sec. 613. Planetary and lunar operations.
Sec. 614. Mars sample return.
Sec. 615. Hubble space telescope servicing.
Sec. 616. Great observatories mission and technology maturation.
Sec. 617. Nancy Grace Roman telescope.
Sec. 618. Chandra X-Ray observatory.
Sec. 619. Heliophysics research.
Sec. 620. Study on commercial space weather data.
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Sec. 621. Geospace dynamics constellation.
Sec. 622. Technology development for wildland fire science, management,
and mitigation.
Sec. 623. Implementation of recommendations by the National Wildland
Fire Management and Mitigation Commission.
TITLE VII--STEM EDUCATION
Sec. 701. National space grant college and fellowship program.
Sec. 702. Skilled technical workforce education outreach.
TITLE VIII--POLICY/NASA
Sec. 801. Major programs.
Sec. 802. NASA advisory council.
Sec. 803. NASA assessment of early cost estimates.
Sec. 804. Independent cost estimate.
Sec. 805. Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy report.
Sec. 806. Authorization for the transfer to NASA of funds from other
agencies for scientific or engineering research or
education.
Sec. 807. Procedure for launch services risk mitigation.
Sec. 808. Report on merits and options for establishing an institute
relating to space resources.
Sec. 809. Reports to Congress.
Sec. 810. Contract flexibility.
Sec. 811. GAO report.
Sec. 812. NASA public-private talent program.
Sec. 813. Report on Space Act agreements.
Sec. 814. Mentoring.
Sec. 815. Drinking water well replacement for Chincoteague, Virginia.
Sec. 816. Rule of construction.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the
House of Representatives.
(3) Cislunar space.--The term ``cislunar space'' means the
region of space beyond low-Earth orbit out to and including
the region around the surface of the Moon.
(4) Commercial provider.--The term ``commercial provider''
means any person providing space services or space-related
capabilities, primary control of which is held by persons
other than the Federal Government, a State or local
government, or a foreign government.
(5) Deep space.--The term ``deep space'' means the region
of space beyond low-Earth orbit, which includes cislunar
space.
(6) ISS.--The term ``ISS'' means the International Space
Station.
(7) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
(8) Orion.--The term ``Orion'' means the multipurpose crew
vehicle described under section 303 of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of
2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323).
(9) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System''
means the Space Launch System authorized under 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 2025.
For fiscal year 2025, there are authorized to be
appropriated to NASA $25,224,640,000 as follows:
(1) For the Exploration Systems Development Mission
Directorate, $7,618,200,000.
(2) For the Space Operations Mission Directorate,
$4,473,500,000.
(3) For the Space Technology Mission Directorate,
$1,181,800,000.
(4) For the Science Mission Directorate, $7,334,200,000.
(5) For the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate,
$965,800,000.
(6) For the Office of STEM Engagement, $135,000,000.
(7) For Safety, Security, and Mission Services,
$3,044,440,000.
(8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and
Restoration, $424,100,000.
(9) For Inspector General, $47,600,000.
TITLE II--EXPLORATION
SEC. 201. CONTINUITY OF PURPOSE FOR SPACE EXPLORATION.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) NASA continues to make progress in developing and
testing the Space Launch System, Orion, and associated ground
systems, including through the successful completion of the
Artemis I mission in November 2022 and through continued
preparations for the Artemis II crewed flight demonstration
mission.
(2) The number of spacefaring countries is increasing, and
foreign countries have expanded activities for space
exploration efforts, including efforts to explore and utilize
the Moon through human and robotic missions.
(3) A strong and ambitious space exploration program
conducted with international and commercial partners is
important to maintaining United States leadership in space
and enhancing United States international competitiveness.
(4) Clear mission objectives that tie to concrete, long-
term programmatic goals provide a measure to ensure
accountability, enhance public support for exploration
missions, and provide a clear signal of commitment to both
international and domestic partners.
(b) Continuity of Existing Capabilities and Programs.--
(1) As part of the human exploration activities of the
Administration, including progress on Artemis missions and
activities, the Administrator shall continue development of
space exploration elements pursuant to section 10811 of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization
Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167; 51 U.S.C. 20302).
(2) The Administrator shall leverage the private sector for
logistical services to the extent practical, consistent with
the Moon to Mars architecture requirements and in accordance
with section 50131 of title 51, United States Code.
(3) Congress reaffirms the sense of Congress to maintain
continuity of purpose as described in section 201 of the 2017
NASA Transition Authorization Act (Public Law 115-10; 131
Stat. 21).
SEC. 202. ARTEMIS PROGRAM.
(a) Sense of Congress.--The following is the sense of
Congress:
(1) Exploration of outer space, including exploration of
the lunar surface and cislunar space, provides benefits and
economic opportunity, including by inspiring future
generations and expanding the science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics workforce needed to sustain
United States leadership in science, space, and technology.
(2) The lunar south pole is home to shadowed craters that
may contain water ice and other volatiles. Understanding the
nature of lunar polar volatiles, such as water ice, would
advance science related to the origin and evolution of
volatiles in the inner solar system and could facilitate the
long-term future of space exploration. Water ice lunar
resources have the potential to become an enabling component
of future space exploration missions throughout the solar
system, including crewed missions to Mars.
(3) Other countries have demonstrated technological
advances and successful robotic missions for lunar
exploration and have announced credible plans for long-term
human exploration of the Moon that include the intent to
establish lunar bases.
(4) United States leadership of and measurable progress on
the exploration of deep space is essential for guiding
development of norms related to operations on and around the
Moon and for other space destinations.
(5) It is in the national interest of the United States to
hold a leadership role in discussions of future norms
governing activities in space, including those on the lunar
surface and in cislunar space.
(b) In General.--In carrying out activities to enable
Artemis missions under the Moon to Mars Program set forth in
section 10811 of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-
167), the Administrator shall--
(1) use relevant elements set forth in section
10811(b)(2)(B) of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-
167);
(2) continue to ensure that the elements under paragraph
(1) enable the human exploration of Mars, consistent with
section 10811(b)(2)(C)(i) of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law
117-167);
(3) engage with international partners, as appropriate, in
a manner that is consistent with section 10811(b)(2)(C) the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization
Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167), and that increases
redundancy, efficiency, and cost savings; and
(4) leverage capabilities provided by United States
commercial providers, as appropriate and practicable.
(c) United States Commercial Provider Capabilities in
Support of Lunar Exploration Efforts.--The Administrator may
enter into agreements with United States commercial providers
or engage in public-private partnerships to procure
capabilities and services to support the human exploration of
the Moon or cislunar space.
SEC. 203. REAFFIRMATION OF THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.
(a) Space Launch System.--
(1) Development and cadence objectives.--Congress
reaffirms--
(A) support for the full development of capabilities of the
Space Launch System as set forth in section 302(c) of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization
Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)); and
(B) its commitment to the flight rate of the integrated
Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle missions set forth
in section 10812(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167;
51 U.S.C. 20301 note).
(2) Other uses.--The Administrator shall assess the demand
for the Space Launch System by entities other than NASA and
shall break out such demand according to the relevant Federal
agency or nongovernment sector. This assessment may--
(A) estimate cost and schedule savings from reduced transit
times and the potential
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for increased returns enabled by the unique capabilities of
the Space Launch System;
(B) describe any barriers or challenges that could impede
use of the Space Launch System by entities other than NASA;
and
(C) identify potential actions and costs associated with
overcoming barriers and challenges described in subparagraph
(B).
(b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the
following:
(1) NASA's progress towards achieving the flight rate
referred to in subsection (a)(1)(B) and the expected launch
of the integrated Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle
missions after which such cadence shall be achieved.
(2) The results of the assessment conducted pursuant to
subsection (a)(2).
SEC. 204. HUMAN-RATED LUNAR LANDING CAPABILITIES.
(a) Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms that the Moon to
Mars program set forth in section 10811 of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of
2022 (Public Law 117-167; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note.; 136 Stat.
1732) shall include human-rated lunar landing systems.
(b) Human-rated Lunar Landing Capabilities.--
(1) The Administrator shall support the development and
demonstration of, and shall obtain, human-rated lunar landing
capabilities to further the goals of the human exploration
roadmap under section 432 of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017
(Public Law 115-10; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note) and the Moon to
Mars Program set forth in section 10811 of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of
2022 (Public Law 117-167).
(2) The Administrator shall ensure that such human-rated
lunar landing capabilities meet all relevant requirements,
including requirements of the Moon to Mars program, and for
human-rating and certification.
(3) Any commercial provider from which the Administrator
obtains human-rated lunar landing capabilities must be a
United States commercial provider.
(4) In carrying out paragraph (1)--
(A) the Administrator may include uncrewed lunar landing
services; and
(B) the Administrator shall, subject to the availability of
appropriations for such purpose, seek to obtain capabilities
from not fewer than two commercial providers.
(c) Report.--The Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress the following:
(1) Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, a report--
(A) identifying the contribution over the past five years,
and the planned contribution for 2024-2029, of government
personnel, expertise, technologies and infrastructure
utilized and to be utilized in support of design,
development, or operation of human lunar landing capabilities
under this section; and
(B) setting forth details and the associated costs of such
government support, broken out according to the areas of
contribution specified in subparagraph (A), as part of any
development initiative for obtaining human lunar landing
capabilities.
(2) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, a report that sets forth, for any agreement with
a United States commercial provider for human lunar landing
capabilities, the following:
(A) The total value of the agreement when awarded.
(B) If different from the amount in subparagraph (A), the
total value of the agreement as of the date of the enactment
of this Act, and an explanation for any change in value, as
well as an identification of whether NASA or the commercial
partner is responsible for meeting the change in value.
(C) The dollar amount invested and to be invested by the
Administration, and the dollar amount invested and to be
invested by the commercial partner.
(D) The full requirements, including human-rating and
safety requirements, for human lunar landing capabilities
under the agreement when awarded.
(E) If different from the amount specified in subparagraph
(C), the full requirements, including human-rating and
certification requirements, for the human lunar landing
capabilities under the agreement as of the date of the
enactment of this Act and an explanation for any changes in
requirements.
(F) A description of milestone and associated payments
provided for in the agreement, including the following:
(i) An identification of all milestones under the
agreement.
(ii) The value of the associated payment for each milestone
identified under clause (i).
(iii) An identification of completed milestones and the
date of completion.
(iv) An identification of milestones which have not yet
been completed and an estimated schedule for completion.
(v) The value of all NASA payments under the agreement,
outlays as of the date of the enactment of this Act, and the
amount which as of the date of the enactment of this Act has
not yet been paid.
(vi) a description of any changes in milestones and
associated payments between the date of contract award and
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(G) Any cost, schedule, and performance challenges as of
the date of the enactment of this Act in provider performance
of the agreement.
(H) A detailed justification of compliance with section
30301 of title 51, United States Code.
(I) A detailed certification and justification of
compliance with section 50503 of title 51, United States
Code.
(3) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, in consultation with any United States
commercial provider that is party to an agreement with NASA
for human lunar landing capabilities under this section, a
report on any steps the Administrator and such providers are
taking to carry out the following:
(A) Address cost, schedule, and performance challenges
faced by each commercial provider in development and
performance of human lunar landing capabilities described in
paragraph (2)(G).
(B) Facilitate the timely availability of human lunar
landing capabilities of each provider to support the schedule
of Artemis missions in effect as of the date of the enactment
of this Act, as applicable to each provider.
(4) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, a report on alternative approaches, and
implementation plans for such approaches, including an
estimate of needed budgetary resources, for a human lunar
landing capability that meets NASA human-rating and
certification requirements in the event challenges referred
to in paragraph (3)(A) cannot be overcome or the timeline
specified in paragraph (3)(B) cannot be met.
SEC. 205. ADVANCED SPACESUIT CAPABILITIES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Space suits and associated extravehicular activity
(EVA) technologies are critical exploration technologies that
are necessary for future human deep space exploration
efforts, including crewed missions to the Moon.
(2) The NASA civil service workforce at the Johnson Space
Center provides unique capabilities to design, integrate, and
validate Space Suits and associated EVA technologies.
(3) Maintaining a strong NASA core competency in the
design, development, manufacture, and operation of space
suits and related technologies allows NASA to be an informed
purchaser of competitively awarded commercial space suits and
subcomponents.
(4) According to a 2018 NASA Office of Inspector General
(OIG) report, current EVAs space suits, the Extravehicular
Mobility Units (EMUs), were developed in the late 1970s, are
reaching the end of their useful life, have experienced
multiple maintenance issues that threaten astronaut lives,
and no longer accommodate the varying sizes of a diverse
astronaut corps.
(5) The same NASA OIG report found that ``. . .
manufacturers of several critical suit components, including
the very fibers of the suits, have now gone out of business.
. . ,'' which further reinforces the importance of NASA's
role in maintaining a space suit core competency and limiting
the risk posed by outsourcing key national capabilities.
(6) The private sector currently is developing space suit
capabilities.
(7) Testing space suits and related technologies on the
International Space Station could reduce risk and improve
safety of such suits and technologies.
(b) In General.--The Administrator shall obtain advanced
spacesuit capabilities necessary to achieve the goals of
NASA's human spaceflight exploration programs.
(c) Eligibility.--Any commercial provider from which the
Administrator obtains advanced spaceflight capabilities must
be a United States commercial provider, as set forth in
section 203(c) of this Act.
(d) Preserving Spacesuit Expertise.--
(1) In carrying out subsection (b), NASA shall maintain the
internal expertise necessary to develop space suits for both
extravehicular activity and surface operations, including
through partnerships with the private sector.
(2) The Johnson Space Center shall continue to manage
NASA's spacesuit and extravehicular activity programs.
(e) Report.--Not later than 180 days from the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report --
(1) describing NASA's plans for--
(A) in-space testing of advanced spacesuit capabilities,
including--
(i) space suit tests which must be conducted in
microgravity in low-Earth orbit; and
(ii) space suit tests that must be conducted on the
International Space Station before decommissioning of the
International Space Station;
(B) transitioning from existing spacesuits in use on the
International Space Station to use of advanced spacesuit
capabilities;
(C) future use of advanced spacesuit capabilities by
government astronauts with any nongovernmental platform in
low-Earth orbit that is certified for use by the
Administration for government astronauts (as such term is
defined in section 50902(4) of title 51, United States Code);
and
(D) disposition of retired spacesuits used on the Space
Shuttle or the International Space Station; and
(2) including--
(A) a detailed justification of compliance with section
30301 of title 51, United States Code; and
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(B) a detailed certification and justification of
compliance with section 50503 of title 51, United States
Code.
(f) Assessment of Extravehicular Mobility Units Used on the
ISS.--
(1) No later than 45 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an arrangement
with an independent science and technical engineering
organization to review the technical status and performance
of the Administration's existing extravehicular mobility
units (``EMUs''), to analyze the data associated with all
mishaps, anomalies, and off-nominal events related to the
EMUs used by government astronauts on the International Space
Station over the last 10 years, and to make recommendations
to the Administrator, as a result of such assessment.
(2) The Administrator shall ensure that the entity carrying
out the assessment in paragraph (1) consults with relevant
industry contractors regarding the Administration's EMUs and
EMU capabilities, and coordinates with the NASA Astronaut
Office in carrying out such assessment.
(3) The Administrator shall transmit the results of the
assessment in paragraph (1) to the appropriate committees of
Congress as soon as practicable and no later than 270 days
after the date of enactment of this Act.
TITLE III--SPACE OPERATIONS
SEC. 301. REPORT ON CONTINUED UNITED STATES PRESENCE IN LOW
EARTH ORBIT.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing
information on the following:
(1) The United States Government description of and plans
for implementation of the policy on an uninterrupted
capability for human space flight and operations in
accordance with section 70501(a) of title 51, United States
Code, and section 201(b) of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
18311(b)) regarding United States human space flight
capabilities.
(2) The preparedness of the Administration to continue to
meet statutory direction referenced in paragraph (1) under
the planned approach to deorbit the International Space
Station by not later than the end of calendar year 2031.
SEC. 302. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) ISS is a unique facility that provides the United
States with capabilities in space that are currently
unmatched; NASA continues to make productive use of the ISS;
(2) the ISS serves several functions, including
establishing the United States as a leader in space
activities, acting as a beacon of international cooperation,
and conducting cutting-edge microgravity and observational
research in low-Earth orbit;
(3) NASA must complete certain objectives on the ISS to
facilitate deep space exploration efforts, including carrying
out human research and demonstrating exploration-related
technologies; and
(4) reducing crew size or cargo deliveries, or reducing
sustaining engineering capabilities, would reduce the
scientific output of the ISS and potentially increase the
risk to the ISS and its crew.
(b) Full Utilization.--
(1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that,
to ensure the greatest return on investments made by the
United States and the International Space Station partners in
the development, assembly, and operations of the
International Space Station, the Administrator should
maximize the utilization and productivity of the
International Space Station with respect to the priorities
set forth in section 10816 of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law
117-167; 51 U.S.C. 70901 note), which include research of the
human research program, risk reduction activities relevant to
exploration technologies, the advancement of United States
leadership of basic and applied space life and physical
sciences, and other research and development essential to
Moon to Mars program activities.
(2) Amendment.--Section 502(a) of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (Public
Law 111-267; 42 U.S.C. 18352(a)), is amended by striking
``take steps to''.
SEC. 303. NONGOVERNMENTAL MISSIONS ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE
STATION.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) nongovernmental missions involving crew or spaceflight
participants on the International Space Station carried out,
as appropriate, pursuant to NASA policies and procedures, and
Federal Government laws and regulations, can provide lessons
and learning experiences for both government and
nongovernment entities to inform the development of future
commercial low-Earth orbit platforms and a low-Earth orbit
economy; and
(2) the Administrator should share lessons learned from
nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station
to advance the commercial human spaceflight industry, to
promote the safety of future commercial low-Earth orbit
platforms, and to inform the evolution of policies guiding
such activities in low-Earth orbit.
(b) Nongovernmental Missions on the ISS.--The Administrator
may enter into one or more agreements to enable one or more
United States commercial providers to conduct nongovernmental
missions on the International Space Station pursuant to NASA
policies and procedures, and Federal government laws and
regulations.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress
a report containing information relating to the following:
(1) The number of nongovernmental missions on the ISS
planned.
(2) The number of nongovernmental missions on the ISS
completed.
(3) The extent to which commercial entities carrying out
nongovernmental missions on the ISS fully reimburse costs
incurred by NASA in association with any nongovernmental
missions carried out on the International Space Station.
(4) The extent to which nongovernmental missions on the
International Space Station impact the priorities specified
in section 10816 of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167;
51 U.S.C. 70901 note).
(5) The impact, if any, to operations of or activities on
the International Space Station that are not related to
nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station.
(6) The extent to which any nongovernmental mission on the
ISS--
(A) conforms with section 20102 of title 51, United States
Code;
(B) adheres to the requirements of section 50131 of title
51, United States Code; and
(C) is consistent with the national security or foreign
policy interests of the United States.
(7) Any other issues related to nongovernmental missions on
the International Space Station that the Comptroller General
determines are appropriate for review as part of undertaking
the report in subsection (c).
(d) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``crew'' and
``spaceflight participant'' have the meanings given such
terms in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code.
SEC. 304. REPORT ON SUBORBITAL CREW MISSIONS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall deliver to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the costs, benefits,
risks, training requirements, and policy or legal
implications, including liability matters, of launching
United States Government personnel on commercial suborbital
vehicles.
SEC. 305. UNITED STATES DEORBIT CAPABILITIES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the International Space Station is aging and eventually
will need to be deorbited safely and disposed of in a
controlled manner; and
(2) to protect the safety of the public, and to avoid
interfering with other space operators or objects, NASA plans
to deorbit and disposition the International Space Station
through a controlled atmospheric reentry over an uninhabited
region.
(b) Authorization.--
(1) The Administrator shall acquire ISS deorbit
capabilities from one or more United States commercial
providers.
(2) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall,
to the greatest extent practicable, not reduce or
deprioritize NASA activities conducted on and in support of
the ISS to support the acquisition of United States deorbit
capabilities.
(c) Costs.--
(1) Independent cost estimate.--Before entering into an
agreement for the capabilities described in subsection (b),
the Administrator shall obtain an independent life-cycle cost
estimate for the deorbit capability and shall report the
results of such estimate and a five-year budget profile to
the appropriate committees of Congress.
(2) Report.--
(A) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing the
Administration's plan for the financial, logistical, and
operational responsibilities associated with the deorbit
capability.
(B) Annually, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report, to accompany the
President's budget request, containing a description of the
annual and lifecycle costs for activities related to the
deorbit of the International Space Station and how such costs
are shared among the ISS partners.
SEC. 306. COMMERCIAL LOW-EARTH ORBIT DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Strategy.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation
with the National Space Council, shall transmit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a strategy for a robust
and resilient architecture to advance NASA and other relevant
Federal government civil research, development, and
operational requirements in low-Earth orbit. The architecture
should--
(1) include a mix of crewed and uncrewed platforms;
(2) consider an incremental approach to achieving the full
suite of capabilities necessary to meet NASA research,
development, and operational requirements in low-Earth orbit;
(3) consider the requirements described in subsection (b);
and
[[Page H5610]]
(4) sustain and promote United States leadership and
international partnerships in carrying out low-Earth orbit
activities.
(b) Requirements.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit
to the appropriate committees of Congress and make available
to relevant United States commercial industry entities, a
detailed account of the research, development, and
operational requirements for NASA activities in low-Earth
orbit, including any requirements that could affect the
design, development, instrumentation, and long-term
operations of future United States commercial low-Earth orbit
platforms and supporting capabilities. In preparing the
detailed account of research, development, and operational
requirements, the Administrator may consider the requirements
of other relevant Federal agencies.
(c) Authorization.--The Administrator is authorized to
enter into agreements with one or more United States
commercial providers to enable the development and
certification of, and procure capabilities related to, a
United States private, low-Earth orbit platform or platforms,
and to use such platforms or platforms and related
capabilities to achieve the goals set forth in the strategy
under subsection (a), to sustain the priorities described in
section 10816 of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167;
51 U.S.C. 70901 note) and the activities under the Human
Exploration Roadmap pursuant to section 432(b)(2)(J) of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10), and to meet
the requirements described in subsection (b).
(d) Anchor Tenancy.--No later than November 15, 2025, the
Administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees of
Congress the following:
(1) The results of a survey and assessment of the market
for capabilities and services that may be provided through
future United States commercial low-Earth orbit platforms
that shall be prepared by an independent entity with
appropriate expertise;
(2) A detailed justification of compliance with section
30301 of title 51, United States Code.
(3) A detailed certification and justification of
compliance with section 50503 of title 51, United States
Code.
(e) Use of United States Launch and Reentry Services.--As a
term of an agreement entered into under to subsection (c),
the Administrator shall include a requirement for the use of
United States commercially-provided launch and reentry
services to support all Administration activities under the
agreement, in accordance with section 50131 of title 51,
United States Code, as applicable.
(f) Safety.--When an agreement under subsection (c)
involves a government astronauts (as such term is defined in
section 50902(4) of title 51, United States Code), the
Administrator shall protect the safety of the government
astronaut by ensuring that each platform under the agreement
meets all applicable human rating processes, certification,
and safety requirements.
SEC. 307. RISK OF LOSING ACCESS TO LOW-EARTH ORBIT.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report that evaluates the risk posed
by a potential gap in access to low-Earth orbit on science
and technology research and development conducted by NASA and
private entities. The report shall describe the following:
(1) The NASA science and exploration programs that may be
adversely affected by the lack of a United States presence in
low-Earth orbit.
(2) The effects that a gap in low-Earth orbit would have on
the United States' competitiveness in science and technology
and in the development of the United States-based commercial
space industry.
(3) Potential options and associated costs for preventing
such a gap, including the following:
(A) Implementing the strategy described in section 306.
(B) Supporting the operation of the International Space
Station beyond 2030.
(C) Increasing investment in and accelerating development
of commercial space stations.
(D) Working with international partners to establish
alternative means for conducting research in low-Earth orbit.
SEC. 308. MAINTENANCE OF SERVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL SPACE
STATION.
(a) In General.--Subject to appropriations for such
purpose, the Administrator shall maintain a flight cadence
necessary to support the health and safety of the
International Space Station crew and the full and productive
utilization of the International Space Station through its
operational lifetime, consistent with the certification date
of the International Space Station. In maintaining such
flight cadence, the Administrator shall seek to carry out not
less than the average annual cadence for the immediately
preceding three fiscal years of crew and cargo flights on
United States vehicles certified under NASA's Commercial Crew
and Cargo Program as of the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(b) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive the requirement
under subsection (a) upon submission of a written
determination to Congress that--
(1) the health and safety of the International Space
Station requires a reduction in flights; or
(2) the International Space Station has concluded its
operational lifetime.
SEC. 309. ORBITAL DEBRIS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
NASA's research and development activities related to
understanding and mitigating the hazards posed by orbital
debris are critical to ensuring the continued safe operation
of NASA missions, including the safety of humans living and
working in space, and such activities further enable
scientific and technological advances that can be leveraged
by the broader space operations community to foster a
sustainable space environment.
(b) Research and Development.--The Administrator shall, to
the extent practicable, conduct research and development to
advance scientific understanding and technological
capabilities related to orbital debris characterization and
mitigation.
(c) Considerations.--In conducting the research and
development described in subsection (b), the Administrator
may consider activities that--
(1) improve the characterization and modeling of the space
environment, including the characterization and modeling of
objects of both natural and anthropogenic origins that cannot
be directly characterized by ground-based measurements;
(2) leverage space weather research and development
elements within NASA's Heliophysics program, to the extent
appropriate and in accordance with the priorities established
in the most recent solar and space physics decadal survey;
and
(3) support the application of relevant research, tools,
and technologies to advance orbital debris characterization
and mitigation and the transfer of such research, tools, and
technologies to stakeholders, as appropriate and practicable.
SEC. 310. RESTRICTION ON FEDERAL FUNDS RELATING TO CERTAIN
CHINESE SPACE AND SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--No Federal funds authorized in this Act
may be obligated or expended for the following:
(1) For the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP),
or the National Space Council (NSC) to develop, design, plan,
promulgate, implement, or execute a bilateral policy,
program, order, or contract of any kind to participate,
collaborate, or coordinate bilaterally in any way with China
or any Chinese-owned company unless such activities are
specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(2) To effectuate the hosting of official Chinese visitors
at facilities belonging to or utilized by NASA.
(b) Exception.--The restrictions described in subsection
(a) shall not apply to activities with respect to which NASA,
OSTP, or NSC, after consultation with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, have certified--
(1) pose no risk of resulting in the transfer of
technology, data, or other information with national security
or economic security implications to China or a Chinese-owned
company; and
(2) will not involve knowing interactions with officials
who have been determined by the United States to have direct
involvement with violations of human rights.
(c) Submission.--Any certification made under subsection
(b) shall be submitted to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, not later
than 30 days prior to the activity in question. Any such
certification shall include a description of the purpose of
such activity, its agenda, its major participants, and its
location and timing.
TITLE IV--SPACE TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 401. SBIR PHASE II FLEXIBILITY.
Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638) is
amended in subsection (cc) by striking ``and the Department
of Education'' and inserting ``the Department of Education,
and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration''.
SEC. 402. LUNAR POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Study.--The Administrator may enter into an arrangement
with an independent entity with appropriate expertise to
conduct a study evaluating the feasibility of using power
purchase agreements to facilitate the development and
deployment of lunar surface power.
(b) Contents.--The study conducted under subsection (a) may
include the following:
(1) An identification of facilities and technical
capabilities needed to support lunar surface power
production.
(2) A demand forecast for lunar surface power, including
the following:
(A) Forecasted demand of both governmental and
nongovernmental users.
(B) To support the following:
(i) Near-term exploration activities.
(ii) Long-duration activities.
(3) Potential policy and legal issues associated with lunar
power purchase agreements between providers and the United
States Government, international partners, and other private
sector entities.
(c) Coordination.--In conducting the study under this
section, the Administrator may consult with the following:
[[Page H5611]]
(1) The Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium.
(2) The Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce,
and other Federal agencies, as determined appropriate by the
Administrator.
(3) International partners.
(4) Relevant private sector entities.
(d) Report.--Not later than 24 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator may submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes
the results of the study conducted pursuant to subsection
(a).
SEC. 403. CRYOGENIC FLUID VALVE TECHNOLOGY REVIEW.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
advancing cryogenic fluid valve technology would support the
Administration's efforts to improve cryogenic fluid
management and improve space vehicle reliability and
efficiency.
(b) Technology and Research Review.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, subject to the
availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall enter
into an agreement with an independent research and
development center or other independent nonprofit
organization, as determined appropriate by the Administrator,
to conduct a review of cryogenic fluid valve technology in
accordance with this section. The organization shall review
recent advances in technologies related to cryogenic fluid
valve use in space applications and assess opportunities to
improve cryogenic fluid valve technologies, including support
for research and development activities to advance materials
engineering for cryogenic fluid valves.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the organization conducting the review
shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate
committees of Congress a report detailing the results of the
review conducted under this section.
SEC. 404. LUNAR COMMUNICATIONS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Reliable communication and navigation capabilities are
essential for sustainable human and robotic exploration of
the Moon.
(2) Fostering the development of commercial capabilities
can accelerate the deployment of lunar communication and
navigation services.
(b) In General.--The Administrator is authorized to develop
a robust and resilient architecture for lunar communications
and navigation to support the Administration's human and
robotic lunar exploration activities.
(c) Study and Plan.--To inform the development in
subsection (a), the Administrator shall develop a study and
prepare a plan to--
(1) enable interoperable communications and navigation
services for cislunar missions;
(2) work with the private sector, other Federal agencies,
and, as appropriate, international partners to establish
technical standards, consistent with section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995
(Public Law 104-113), protocols, and interface requirements
for cislunar communications and navigation services and
systems;
(3) support NASA lunar activities;
(4) leverage NASA's space technology research, development,
and demonstration activities related to space communications
and navigation; and
(5) evaluate the opportunities, benefits, feasibility, and
challenges of potentially using commercial cislunar
communication and navigation services, as appropriate, by
United States commercial providers.
SEC. 405. CELESTIAL TIME STANDARDIZATION.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) United States leadership of a sustained presence on the
Moon and in deep space exploration is important for advancing
science, exploration, commercial growth, and international
partnership;
(2) the Artemis and Moon to Mars program of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will involve
governmental, commercial, academic, and international
partners where there is a need for interoperability between
systems;
(3) the use of Coordinated Universal Time has challenges
when used beyond Earth at other celestial bodies, due to
relativistic effects;
(4) the United States should lead in developing time
standardization for the Moon and other celestial bodies other
than Earth to support interoperability and safe and
sustainable operations; and
(5) development of such standardization will advance United
States leadership in standards setting for global
competitiveness, and will benefit other spacefaring countries
and entities.
(b) Development of Celestial Time Standardization.--The
Administrator of NASA, in consultation with the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall carry out
the following:
(1) Enable the development of celestial time
standardization, including by leading the study and
definition of a coordinated lunar time.
(2) Develop a strategy to implement a coordinated lunar
time that would support future operations and infrastructure
on and around the Moon.
(3) In carrying out paragraphs (1) and (2)--
(A) coordinate with relevant Federal entities, including
the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, the
Department of State, and the Department of Transportation;
and
(B) consult with--
(i) relevant private sector entities;
(ii) relevant academic entities; and
(iii) relevant international standards setting bodies.
(4) Incorporate the following features of a coordinated
lunar time, to the extent practicable, in the development of
the strategy developed pursuant to paragraph (2):
(A) Traceability to Coordinated Universal Time.
(B) Accuracy sufficient to support precision navigation and
science.
(C) Resilience to loss of contact with Earth.
(D) Scalability to space environments beyond the Earth-Moon
system.
(c) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of NASA 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 describing
the strategy developed pursuant to subsection (b)(2),
including relevant plans, timelines, and resources required
for the implementation of a coordinated lunar time pursuant
to such strategy.
TITLE V--AERONAUTICS
SEC. 501. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Advanced air mobility; aam.--The terms ``advanced air
mobility'' and ``AAM'' mean a transportation system that is
comprised of urban air mobility and regional air mobility
using manned or unmanned aircraft.
(2) Regional air mobility.--The term ``regional air
mobility'' means the movement of passengers or property by
air between 2 points using an airworthy aircraft that--
(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed
propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift,
nontraditional power systems, or autonomous technologies;
(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320
pounds; and
(C) is not urban air mobility.
(3) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft
system'' has the meanings given such term in section 44801 of
title 49, United States Code.
(4) Urban air mobility.--The term ``urban air mobility''
means the movement of passengers or property by air between 2
points in different cities or 2 points within the same city
using an airworthy aircraft that--
(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed
propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift,
nontraditional power systems, or autonomous technologies; and
(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320
pounds.
(5) UTM.--The term ``UTM'' means an unmanned aircraft
system traffic management system or service.
SEC. 502. EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS.
(a) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation
with industry and academia, shall conduct a study of past and
future administration of the experimental aircraft
demonstrator projects.
(b) Future Demonstrations.--The study under subsection (a)
shall identify systems, capabilities, and technologies that
could be viable candidates for maturation and demonstration
through the development of an experimental aircraft
demonstrator. Such systems, capabilities, and technologies
may include technological advancements related to structures,
aerodynamics, propulsion, controls, and autonomous
capabilities. The study shall include a description of
criteria and performance metrics used to determine the
readiness of a system, capability, or technology to be
demonstrated on a future experimental aircraft demonstrator.
(c) Lessons Learned.--The study under subsection (a) also
shall include an assessment of lessons learned from the
Administration's previous experimental aircraft demonstration
projects over the last decade, including the projects set
forth under section 10831 of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law
117-167). This assessment shall include--
(1) a quantitative assessment of each experimental aircraft
demonstration project's ability to meet cost, schedule and
performance goals, as defined at the time of project
confirmation;
(2) the extent to which the project's objectives or
performance goals were changed or descoped;
(3) the extent to which the system, capability, or
technology that was the subject of the project was matured as
a result of its demonstration on an experimental aircraft
demonstrator; and
(4) the extent to which the project has contributed to
advancing the capabilities of and innovation in the United
States aircraft and aviation industries.
SEC. 503. HYPERSONIC RESEARCH.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) basic and applied hypersonic research--
(A) is critical for enabling the development of advanced
high-speed aeronautical and space systems; and
(B) can improve understanding of technical challenges
related to high-speed and reusable vehicle technologies,
including those related
[[Page H5612]]
to propulsion, noise, advanced materials, and entry, descent,
and landing operations;
(2) investments in hypersonic research are critical to
sustaining United States global leadership in space and
aeronautics; and
(3) NASA efforts to study hypersonic research should
complement research supported by the Department of Defense
and, when appropriate, be conducted in partnership with
universities and industry.
(b) Hypersonic Research.--The Administrator, in
coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration and the Secretary of the Department of
Defense, and in consultation with industry and academia,
shall continue to carry out basic and applied hypersonic
research.
(c) Hypersonic Research Roadmap.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the
Federal Aviation Administration and the Secretary of the
Department of Defense, and with industry and academic
institutions, shall update the hypersonic research roadmap
required under section 603 of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017
(Public Law 115-10; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note). In updating the
research roadmap, the Administrator may consider advancements
in--
(1) system level design, analysis, and validation of
hypersonic aircraft technologies;
(2) propulsion capabilities and technologies;
(3) vehicle technologies to include vehicle flow physics
and vehicle thermal management associated with aerodynamic
heating;
(4) advanced materials, including materials capable of
withstanding high temperatures and demonstrating durable
materials, and efforts to create models and simulate use of
such materials; and
(5) other areas of hypersonic research as determined
appropriate by the Administrator.
(d) Report and Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
(1) transmit the updated research roadmap under subsection
(c) to the appropriate committees of Congress; and
(2) provide a briefing on the research conducted under
subsection (b), including how such research aligns with the
updated research roadmap under subsection (c).
SEC. 504. ADVANCED MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report to the
appropriate committees of Congress on the status of NASA
activities relating to section 10831(e), the Advanced
Materials and Manufacturing Technology Program, and section
10831(f), regarding relevant Research Partnerships, as set
forth in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167).
SEC. 505. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY.
(a) Finding.--Congress finds that research and development
related to autonomous aviation is vital to ensure United
States competitiveness as the National Airspace System
evolves from trajectory-based operations to collaborative and
highly automated operations.
(b) Collaboration.--The Administrator shall, in
collaboration with the Administrator of Federal Aviation
Administration, the heads of other relevant Federal agencies,
and appropriate representatives of academia and industry,
continue its research on unmanned aircraft systems and
advanced air mobility, including research related to UTM and
autonomous capabilities, as practicable.
(c) Brief.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the progress of the
research under subsection (b).
SEC. 506. ADVANCED CAPABILITIES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
OPERATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall leverage NASA-
developed tools and technologies to conduct research and
development activities under the Advanced Capabilities for
Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project, or appropriate
successor project or projects, to improve aerial responses to
wildfires.
(b) Goals.--The research and development activities
conducted under subsection (a) may include the following:
(1) Advanced aircraft technologies and airspace management
efforts to assist in the management, deconfliction, and
coordination of aerial assets during wildfire response
efforts.
(2) Information sharing and real-time data exchange for
wildfire response teams.
(3) Development of an interoperable platform to provide
situational awareness of aerial assets during wildfire
response.
(4) Establishment of a multi-agency concept of operations,
which may involve Federal, State, and local government
agencies, to enable coordination of aerial activities for
wildfire response.
(c) Collaboration.--In carrying out this section, the
Administrator--
(1) may coordinate and collaborate with other Federal,
State, and local government agencies, regional organizations,
and commercial partners and academic institutions involved in
wildfire management; and
(2) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, consult with
the heads of other Federal departments and agencies to avoid
duplication of activities.
(d) Prohibition.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in this subsection, the
Administrator may not procure an unmanned aircraft system to
conduct activities described in this section if such unmanned
aircraft system is manufactured or assembled by a covered
foreign entity.
(2) Exemption.--The Administrator may waive the prohibition
under paragraph (1) on a case-by-case basis if the
Administrator--
(A) determines that the procurement of an unmanned aircraft
system is--
(i) in the national interest of the United States; and
(ii) necessary for the sole purpose of improving aerial
responses to wildfires; and
(B) notifies 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 30 days after a determination in the affirmative
under subparagraph (A).
(e) Annual Reports.--Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter until
December 31, 2029, 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 describing the
activities, including results, carried out pursuant to this
section 2. Each such report, at minimum, shall contain the
following:
(1) A description of any research and development
activities.
(2) A description of the Administrator's activities
pursuant to subsection (c).
(3) An identification of any topics related to improvement
of aerial responses to wildfires that could benefit from
further research.
(4) A description of any continuing efforts under this
section.
(5) Any other information determined appropriate by the
Administrator.
(f) Definition.--In this section:
(1) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign
entity'' has the meaning given such term in section 1832 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
(Public Law 118-31).
(2) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft
system'' has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of
title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 507. HYDROGEN AVIATION.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations for such purpose, and taking into
consideration the strategy developed under and research
conducted pursuant to section 1019 of the FAA Reauthorization
Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-63), the Administrator may carry
out research on emerging technologies related to hydrogen
aviation.
(b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings
of the research under subsection (a).
SEC. 508. HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHASE AIRCRAFT.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) NASA programs benefit from and rely upon high-
performance chase aircraft for providing research and mission
support; and
(2) NASA currently faces maintenance challenges related to
its aging high-performance aircraft fleet, which is resulting
in increased program costs.
(b) Briefing.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and biannually thereafter, the
Administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees of
Congress a briefing on the strategy of NASA relating to the
following:
(1) Collaboration with the Department of Defense on efforts
for research and flight asset sharing to support NASA's
research mission support and pilot training requirements.
(2) Efforts to seek aircraft parts and engines to keep
NASA's current fleet of chase aircraft operational, including
potential use of 3D additive manufactured parts.
(3) Strategies for acquiring or using through loan,
sharing, or other agreements, as appropriate, Department of
Defense aircraft to support NASA's research and mission
support activities, as required.
SEC. 509. COLLABORATION WITH ACADEMIA.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) colleges and universities are hubs of research and
innovation, with expertise in various fields of science and
aeronautics;
(2) collaborating with academia allows NASA to access
cutting-edge research and expertise that can further enable
advancements in aeronautics research and technology and
address complex aeronautical challenges;
(3) a cutting-edge civil aeronautics research and
development program can inspire the next generation to pursue
education and careers in science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics, including aeronautics; and
(4) opportunities for students to participate in NASA-
supported academic research and development projects, such as
the University Leadership Initiative, the University Students
Research Challenge, and related aeronautic projects and
competitions, contributes to training the next generation and
developing the aeronautics workforce to support continued
United States leadership and economic growth in civil
aeronautics and aviation.
[[Page H5613]]
SEC. 510. NATIONAL STUDENT UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
COMPETITION PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall lead a national
pilot program to carry out unmanned aircraft systems
technology competitions for students at the high school and
undergraduate level (in this section referred to as
``competitions'') in which students shall compete to design,
create, and demonstrate an unmanned aircraft system.
(b) Competition Administration.--The Administrator shall
award, on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis, a grant to a
nonprofit organization, an institution of higher education,
or a consortium thereof, to administer the pilot program
under subsection (a) (in this section referred to as the
``competition administrator'').
(c) Award Criteria.--The Administrator shall ensure that
the award decision made under subsection (b) take into
account the extent to which the eligible entity--
(1) identifies a plan for engaging eligible institutions
from diverse geographic areas, including poor, rural, and
Tribal communities; and
(2) identifies a plan for connecting science, technology,
engineering, and medicine (STEM) activities to Administration
missions and centers.
(d) Competition Administrator Responsibilities.--In
carrying out the pilot program, the competition administrator
shall be responsible for the following:
(1) Awarding grants to institutions of higher education or
nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) on a merit-
reviewed, competitive basis to host individual competitions.
(2) Developing STEM curriculum to be utilized by the
competition awardees to help students make the connection to
the design, construction, and demonstration of unmanned
aircraft systems.
(3) Developing curriculum to assist students in making
real-world connections to STEM content and educate students
on the relevance and significance of STEM careers.
(4) Ensuring competition awardees are supporting the
activities specified in subsection (f).
(5) Conducting performance evaluations of competitions,
including data collection, on the following:
(A) The number of students engaged.
(B) Geographic and institutional diversity of participating
schools and institutions of higher education.
(6) Any other activities the Administrator finds necessary
to ensure the competitions are successful.
(e) Additional Considerations.--In awarding grants in
subsection (d), the competition administrator shall consider
applications that include a partnership with that State's
space grant program under chapter 403 of title 51, United
States Code.
(f) Permitted Activities.--In carrying out the pilot
program under subsection (a), the competition administrator
shall ensure competitions occurring at both the high school
and undergraduate levels--
(1) allow students to design, construct, and demonstrate an
unmanned aircraft system;
(2) allow students to compete with other teams in the
performance of the constructed unmanned aircraft system;
(3) connect to relevant missions and NASA Center activities
of the Administration;
(4) connect relevant STEM curriculum to the design,
construction, and demonstration of unmanned aircraft systems;
(5) support activities designed to help students make real-
world connections to STEM content and educate students on the
relevance and significance of STEM careers;
(6) are geographically dispersed in order to serve a broad
student population, including those in rural and underserved
communities; and
(7) encourage, to the greatest extent practicable, the
participation of students from groups historically
underrepresented in STEM.
(g) Report to Congress.--Not later than six months after
the end of the pilot program under subsection (a), the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report describing the accomplishments, lessons
learned, any challenges in the implementation of the pilot
program, and recommendations for whether to continue the
pilot program.
(h) Definition.--In this section, the term ``eligible
institution'' means--
(1) an institution of higher education;
(2) a nonprofit research institution;
(3) a high school; or
(4) a consortium of 2 or more entities described in any of
paragraphs (1) through (3).
SEC. 511. DECADAL SURVEY FOR NATIONAL AERONAUTICS RESEARCH
AND PRIORITIES REVIEW.
(a) Finding.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Engaging the science and engineering communities, along
with industry, through the development of a National
Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine decadal
survey in aeronautics research and development can provide a
science and engineering community consensus on key research
and development priorities in national civil aeronautics
programs.
(2) A decadal survey entails a comprehensive review of and
strategy and priorities for civil national aeronautics
research and development and prioritizes for the next decade.
(3) A decadal survey for civil aeronautics research and
development can serve as a guiding framework for strategic
planning and resource allocation in the field of civil
aeronautics for the coming decade.
(b) Study.--The Administrator in consultation with the
heads of other relevant Federal Government agencies and in
accordance with section 20305 of title 51. United States
Code, shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (in
this section referred to as the ``National Academies'') to
conduct a decadal survey of civil aeronautics research and
development for the 2025--2035 decade. The survey shall
recommend research priorities to sustain United States
leadership in civil aeronautics research and development and
support a safe and sustainable future for aviation. The
survey may also include recommendations related to the
dissemination and transition of such research and development
to the United States commercial aviation and aircraft
industries, to enabling innovation, and to ensuring a world-
class workforce for aeronautics research and development and
related United States commercial industries and activities.
(c) Transmittal.--Not later than 2 years 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 the results of such survey,
including any recommendations.
SEC. 512. MAKING ADVANCEMENTS IN COMMERCIAL HYPERSONICS.
(a) In General.--In conducting the hypersonics research in
section 40112(d) of title 51, United States Code, the
Administrator may establish the Making Advancements in
Commercial Hypersonics Program (in this section referred to
as the ``Program''), which shall facilitate opportunities for
testing of high-speed aircraft and other technologies that
advance scientific research and technology development
related to hypersonic aircraft.
(b) Limitation.--The Program under subsection (a) shall not
fund the development of technologies that are supported by
such testing opportunities.
(c) Plan.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, acting through the
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, shall develop a
strategic plan for activities under subsection (a) that
aligns with the research roadmap under section 503 of this
Act.
(d) Coordination, Consultation and Collaboration.--
(1) The Administrator shall ensure coordination between the
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate and other Mission
Directorates, as appropriate, to identify technologies
eligible for testing opportunities under the Program.
(2) The Administrator shall consult and seek to collaborate
with, as appropriate, with the Secretary of Defense and the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration on
activities related to the Program, including development,
testing, and evaluation of high-speed aircraft and related
technologies.
(e) Report.--The Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress, and the Committee on
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Armed Services of the Senate--
(1) not later than 80 days after the date of the enactment
of this section, a report that--
(A) describes activities of the program established under
subsection (a); and
(B) includes the strategic plan produced under subsection
(c); and
(2) not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, and annually thereafter, a report describing
progress in carrying out the program, including the number
and type of testing opportunities executed in the previous
fiscal year and planned for the upcoming fiscal year.
(f) Research Security.--Nothing under this section
authorizes the Administrator to develop, implement, or
execute an agreement related to technologies under this
section with any entity of concern, a foreign business
entity, or a foreign country of concern.
(g) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) Entity of concern.--the term ``entity of concern'' has
the meaning given such term in section 10114 of the Research
and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (Public Law
117-167; 42 U.S.C. 18912).
(2) Foreign business entity.--The term ``foreign business
entity'' means an entity that is majority-owned or majority-
controlled (as such term is defined in section 800.208 of
title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, or a successor
regulation), or minority owned greater than 25 percent by--
(A) any governmental organization of a foreign country of
concern; or
(B) any other entity that is--
(i) known to be owned or controlled by any governmental
organization of a foreign country of concern; or
(ii) organized under, or otherwise subject to, the laws of
a foreign country of concern.
(3) Foreign country of concern.--The term ``foreign country
of concern'' has the meaning given such term in section 9901
of title XCIX of division H of the William M. (Mac)
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651).
(4) High-speed aircraft.--The term ``high-speed aircraft''
has the meaning given such term in section 1009 of the
Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-
63).
[[Page H5614]]
TITLE VI--SCIENCE
SEC. 601. MAINTAINING A BALANCED SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.
(a) Sense of Congress.--Congress reaffirms the sense of
Congress that--
(1) a balanced and adequately funded set of activities
consisting of research and analysis grant programs,
technology development, suborbital research activities, and
small, medium, and large space missions, contributes to a
robust and productive science program and serves as a
catalyst for innovation and discovery; and
(2) the Administrator should set science priorities by
following the recommendations and guidance provided by the
scientific community through the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine decadal surveys.
(b) Policy Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms the policy of
the United States set forth in section 501(c) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization
Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note), which
states, ``It is the policy of the United States to ensure, to
the extent practicable, a steady cadence of large, medium,
and small science missions''.
SEC. 602. IMPLEMENTATION OF SCIENCE MISSION COST-CAPS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) NASA science missions address compelling scientific
questions prioritized by the National Academies decadal
surveys, and often such missions exceed expectations in terms
of performance, longevity, and scientific impact;
(2) the Administrator should continue to pursue an
ambitious science program while also seeking to avoid
excessive cost growth that has the potential to affect the
balance across the Science portfolio and within the Science
Divisions;
(3) audits by the NASA Inspector General and the Government
Accountability Office have reported that early cost estimates
for missions in the preliminary phases of conception and
development are immature and unreliable, and the cost of a
mission typically is not well-understood until the project is
further along in the development process;
(4) cost growth of a mission beyond its early cost
estimates is a challenge for budget planning and has the
potential to affect other missions in the Science Mission
Directorate portfolio, including through delays to future
mission solicitations; and
(5) relying on early cost estimates made prior to
preliminary design review for science missions which then
experience such cost growth may disincentivize program and
cost discipline moving forward.
(b) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit
to the appropriate committees of Congress a review of NASA
practices related to establishment of and compliance with
cost caps of competitively-selected, principal investigator-
led science missions. The review shall--
(1) assess current cost cap values and determine whether
existing cost-cap amounts are appropriate for different
classes of missions;
(2) consider the effectiveness of cost caps in maintaining
a varied and balanced portfolio of mission types within the
Science Mission Directorate;
(3) describe the information NASA requires as part of a
proposal submission related to project cost estimates and
proposal compliance with cost caps, and assess whether such
required information provides sufficient insight or
confidence in the estimates;
(4) consider NASA processes for assessing proposed cost
estimates and the accuracy of such assessments for past
competitively-selected, principal investigator-led science
missions; and
(5) for the period starting on January 1, 2000 and ending
on the date of the enactment of this Act--
(A) a list of--
(i) competitively-selected, principal investigator-led
science missions for which costs have exceeded the associated
cost cap; and
(ii) reason the mission costs exceeded the cost-cap;
(B) an assessment of NASA's role in predicting, preventing,
or managing competitively-selected, principal investigator-
led science mission cost increases; and
(C) a description of the impact of increased competitively-
selected, principal investigator-led science mission costs
beyond the cost caps on--
(i) the missions for which the cost cap has been breached;
and
(ii) other missions within the applicable division and
within the Science Mission Directorate.
SEC. 603. REEXAMINATION OF DECADAL SURVEYS.
Title 51, United States Code, is amended in section
20305(c) by inserting ``, significant changes to the NASA
budget'' after ``growth''.
SEC. 604. LANDSAT.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report to the
appropriate committees of Congress describing--
(1) the Administrator's efforts to comply with section
60134 of title 51, United States Code;
(2) aspects of Landsat NEXT or any other Landsat
observations that--
(A) could be provided by private sector data-buys or
service procurements; and
(B) could--
(i) meet associated science requirements while maintaining
or exceeding the quality, integrity, and continuity of the
Landsat observational capabilities and performance, including
requirements necessary to ensure high-quality calibrated data
continuity and traceability with the 50-year Landsat data
record; and
(ii) comply with nondiscriminatory availability of
unenhanced data and public archiving of data pursuant to
section 60141 and 60142 of title 51, United States Code, and
all other relevant federal laws, regulations, and policies
related to open science and data accessibility;
(3) any potential tradeoffs or other impacts of
subparagraphs (A) or (B) that could reduce the benefit of
Landsat data for scientific and applied uses or reduce the
Federal Government's ability to make such data available for
the widest possible use; and
(4) recommendations and opportunities for the Federal
Government to mitigate potential tradeoffs or impacts
identified under paragraph (3) or to otherwise facilitate
private sector data-buys or service procurements.
SEC. 605. PRIVATE EARTH OBSERVATION DATA.
(a) Amendments.--Section 702 of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
18371) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Director of OSTP'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--The Director of OSTP''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Considerations.--In updating the civil Earth
observation strategic implementation plan pursuant to
subsection (a), the Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall consider commercial Earth observation
data, as appropriate, that can be purchased or accessed by
the Federal Government to meet Earth observation
requirements.''.
(b) Government Accountability Office Report.--Not later
than 12 months after the release of the next civil Earth
observation strategic implementation plan update under
section 702(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
18371(a)), the Comptroller General shall report to the
appropriate committees of Congress an assessment of the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy's
implementation of section 702(b) of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
18371(b)), as amended.
SEC. 606. COMMERCIAL SATELLITE DATA.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Section 60501 of title 51, United States Code, states
that the goal for the Earth Science program of NASA shall be
to pursue a program of Earth observations, research, and
applications activities to better understand the Earth, how
it supports life, and how human activities affect its ability
to do so in the future.
(2) Section 50115 of title 51, United States Code, states
that the Administrator of NASA shall, to the extent possible
and while satisfying the scientific or educational
requirements of NASA, and where appropriate, of other Federal
agencies and scientific researchers, acquire, where cost
effective, space-based and airborne commercial Earth remote
sensing data, services, distribution, and applications from a
commercial provider.
(3) The Administrator of NASA established the Commercial
SmallSat Data Acquisition Pilot Program in 2019 to identify,
validate, and acquire from commercial sources data that
support the Earth science research and application goals.
(4) The Administrator of NASA has--
(A) determined that the pilot program described in
paragraph (3) has been a success, as described in the final
evaluation entitled ``Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition
Program Pilot Evaluation Report'' issued in 2020;
(B) established a formal process for evaluating and
onboarding new commercial vendors in such pilot program;
(C) increased the number of commercial vendors and
commercial data products available through such pilot
program; and
(D) expanded procurement arrangements with commercial
vendors to broaden user access to provide commercial Earth
remote sensing data and imagery to federally funded
researchers.
(b) Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 603 of title 51, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 60307. Commercial satellite data acquisition program
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall establish within
the Earth Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate
a program to acquire and disseminate cost-effective and
appropriate commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery
in order to satisfy the scientific, operational, and
educational requirements of the Administration, and where
appropriate, of other Federal agencies and scientific
researchers to augment or complement the suite of Earth
observations acquired by the Administration, other United
States Government agencies, and international partners.
[[Page H5615]]
``(b) Data Publication and Transparency.--The terms and
conditions of commercial Earth remote sensing data and
imagery acquisitions under the program described in
subsection (a) shall not prevent--
``(1) the publication of commercial data or imagery for
scientific purposes; or
``(2) the publication of information that is derived from,
incorporates, or enhances the original commercial data or
imagery of a vendor.
``(c) Authorization.--In carrying out the program under
this section, the Administrator may--
``(1) procure the commercial Earth remote sensing data and
imagery from commercial vendors to advance scientific
research and applications in accordance with subsection (a);
and
``(2) establish or modify end-use license terms and
conditions to allow for the widest-possible use of procured
commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery by
individuals other than NASA-funded users, consistent with the
goals of the program.
``(d) United States Vendors.--Commercial Earth remote
sensing data and imagery referred to in subsections (a) and
(c) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be procured
from United States vendors.
``(e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report that includes the following
information regarding the agreements, vendors, license terms,
and uses of commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery
under this section:
``(1)(A) In the case of the initial report, a list of all
agreements that are providing commercial Earth remote sensing
data and imagery to NASA as of the date of the report.
``(B) For each subsequent report, a list of all agreements
that have provided commercial Earth remote sensing data and
imagery to NASA during the reporting period.
``(2) A description of the end-use license terms and
conditions for each such vendor.
``(3) A description of the manner in which each such
agreement is advancing scientific research and applications,
including priorities recommended by the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine decadal surveys.
``(4) Information specifying whether the Administrator has
entered into an agreement with a commercial vendor or a
Federal agency that permits the use of data and imagery by
Federal Government employees, contractors, or non-Federal
users.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for chapter
603 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at
the end the following new item:
``60307. Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program.''.
SEC. 607. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION MEASUREMENTS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) observation and measurement of greenhouse gases such as
carbon dioxide and methane are of critical importance to
understand the sources of these emissions;
(2) additional tools can improve the precise detection of
methane leaks from natural gas lines and production
facilities to reduce economic losses and to reduce
unintentional release of this potent greenhouse gas;
(3) observation of such gases can be conducted with a
combination of space-based, airborne, and ground-based
instruments;
(4) in 2022, NASA cancelled the Geostationary Carbon Cycle
Observatory, a competitively-selected, Principal
Investigator-led instrument under development that is
designed to make space-based observations of greenhouse
gases, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and
methane, as well as vegetation health over the western
hemisphere from geosynchronous orbit; and
(5) in 2023, the Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory PI-
led project team delivered an unvalidated instrument assembly
and flight spares to NASA as part of the project closeout
activities.
(b) Hardware.--
(1) The Administrator shall assess the hardware and, to the
maximum extent practicable, seek to validate the instrument
assembly delivered to the Administration under the contract
for the development of GeoCarb, which shall include an
assessment of scientific capabilities of the delivered
hardware, including potential repurposed uses or science
contributions.
(2) The Administrator, within 6 months of the date of the
enactment of this Act, shall provide a report to the
appropriate committees of Congress regarding the results of
the assessment conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) and if
appropriate based on the assessment, a list of potential
launch opportunities, including cost and schedule associated
with such opportunities.
(c) Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation
with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other
relevant agencies, shall enter into an agreement with the
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to
develop a science-based strategy to assess and evaluate the
use of present and future greenhouse gas monitoring and
detection capabilities, including ground-based, airborne, and
space-based sensors and integration of data relating to such
monitoring and detection from other indicators, to detect
large methane emission events (commonly referred to as
``methane super-emitters'').
(2) Requirements.--The strategy described in subsection (a)
shall include the following elements:
(A) Development of a proposed definition for the term
``methane super-emitter''.
(B) Examination of whether and how current and planned
Federal greenhouse gas monitoring and detection capabilities
may be leveraged to monitor and detect methane super-
emitters, and identify key gaps in such capabilities.
(C) Examination of the effectiveness of the U.S. Greenhouse
Gas Center and Greenhouse Gas Monitoring and Measurement
Interagency Working Group in facilitating interagency
collaboration for greenhouse gas monitoring and detection,
data standards, stewardship, and data integration, including
activities related to monitoring and detecting methane super-
emitters.
(D) Examination of actions taken by Federal agencies and
departments in response to the National Strategy to Advance
an Integrated U.S. Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Monitoring,
and Information System, including progress towards pathways
to enhance the scientific and operational value of
information regarding methane super-emitters.
(E) Consideration of options for the Federal Government to
partner with nongovernmental entities, including State and
local governments, academia, nonprofit organizations,
commercial industry, and international organizations, to
effectively leverage greenhouse gas monitoring and detection
capabilities to monitor and detect methane super-emitters.
(F) Consideration of options for the Federal Government to
validate and verify technologies and data developed or
collects by nongovernmental entities, academia, nonprofit
organizations, commercial industry, and international
organizations related to monitoring and detecting methane
super-emitters.
(G) Recommendations regarding the activities under
subparagraphs (A) through (F), as appropriate.
(d) Use of Strategy.--The Administrator may use the
strategy described in subsection (a) to inform the planning
of research and development activities regarding greenhouse
gas monitoring and detection, including methane super-
emitters.
(e) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
execution of the agreement between the Administrator and the
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
under subsection (a), the National Academies shall submit to
the Administrator, 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 strategy described in subsection (a).
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Greenhouse gas monitoring and detection.--The term
``greenhouse gas monitoring and detection'' means the direct
observation, from space or in-situ, or collection of
measurement data pertaining to, greenhouse gas emissions and
levels.
(2) Geocarb.--The term ``GeoCarb'' shall mean the
Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory.
SEC. 608. NASA DATA FOR AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) NASA has decades of experience in space-based
scientific Earth observations and measurements, including
data, trends and modeling.
(2) NASA Earth science data, which includes data on
precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, soil
moisture, and vegetation health, has been used to inform the
decisionmaking of agricultural producers.
(3) NASA applies its scientific data and models to inform
and support the agricultural community and engages in
innovative collaborations such as the NASA Acres and NASA
Harvest agricultural consortia.
(4) NASA uses space-based Earth observations and science
and applications to support farmers in efforts to conserve
water and other resources, improve farm management and crop
yield, and facilitate the stability of the national food
supply.
(5) NASA's upcoming Earth System Observatory will benefit
the agricultural community by improving observations critical
for measuring and understanding cropland conditions, water
availability, early onset crop disease, soil moisture, and
other crop and rangeland management indicators.
(6) Increased engagement between NASA and the agricultural
community can support agricultural producers, bolster the
national food supply, and improve agricultural research,
science, and technology.
(b) Data Dissemination.--NASA shall continue to partner
with other relevant Federal agencies, as practicable, to
disseminate water, soil, vegetation, land-use, and other
relevant NASA Earth observation and science data, information
and tools to support American agricultural producers. Such
partnerships may include activities such as--
(1) continuing the leverage NASA Earth science water data
and information to enable efficient use of resources, inform
irrigation
[[Page H5616]]
decisions, and support local innovation and control of water
management;
(2) supporting agriculture decisionmaking by increasing the
accessibility and useability of NASA Earth science data,
information, and tools relevant to the impact of disease,
weather, precipitation, and other environmental factors on
agricultural production; or
(3) making available, to the greatest extent practicable,
NASA earth science measurements and data to advance precision
agricultural capabilities relevant to the needs and
requirements of agricultural producers.
(c) Application of Space-based Data.--The Administrator
shall, in furtherance of the goal for the NASA's Earth
science and applications program of securing practical
benefits for society, as set forth in section 60501 of title
51, United States Code, continue to collaborate with relevant
Federal agencies to develop mechanisms to transition, as
appropriate, relevant NASA Earth science research findings,
data, information, models, and capabilities to operational
governmental and private sector entities focused on
addressing the needs of the agricultural user community.
(d) Partnering.--In carrying out subsections (b) and (d),
NASA shall, to the extent practicable and in collaboration
with other relevant Federal agencies, where appropriate,
continue to engage State and local government agencies,
institutions of higher education, agriculture producer
organizations, and other relevant stakeholder and user
communities from the public and private sectors to improve
dissemination of NASA Earth science data, information, and
tools relevant to the needs of agricultural producers and the
agriculture industry, in accordance with the goal for the
Administration's Earth science and applications program set
forth in section 60501 of title 51, United States Code, and
relevant recommendations of the most recent decadal survey on
Earth science and applications from space.
SEC. 609. PLANETARY SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) planetary science missions advance the scientific
understanding of the solar system and the place of humans in
it while also advancing the design and operations of
spacecraft and robotic engineering; and
(2) Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship programs allow
NASA to fund a range of missions that vary in size, cost, and
complexity; maintaining balance across these mission classes
allows for a broad scope of discoveries and scientific
advances.
(b) Mission Priorities Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms
the direction in section 502(b)(1) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization
Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note) that--
(1) in accordance with the priorities established in the
most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey, the
Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest extent
practicable, the completion of a balanced set of Discovery,
New Frontiers, and Flagship missions at the cadence
recommended by the most recent Planetary Science Decadal
Survey; and
(2) consistent with the set of missions described in
paragraph (1), and while maintaining the continuity of
scientific data and steady development of capabilities and
technologies, the Administrator may seek, if necessary,
adjustments to mission priorities, schedule, and scope in
light of changing budget projections.
SEC. 610. PLANETARY DEFENSE.
(a) Section 808 of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18387),
is amended in subsection (b) by striking ``implement, before
September 30, 2012,'' and inserting ``, in coordination with
the NASA Administrator, maintain and regularly update''.
(b) Title 51, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 71103--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``Developing policy
and recommending'' and inserting ``Policy on near-Earth
objects and''
(B) by striking ``Within 2 years after October 15, 2008,
the'' and inserting ``The'';
(C) after ``Policy shall'', by inserting ``, in
coordination with the Administrator, maintain and regularly
update'';
(D) by striking ``(1) develop''; and
(E) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(2) recommend'' and
inserting ``recommendations for''; and
(2) in chapter 711--
(A) by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 71105. Planetary defense coordination office
``(a) Office.--As directed in section 10825 of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of
2022 (Public Law 117-167), the Administrator shall maintain
an office within the Planetary Science Division of the
Science Mission Directorate to be known as the `Planetary
Defense Coordination Office'.
``(b) Responsibilities.--Consistent with the direction in
section 10825 of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167)
the Planetary Defense Coordination Office under subsection
(a) shall--
``(1) plan, develop, and implement a program to survey
threats posed by near-Earth objects equal to or grater than
140 meters in diameter, as required by section 321(d)(1) of
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155; 119 Stat.
2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 note prec.);
``(2) identify, track, and characterize potentially
hazardous near-Earth objects, issue warnings of the effects
of potential impacts of such objects, and investigate
strategies and technologies for mitigating the potential
impacts of such objects; and
``(3) assist in coordinating government planning for a
response to a potential impact of a near-Earth objects.'';
and
(B) in the table of contents--
(i) by adding at the end the following new item:
``71105. Planetary Defense Coordination Office.''; and
(ii) by amending the item relating to section 71103 to read
as follows:
``71103. Policy on near-Earth objects and responsible Federal
agency.''.
SEC. 611. LUNAR DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator may carry out, within
the Science Mission Directorate, a program to accomplish
science objectives for the Moon, with an organizational
structure that aligns responsibility, authority, and
accountability, as recommended by the most recent decadal
survey for planetary science and astrobiology.
(b) Objectives and Requirements.--In carrying out the
program in subsection (a), the Administrator shall direct the
Science Mission Directorate, in consultation with the
Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate and the
Space Technology Mission Directorate, to define high-priority
lunar science objectives informed by decadal and other
scientific consensus recommendations, and related
requirements of an integrated Artemis science strategy for
human and robotic missions to the Moon.
(c) Instrumentation.--The program in subsection (a) should
assess the need for and facilitate the development of
instrumentation to support the scientific exploration of the
Moon.
SEC. 612. COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Administrator's encouragement and support for
commercial services for lunar surface delivery capabilities
and other related services serves the national interest; and
(2) commercial providers benefit from an approach that
places low-cost, noncritical instruments on initial
deliveries using small- and medium-size landers before
proceeding to larger landers for more complex payloads.
(b) Commercial Lunar Payload Services.--The Administrator
is authorized to establish a Commercial Lunar Payload
Services program for the purposes of procuring, from one or
more United States commercial providers, services for
delivery of NASA science payloads, and the payloads of other
NASA mission directorates, as appropriate and practicable, to
the lunar surface.
(c) Relationship to Other Mission Directorates.--A Mission
Directorate that seeks to obtain commercial lunar payload
services under the program established in subsection (b)
shall provide funding for--
(1) any payload, instrument or other item sponsored by the
Mission Directorate for delivery through the program; and
(2) the cost of the commercial lunar payload services
obtained on behalf of the Mission Directorate.
(d) Implementation.--In implementing any such activities
pursuant to subsection (b), the Administrator shall--
(1) conduct updated market research on the commercial lunar
economy and identify any changes since the last market
analysis;
(2) assess NASA's needs from and role in and contribution
to the commercial lunar delivery market;
(3) based on such needs identified in paragraph (2), assess
the effectiveness of the task order approach in advancing
commercial development of lunar delivery services, including
an assessment of the appropriate number of providers
necessary to support NASA commercial lunar delivery needs,
and identify any challenges and recommendations for
improvement; and
(4) strengthen procedures related to the selection,
manifesting, interfaces, and requirements of payloads and
other relevant factors that could contribute to minimizing
future NASA-directed changes to projects following commercial
lunar payload service contract awards.
(e) Management Plan.--Not later than 90 days from the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall,
informed by the activities conducted under subsection (c),
prepare and implement a management plan with clear leadership
authority and responsibility for the program authorized in
subsection (b).
(f) Briefings.--Not later than 180 days from the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation of
the management plan in subsection (d).
(g) Coordination.--The Administrator shall ensure
coordination between Mission Directorates and the Moon to
Mars Program on the administration of the program in
subsection (b) to ensure alignment of goals for lunar
delivery services.
SEC. 613. PLANETARY AND LUNAR OPERATIONS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) existing NASA lunar and Martian orbital missions are
operating well beyond their planned mission lifespans;
[[Page H5617]]
(2) NASA relies on this aging infrastructure for
observations, communications relay, and other operations to
support critical NASA missions; and
(3) the United States plans to increase its activities on
and around both the Moon and Mars in coming years.
(b) Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a plan to ensure
continuity of operations and sufficient observational and
operational capabilities on and around the Moon and Mars
necessary to continue to enable a robust science program and
human exploration program for the Moon and Mars well into the
future. Such plan shall consider opportunities to engage both
private and international partners in future operations.
SEC. 614. MARS SAMPLE RETURN.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall, subject to the
availability of appropriations, lead a Mars Sample Return
program to enable the return to Earth of scientifically-
selected samples from the surface of Mars for study in
terrestrial laboratories, consistent with the recommendations
of the National Academies decadal surveys for planetary
science.
(b) Approach.--The Administrator shall pursue the program
in subsection (a) on a timeline and in a manner necessary
to--
(1) Sustain United States leadership in the scientific
exploration of Mars;
(2) maintain NASA capabilities to land and operate robotic
spacecraft on the surface of Mars;
(3) preserve the relevant unique and long-term
institutional expertise; and
(4) maintain a balanced and robust planetary science
division portfolio without requiring significant increases to
the NASA budget.
(c) Implementation Plan.--The Administrator shall, as soon
as practicable and no later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, transmit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a plan and timeline for the implementation of a
Mars Sample Return program pursuant to this section with the
goal of enabling the highest scientific return for the
resources invested. Such plan shall include a design and
mission architecture and establish realistic cost and
schedule estimates to enable such goal.
SEC. 615. HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE SERVICING.
Not later than 90 days from the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit a report to the
appropriate committees of Congress that includes the results
of any study or studies conducted in the last five years
regarding the technical feasibility of safely reboosting the
Hubble Space Telescope, including any such studies regarding
the technical feasibility of using private sector
capabilities.
SEC. 616. GREAT OBSERVATORIES MISSION AND TECHNOLOGY
MATURATION.
(a) Establishment.--The Administrator may establish a Great
Observatories Mission and Technology Maturation project
(referred to in this section as a ``Project'') to mature the
large-scale space-based mission concepts and technologies
needed for a future astrophysics mission, as informed by the
recommendations of the most recent decadal survey in
astronomy and astrophysics.
(b) Activities.--A project established under subsection (b)
shall inform the design and development of future large-scale
space-based Astrophysics missions by conducting activities
which may include--
(1) assessing the appropriate scope for any future mission;
(2) determining the range of capabilities and technology
readiness of such capabilities needed for a mission; and
(3) informing the development and maturation of science and
technologies needed for such mission.
(c) Costs.--The independent life-cycle cost estimate
conducted under section 30307 of title 51, United States
Code, as amended by this Act, for a large-scale space-based
mission resulting from successful completion of a Project
established under subsection (b) shall include an accounting
of all costs spent on maturation of the mission through such
Project.
(d) Report.--Starting on February 1, 2025, and continuing
annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the progress
and impacts of any Projects established under subsection (b)
within Astrophysics programs.
SEC. 617. NANCY GRACE ROMAN TELESCOPE.
The Administrator shall continue development of the Nancy
Grace Roman Space Telescope as directed in subsection
10823(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167).
SEC. 618. CHANDRA X-RAY OBSERVATORY.
The Administrator shall, to the greatest extent
practicable, take no action to reduce or otherwise preclude
continuation of the science operations of the Chandra X-Ray
Telescope prior to the completion and consideration of the
next triennial review of mission extensions for the
Astrophysics division conducted pursuant to section 30504 of
title 51, United States Code and NASA's ongoing operations
paradigm change review.
SEC. 619. HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) NASA heliophysics research advances the scientific
understanding of the Sun, its impact on the Earth and near-
Earth environment, and the Sun's interactions with other
bodies in the solar system, the interplanetary medium, and
the interstellar medium;
(2) fundamental science supported by the Heliophysics
division is critical to improving space weather observations
forecasting capabilities, which contribute to--
(A) fortifying national security and other critically
important space-based and ground-based assets;
(B) improving the resilience of the Nation's energy
infrastructure; and
(C) protecting human health in space; and
(3) the Heliophysics Division should continue to maximize
the scientific return on investment of its portfolio through
maintaining a balanced portfolio that includes research and
analysis, including multidisciplinary research initiatives,
technology development, space-based missions and suborbital
flight projects that include both directed and strategic
missions and principal investigator-led, competitively
solicited missions, informed by the science priorities and
guidance of the most recent decadal survey in solar and space
physics.
(b) Program Management.--The Administrator shall seek to--
(1) maintain a regular Explorer Announcement of Opportunity
cadence and alternate between small and mid-sized missions;
and
(2) enable a regular selection of Missions of Opportunity.
SEC. 620. STUDY ON COMMERCIAL SPACE WEATHER DATA.
(a) Study.--The Administrator, in consultation with the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, shall conduct a study of the extent to which
commercially-available data could advance space weather
research, including the relevant space weather research
priorities of the most recent decadal survey on solar and
space physics.
(b) Contents.--The study shall include--
(1) an assessment of commercial capabilities and commercial
data that meets or exceeds the science and technical
standards and requirements of the Administration, which may
include--
(A) data that is generated or able to be generated by
commercial providers;
(B) commercially-available small spacecraft;
(C) opportunities for hosted NASA payloads on commercial
spacecraft; and
(D) commercial solutions for data processing applicable to
space weather science;
(2) recommendations and opportunities for the Federal
Government to facilitate the use of commercially available
options for space weather data relevant to advancing the
Administration's space weather research and development
activities consistent with the most recent National Academies
decadal survey, without reducing quality of data; and
(3) options, where appropriate, for potential partnerships
or use of NASA prize authority and competitions, as
appropriate and practicable, to obtain access to such data
identified in paragraph (1) that--
(A) meets or exceeds the science and technical standards
and requirements of the Administration; and
(B) are not duplicative of activities conducted pursuant to
chapter 606 of title 51, United States Code.
(c) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a
report to the appropriate committees of Congress containing
the results of the study provided under subsection (a).
SEC. 621. GEOSPACE DYNAMICS CONSTELLATION.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission could enable
scientific discoveries that will transform understanding of
the processes that govern the dynamics of the Earth's upper
atmospheric envelope that surrounds and protects the planet.
(b) Assessment.--Not later than September 5, 2024, the
Administrator shall transmit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report regarding the schedule and budget profile
to launch the Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission by the
end of the decade to fulfill the recommendations of the
heliophysics decadal survey.
SEC. 622. TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FOR WILDLAND FIRE SCIENCE,
MANAGEMENT, AND MITIGATION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, acting through the
Associate Director of the Earth Science Division for Earth
Action, shall establish a project for science and technology
development for wildland fire management and mitigation
(referred to in this section as ``FireSense'').
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of FireSense is to co-develop,
deploy, and support NASA's application of advanced science,
data, and technology capabilities to enable measurable
improvement in United States wildland fire management and
mitigation across the fire cycle, including pre-fire, active
fire, and post-fire phases.
(c) Objectives.--In establishing FireSense, the
Administrator shall seek input from relevant stakeholders and
shall align FireSense with the goal for NASA's Earth science
and applications program set forth in section 60501 of title
51, United States Code, consider relevant recommendations of
the most recent decadal survey on Earth science and
applications from space, and shall, to the extent
practicable, focus on the following objectives:
(1) Enhanced predictive modeling and early warning systems
for wildland fire detection and prevention.
(2) Developing remote sensing technologies and data
analysis tools to monitor fire-prone areas.
[[Page H5618]]
(3) Transitioning wildland fire management technologies to
operational users, including agencies, private sector
entities, and academic institutions.
(4) Conducting research to understand the impacts of
climate change on wildland fire frequency and intensity.
(5) Supporting post-fire recovery and ecosystem restoration
through advanced technologies and data.
(6) Providing necessary technical assistance to operational
users to receive, process, and make use of wildland fire
science, data, and technology resources.
(7) Any additional objectives as determined necessary by
the Administrator to satisfy the purpose described in
subsection (b).
(d) Interagency Coordination.--In implementing FireSense,
the Administrator shall, as practicable and appropriate,
coordinate with relevant Federal, State, and local agencies
to support wildland fire science, data, and technology
development activities across all phases of the fire cycle,
including prevention, detection, response, and recovery.
(e) Operational Support.--The Administrator shall, to the
extent practicable and in collaboration with other relevant
Federal agencies, continue to provide necessary scientific
and technical support to enhance wildland fire mitigation
efforts to operational users, including the following:
(1) Relevant Federal agencies, as determined appropriate by
the Administrator.
(2) State, local, and Tribal governments and organizations.
(3) Private sector entities.
(4) Academic institutions, including colleges,
universities, and wildland fire research institutions.
(f) Data Sharing and Collaboration.--The Administrator
shall facilitate the sharing of data, tools, and research
findings with operational users and other relevant
stakeholders to ensure effective use of NASA's capabilities
in wildland fire management.
(g) Firesense Project Evaluation.--The Administrator shall
periodically evaluate the effectiveness of FireSense and make
necessary adjustments to improve its impact on wildland fire
management.
(h) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act and annually thereafter for five years,
the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a report on the activities and accomplishments of
FireSense, including the following:
(1) An assessment of interagency coordination efforts.
(2) FireSense's impact on wildland fire management efforts.
(3) A list of emerging wildland fire management
technologies and opportunities that may be considered for
further research, development, demonstration, and deployment.
(4) An assessment of existing challenges to effective
coordination with operational users, including State, local,
and Tribal governments.
SEC. 623. IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE NATIONAL
WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION
COMMISSION.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Wildland fires pose a significant threat to public
safety, property, and natural resources.
(2) The National Wildland Fire Management and Mitigation
Commission (in this section referred to as the
``Commission'') has provided critical recommendations for
enhancing wildland fire science, data, and technology
resources.
(3) The Administration, through the Science Mission
Directorate, has the capability to support and enhance
wildland fire management through its advanced research and
technological expertise.
(b) Incorporation of Recommendations.--The Administrator,
in accordance with the goal for NASA's Earth science and
applications program set forth in section 60501 of title 51,
United States Code, and relevant recommendations of the most
recent decadal survey on Earth science and applications from
space, shall incorporate the recommendations of the
Commission, to the extent practicable, which may include
continuing to carry out the following:
(1) Enhancing the collection, analysis, and dissemination
of data related to wildland fires, including satellite and
remote sensing data.
(2) Supporting research and development projects aimed at
improving wildland fire prediction, prevention, response, and
recovery.
(3) Developing and deploying technologies that can assist
in monitoring, detecting, and mitigating wildland fires.
(4) Conducting studies on the impact of climate change on
wildland fire behavior, frequency, and intensity.
(c) Interagency Coordination.--The Administrator shall
continue to coordinate, as practicable, with other Federal,
State, local, and Tribal entities to integrate the
Commission's recommendations into broader wildland fire
management efforts. Such coordination may include the
following:
(1) Facilitating the sharing of wildland fire-related data
and research findings with relevant agencies and
stakeholders.
(2) Participating in joint initiatives and projects aimed
at enhancing wildland fire management capabilities.
(d) Evaluation.--The Administrator shall conduct periodic
evaluations of NASA's efforts to incorporate the Commission's
recommendations and make adjustments as necessary to maximize
the effectiveness of such recommendations to support wildland
fire mitigation and management efforts.
(e) Reporting.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing the
activities undertaken by NASA to implement the Commission's
recommendations, including the following:
(1) A summary of research and development projects
initiated or supported.
(2) An assessment of the impact of such activities on
wildland fire management and mitigation efforts.
(3) Any challenges or obstacles encountered in implementing
such recommendations.
TITLE VII--STEM EDUCATION
SEC. 701. NATIONAL SPACE GRANT COLLEGE AND FELLOWSHIP
PROGRAM.
(a) Amendments.--Title 51, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 40303, by striking subsections (d) and (e);
(2) in section 40304--
(A) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Solicitations.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall issue a
solicitation from space grant consortia for the award of
grants or contracts under this section at the conclusion of
the award cycle for fiscal Year 2020 to 2024. The
Administrator shall implement the allocation guidance from
section 40304(e) during each fiscal year covered by the award
cycle.
``(2) Proposals.--A lead institution of a space grant
consortium that seeks a grant or contract under this section
shall submit, on behalf of such space grant consortium, an
application to the Administrator at such time and in such
manner and accompanied by such information as the
Administrator may require.
``(3) Awards.--The Administrator shall award 1 or more
multi-year grants or contracts, disbursed in annual
installments, to the lead institution of an eligible space
grant consortium of--
``(A) each of the 50 States of the United States;
``(B) the District of Columbia; and
``(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.''; and
(B) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Allocation of Funding.--
``(1) Program implementation.--To carry out the purposes
set forth in section 40301 of this title, each fiscal year,
of the funds appropriated for this program of that fiscal
year, the Administrator shall allocate not less than 85
percent among eligible space grant consortia as follows:
``(A) The space grant consortia identified in paragraph
40304(c)(3) shall each receive an equal share.
``(B) The territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands
shall each receive funds equal to one-fifth of the share for
each space grant consortium.
``(2) Program administration.--
``(A) In general.--Each fiscal year, of the funds made
available for the National Space Grant College and Fellowship
Program, the Administrator shall allocate not more than 10
percent for the administration of the program.
``(B) Costs covered.--The funds allocated under paragraph
(1)(A) of this section shall cover all costs of the
Administration associated with the administration of the
National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program,
including--
``(i) direct costs to the program, including costs relating
to support services and civil service salaries and benefits;
``(ii) indirect general and administrative costs of centers
and facilities of the Administration; and
``(iii) indirect general and administrative costs of the
Administration headquarters.
``(3) Special opportunities.--Each fiscal year, of the
funds made available for the National Space Grant College and
Fellowship program, the Administrator shall allocate not more
than 5 percent to lead institutions of Space Grant Consortia
for grants to carry out innovative approaches and programs to
further science and education relating to the missions of the
Administration pursuant to subsection (b).''.
(b) Review.--The Administrator shall make arrangements for
an independent external review of the National Space Grant
College and Fellowship Program to--
(1) evaluate its management, accomplishments, approach to
funding allocation as described in section 40303(e) of title
51, United States Code, and responsiveness to the purposes
and goals defined in chapter 403 of title 51, United States
Code;
(2) consider the benefits partnerships with local education
agencies, including those in underserved and rural areas, may
provide; and
(3) propose any statutory updates that may be needed to
implement recommendations of the review.
(c) Report.--Not later than nine months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a
report on the independent external review of the National
Space Grant College and Fellowship Program described in
subsection (a) to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
[[Page H5619]]
SEC. 702. SKILLED TECHNICAL WORKFORCE EDUCATION OUTREACH.
(a) In General.--The Administrator may conduct or support
STEM engagement activities that focus on expanding
opportunities for students to pursue skilled technical
workforce occupations in space and aeronautics.
(b) Leveraging Existing Programs.--The Administrator, in
conducting activities pursuant to subsection (a), shall
consider leveraging, as appropriate, existing programs of
NASA or other Federal programs and interagency initiatives,
such as the Manufacturing USA program under section 34 of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278s).
(c) Inclusion.--Activities under subsection (a) may include
outreach activities that engage secondary and post-secondary
students, including students at institutions of higher
education, two-year colleges, and high schools, and students
in vocational or career and technical education programs, and
that--
(1) expose students to careers that require career and
technical education;
(2) encourage students to pursue careers that require
career and technical education; and
(3) provide students hands-on learning opportunities to
view the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of NASA-funded
space and aeronautical systems, as the Administrator
considers appropriate and with consideration of relevant
factors such as workplace safety, mission needs, and the
protection of sensitive and proprietary technologies.
(d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the NASA's
activities, and any planned activities, conducted pursuant to
this section.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(2) Skilled technical workforce.--The term ``skilled
technical workforce'' has the meaning given the term in
section 4(b)(3) of the Innovations in Mentoring, Training,
and Apprenticeships Act (42 U.S.C. 1862p note; Public Law
115-402).
TITLE VIII--POLICY/NASA
SEC. 801. MAJOR PROGRAMS.
Section 30104 of title 51, United States Code, is amended
in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``7120.5E, dated August 14,
2012'' and inserting ``7120.5F, dated August 3, 2021''.
SEC. 802. NASA ADVISORY COUNCIL.
(a) Consultation and Advice.--Section 20113(g) of title 51,
United States Code, is amended by adding ``and Congress''
after ``advice to the Administration''.
(b) Sunset.--Effective September 30, 2028, section 20113(g)
of title 51, United States Code, is amended by striking ``and
Congress''.
SEC. 803. NASA ASSESSMENT OF EARLY COST ESTIMATES.
Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a review of the
development, application, and assessment of early cost
estimates made prior to preliminary design review for NASA
missions. The review may include--
(1) an assessment of NASA processes related to the
formation and evaluation of proposed and early-stage cost
estimates;
(2) an evaluation of NASA's monitoring and management of
cost estimates throughout mission development, in accordance
with section 10861(b)(4) of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law
117-167); and
(3) any such recommendations as the Comptroller General
determines appropriate.
SEC. 804. INDEPENDENT COST ESTIMATE.
Section 30307 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``analysis'' and
inserting ``estimate''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Before any funds may be obligated for
implementation'' and inserting ``After the Administrator
completes the preliminary design review'';
(B) by striking ``analysis'' and inserting ``estimate'';
and
(C) by inserting after the first sentence, ``No funds may
be obligated for implementation of the project before the
Administrator reports the results of the life-cycle cost
estimate to Congress.''.
SEC. 805. OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY, POLICY, AND STRATEGY REPORT.
Not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter,
the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy shall prepare
and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
describing the efforts of the Office during the previous
calendar year and priorities of the Office for the upcoming
calendar year, as practicable.
SEC. 806. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE TRANSFER TO NASA OF FUNDS
FROM OTHER AGENCIES FOR SCIENTIFIC OR
ENGINEERING RESEARCH OR EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--Subsection (f) of section 20113 of title
51, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``In the performance of its functions'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--In the performance of its functions'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Treatment.--Funds available to any department or
agency of the Federal Government for scientific or
engineering research or education, or the provision of
facilities therefor, shall, subject to the approval of the
head of such department or agency or as delegated pursuant to
such department's or agency's regulation, be available for
transfer, in whole or in part, to the Administration for such
use as is consistent with the purposes for which such funds
were appropriated. Funds so transferred shall be merged with
the appropriation to which transferred, except that such
transferred funds shall be limited to the awarding of grants
or cooperative agreements for scientific or engineering
research or education.''.
(b) Annual Information on Funds Transferred.--
(1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Administrator shall
include in the annual budget justification materials of the
Administration, as submitted to Congress with the President's
budget request under section 1105 of title 31, United States
Code, information describing the activities conducted under
subsection (f) of section 20113 of title 51, United States
Code (as amended by subsection (a)), during the immediately
preceding fiscal year.
(2) Contents.--The information referred to in paragraph (1)
shall contain a description of each transfer of funds under
the authority provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (f)
of section 20113 of title 51, United States Code (as added
and amended, respectively, by this section), during the
immediately preceding fiscal year, including the following:
(A) An identification of the department or agency of the
Federal Government from which such funds were transferred.
(B) The total amount of funds so transferred, disaggregated
by each such department or agency.
(C) The purposes for which such funds were appropriated to
each agency or department.
(D) The program or activity of the Administration to which
such funds were made available by each such transfer.
(E) The purposes of each such administration program or
activity, and the amount of funding appropriated to the
Administration for such purposes.
(c) Report.--Not later than three years after the date of
enactment of the section, the Administrator of the
Administration 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 that includes the following:
(1) A summary of the value of the authority provided for in
paragraph (2) of subsection (f) of section 209113 of title
51, United States Code (as added and amended, respectively,
by this section), including the extent to which such
authority has benefited the Administration and its ability to
meet its needs, achieve its mission, or more effectively
conduct interagency collaborations.
(2) An identification of any barriers or challenges to
implementing such authority, or otherwise to managing funding
required to conduct joint programs and award jointly funded
grants and cooperative agreements by the administration with
other Federal departments and agencies to advance the
missions of each such department and agency.
SEC. 807. PROCEDURE FOR LAUNCH SERVICES RISK MITIGATION.
(a) Assessment.--The Administrator shall enter into an
arrangement for an independent external assessment of the
effectiveness and efficiency of NASA's approach towards
launch services risk mitigation in the Administration's
Procedural Requirements 8610.7D.
(b) Report.--Not later than 180 days from the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress the following:
(1) The report of the assessment conducted under subsection
(a).
(2) NASA response to the findings of the report, if any.
SEC. 808. REPORT ON MERITS AND OPTIONS FOR ESTABLISHING AN
INSTITUTE RELATING TO SPACE RESOURCES.
(a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator and Secretary shall
jointly submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the merits of, and options for, establishing an
institute relating to space resources to advance the
objectives of NASA and the Department in maintaining United
States preeminence in space. Such objectives shall include
the following:
(1) Identifying, developing, and distributing space
resources, including by encouraging the development of
foundational science, industrial capability, and technology.
(2) Reducing the technological and business risks
associated with identifying, developing, and distributing
space resources.
(3) Research to maximize the responsible use of space
resources.
(4) Developing options for using space resources to carry
out the following.
(A) Support current and future space architectures,
programs, business, and missions.
(B) Enable such architectures, programs, business, and
missions that would not otherwise be possible.
(C) Supplement the supply of such resources available on
Earth.
(b) Additional Matters.--The report required under
subsection (a) shall also include
[[Page H5620]]
the following assessments of the Administrator and the
Secretary:
(1) Whether a virtual or physical institute relating to
space resources is most cost effective and appropriate.
(2) Whether partnering with institutions of higher
education and the aerospace industry, and the extractive
industry as appropriate, would be effective in increasing
information available to the institute with respect to
advancing the objectives described in such subsection.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Commerce.
(2) Extractive industry.--The term ``extractive industry''
means companies and individuals involved in the processes of
extracting, including mining, quarrying, drilling, and
dredging, raw, natural materials or energy sources.
(3) Institute of higher education.--The term ``institution
of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in
section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001(a)).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
(5) Space resource.--
(A) In general.--The term ``space resource'' means an
abiotic resource in situ in outer space.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``space resource'' includes a
raw, natural material or energy source.
SEC. 809. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.
(a) Congressional Reports and Notices.--Any report or
notice provided to Congress by NASA shall be provided to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, concurrently with its delivery
to any other Committee or office.
(b) Reports on International Agreements.--If the United
States becomes a signatory to an international agreement
concerning outer space activities, 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 containing
a copy of such agreement.
SEC. 810. CONTRACT FLEXIBILITY.
Congress finds that NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) 1852.242-72,
Denied Access to NASA Facilities instructs that for the
period that NASA facilities were not accessible to contractor
employees, the contracting officer may adjust the contract
performance or delivery schedule, forego the work, reschedule
the work, or consider requests for equitable adjustment to
the contract.
SEC. 811. GAO REPORT.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress a review
of fire and emergency services at NASA launch and reentry
facilities that assesses the following:
(1) Current capabilities and projected demands for NASA-
provided fire and emergency services.
(2) How demand for NASA-provided fire and emergency
services have been impacted by the following:
(A) An increased rate of launch and reentry operations.
(B) An increased number of leases with commercial launch
and reentry service providers for use of NASA property.
(3) Current fire and emergency services provided by
commercial providers to support launch and reentry operations
that are conducted--
(A) to fulfill a contractual obligation with NASA; or
(B) for non-NASA purposes using NASA-leased property.
(4) Whether NASA-provided and commercially-provided fire
and emergency services are able to meet current and projected
demands and support all fire response areas on NASA property.
SEC. 812. NASA PUBLIC-PRIVATE TALENT PROGRAM.
Section 20113 of title 51, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(o) Public-Private Talent Program.--
``(1) Assignment authority.--Under policies and procedures
prescribed by the Administration, the Administrator may, with
the agreement of a private sector entity and the consent of
an employee of the Administration or of such entity, arrange
for the temporary assignment of such employee of the
Administration to such private sector entity, or of such
employee of such entity to the Administration, as the case
may be.
``(2) Agreements.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall provide for a
written agreement among the Administration, the private
sector entity, and the employee concerned regarding the terms
and conditions of the employee's assignment under this
subsection. The agreement shall--
``(i) require that the employee of the Administration, upon
completion of the assignment, will serve in the
Administration, or elsewhere in the civil service if approved
by the Administrator, for a period equal to twice the length
of the assignment;
``(ii) provide that if the employee of the Administration
or of the private sector entity (as the case may be) fails to
carry out the agreement, such employee shall be liable to the
United States for payment of all expenses of the assignment,
unless such failure was for good and sufficient reason, as
determined by the Administrator; and
``(iii) contain language ensuring that such employee of the
Administration or of the private sector entity (as the case
may be) does not improperly use predecisional or draft
deliberative information that such employee may be privy to
or aware of related to Administration programing, budgeting,
resourcing, acquisition, or procurement for the benefit or
advantage of the private sector entity.
``(B) Treatment.--An amount for which an employee is liable
under subparagraph (A) shall be treated as a debt due the
United States.
``(C) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive, in whole or in
part, collection of a debt described in subparagraph (B)
based on a determination that the collection would be against
equity and good conscience and not in the best interests of
the United States, after taking into account any indication
of fraud, misrepresentation, fault, or lack of good faith on
the part of the employee concerned.
``(3) Termination.--An assignment under this section may,
at any time and for any reason, be terminated by the
Administration or the private-sector entity concerned, as the
case may be.
``(4) Duration.--
``(A) In general.--An assignment under this subsection
shall be for a period of not less than three months and not
more than two years, renewable up to a total of three years.
An employee of the Administration may not be assigned under
this subsection for more than a total of three years
inclusive of all such assignments.
``(B) Extension.--An assignment under this subsection may
be for a period in excess of two years, but not more than
three years, if the Administrator determines that such
assignment is necessary to meet critical mission or program
requirements.
``(5) Policies and procedures.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall establish
policies and procedures relating to assignments under this
subsection.
``(B) Elements.--Policies and procedures established
pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall address the following:
``(i) The nature and elements of written agreements with
participants in assignments under this subsection.
``(ii) Criteria for making such assignments, including the
needs of the Administration relating thereto.
``(iii) How the Administration will oversee such
assignments, in particular with respect to paragraphs
(2)(A)(iii), (7)(C), and (7)(D).
``(iv) Criteria for issuing waivers.
``(v) How expenses under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) would be
determined.
``(vi) Guidance for participants in such assignments.
``(vii) Mission Directorate, Office, and organizational
structure to implement and manage such assignments.
``(viii) Any other necessary policies, procedures, or
guidelines to ensure such assignments comply with all
relevant statutory authorities and ethics rules, and
effectively contribute to one or more of the Administration's
missions.
``(C) Inherently governmental activities.--Assignments made
under this subsection shall not have responsibilities or
perform duties or decision making regarding Administration
activities that are inherently governmental, pursuant to
subpart 7.500 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations, and
Office of Management and Budget review.
``(6) Status of federal employees assigned to private
sector entities.--
``(A) In general.--An employee of the Administration who is
assigned to a private sector entity under this subsection
shall be considered, during the period of such assignment, to
be on detail to a regular work assignment in the
Administration for all purposes. The written agreement
established under paragraph (2)(A) shall address the specific
terms and conditions related to such employee's continued
status as a Federal employee.
``(B) Certification.--In establishing a temporary
assignment of an employee of the Administration to a private
sector entity, the Administrator shall certify that such
temporary assignment shall not have an adverse or negative
impact on the mission of the Administration or organizational
capabilities associated with such assignment.
``(7) Terms and conditions for private sector employees.--
An employee of a private sector entity who is assigned to the
Administration under this subsection--
``(A) shall continue to receive pay and benefits from the
private sector entity from which such employee is assigned
and shall not receive pay or benefits from the
Administration, except as provided in subparagraph (B);
``(B) is deemed to be an employee of the Administration for
the purposes of--
``(i) chapters 73 and 81 of title 5;
``(ii) sections 201, 203, 205, 207, 208, 209, 603, 606,
607, 643, 654, 1905, and 1913 of title 18, except that such
section 209 does not apply to any salary, or contribution or
supplementation of salary made pursuant to subparagraph (A)
of this paragraph;
``(iii) sections 1343, 1344, and 1349(b) of title 31;
``(iv) the Federal Tort Claims Act and any other Federal
tort liability statute;
``(v) the Ethics in Government Act of 1978; and
[[Page H5621]]
``(vi) chapter 21 of title 41;
``(C) shall not have access to any trade secrets or any
other nonpublic information which is of commercial value to
the private sector entity from which such employee is
assigned;
``(D) may not perform work that is considered inherently
governmental in nature, in accordance with paragraph (5)(C);
and
``(E) may not be used to circumvent--
``(i) section 1710 of title 41, United States Code; or
``(ii) any limitation or restriction on the size of the
Administration's civil servant workforce.
``(8) Additional requirements.--The Administrator shall
ensure that--
``(A) the normal duties and functions of an employee of the
Administration who is assigned to a private sector entity
under this subsection can be reasonably performed by other
employees of the Administration without the permanent
transfer or reassignment of other personnel of the
Administration;
``(B) normal duties and functions of such other employees
of the Administration are not, as a result of and during the
course of such temporary assignment, performed or augmented
by contractor personnel in violation of section 1710 of title
41; and
``(C) not more than two percent of the Administration's
civil servant workforce may participate in an assignment
under this subsection at the same time.
``(9) Conflicts of interest.--The Administrator shall
implement a system to identify, mitigate, and manage any
conflicts of interests that may arise as a result of an
employee's assignment under this subsection.
``(10) Prohibition against charging certain costs to the
federal government.--A private-sector entity may not charge
the Administration or any other agency of the Federal
Government, as direct or indirect costs under a Federal
contract, the costs of pay or benefits paid by the entity to
an employee assigned to the Administration under this
subsection for the period of the assignment concerned.
``(11) Considerations.--In carrying out this subsection,
the Administrator shall take into consideration--
``(A) the question of how assignments under this subsection
might best be used to help meet the needs of the
Administration with respect to the training of employees; and
``(B) where applicable, areas of particular private sector
expertise, such as cybersecurity.
``(12) NASA reporting.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than April 30 of each 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 summarizing the implementation of this
subsection.
``(B) Contents.--Each report under subparagraph (A) shall
include, with respect to the annual period to which such
report relates, the following:
``(i) Information relating to the total number of employees
of private sector entities assigned to the Administration,
and the total number of employees of the Administration
assigned to private sector entities.
``(ii) A brief description and assessment of the talent
management benefits evidenced from such assignments, as well
as any identified strategic human capital and operational
challenges, including the following:
``(I) An identification of the names of the private sector
entities to and from which employees were assigned.
``(II) A complete listing of positions such employees were
assigned to and from.
``(III) An identification of assigned roles and objectives
of such assignments.
``(IV) Information relating to the durations of such
assignments.
``(V) Information relating to associated pay grades and
levels.
``(iii) An assessment of impacts of such assignments on the
Administration workforce and workforce culture.
``(iv) An identification of the number of Administration
staff and budgetary resources required to implement this
subsection.
``(13) Federal ethics.--Nothing in this subsection shall
affect existing Federal ethics rules applicable to Federal
personnel.
``(14) GAO reporting.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than three years after the
date of the enactment of this subsection, the Comptroller
General of the United States 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 summarizing the
implementation of this subsection.
``(B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall
include the following:
``(i) A review of the implementation of this subsection,
according to law and the Administration policies and
procedures established for assignments under this subsection.
``(ii) Information relating to the extent to which such
assignments adhere to best practices relating to public-
private talent exchange programs.
``(iii) A determination as to whether there should be
limitations on the number of individuals participating in
such assignments.
``(iv) Information relating to the extent to which the
Administration complies with statutory requirements and
ethics rules, and appropriately handles potential conflicts
of interest and access to nonpublic information with respect
to such assignments.
``(v) Information relating to the extent to which such
assignments effectively contribute to one or more of the
Administration's missions.
``(vi) Information relating to Administration resources,
including employee time, dedicated to administering such
assignments, and whether such resources are sufficient for
such administration.''.
SEC. 813. REPORT ON SPACE ACT AGREEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing
the following:
(1) Intellectual property considerations in Space Act
agreements.
(2) Feedback shared by industry groups regarding
intellectual property considerations in Space Act agreements.
(3) Differences between NASA policies regarding
intellectual property in Space Act agreements and policies
utilized in similar situations by other Federal agencies.
(b) Definition.--In this section, the term ``Space Act
agreements'' means agreements entered into by NASA pursuant
to its authorities under the National Aeronautics and Space
Act of 1958 (Public Law 85-568).
SEC. 814. MENTORING.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall establish a
comprehensive NASA-wide mentoring program for early-career,
mid-level, and senior-level employees at all NASA Centers and
NASA Headquarters to ensure a robust pipeline for NASA's
civil servant workforce and support the preparation of
employees, including those from populations that are
historically underrepresented in STEM, for promotion and
leadership roles.
(b) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation of
the subsection (a).
SEC. 815. DRINKING WATER WELL REPLACEMENT FOR CHINCOTEAGUE,
VIRGINIA.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Administrator may enter into an agreement, as
appropriate, with the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, for a
period of up to five years, for reimbursement of the Town of
Chincoteague's costs directly associated with the development
of a plan for removal of drinking water wells currently
situated on NASA-administered property and the establishment
of alternative drinking water wells which are located on
property under the administrative control, either through
lease, ownership, or easement, of the Town of Chincoteague.
Such agreement shall, to the extent practicable, include the
three remaining wells to be removed and relocated, the
location of the site to which such wells would be relocated
or are planned to be relocated, and a current estimated cost
of the relocation, including for the purchase, lease, or use
of additional property, engineering, design, permitting, and
construction.
(b) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in
coordination with the heads or other appropriate
representatives of relevant entities, shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress the agreement under
subsection (a).
SEC. 816. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act may be construed to limit the ability
of a NASA employee to discuss scientific research performed
by such employee in accordance with NASA's scientific
integrity policies.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs.
Foushee) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma.
General Leave
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include
extraneous material on H.R. 8958, the bill now under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Oklahoma?
There was no objection.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8958, the NASA Reauthorization
Act of 2024.
NASA is at an important point in its history. Through the Artemis
program, it is currently leading a team of commercial and international
partners to return astronauts to the Moon for the first time in over 50
years.
It also seeks to continue operations in low-Earth orbit and
accomplish impressive feats of scientific exploration to better
understand the universe in which we live.
However, America's role as a space leader cannot be taken for
granted. As more actors, both commercial and foreign, take to the
stars, space is increasingly competitive and contested.
[[Page H5622]]
Among these competitors is the Chinese Communist Party, which is
devoting significant resources to rapidly expanding its presence in
space. In 2023, the CCP completed construction of its own space station
and returned to Earth the first rock samples from the far side of the
Moon.
The CCP also made substantial progress on its plans to land humans on
the Moon by 2030. Through these and other activities, the Chinese have
become a global leader in space activity.
The next nation to land on the lunar surface will play a key role in
guiding the norms and practices that may govern lunar and space
exploration for decades to come. We cannot cede U.S. leadership at this
time.
In order to be successful, Congress must provide NASA with clear,
forward-thinking guidance. The bill before us today does just that by
providing thoughtful, strategic direction across NASA's mission areas.
First, this bill recognizes the immense value of NASA having a
consistent, long-term plan for space exploration. Accordingly, it
reaffirms our commitment to human space exploration through Artemis and
the Moon to Mars programs. It also reinforces the need for a steady
cadence of flights of the Space Launch System and Orion crew capsule.
Second, the bill provides guidance to NASA's activities in low-Earth
orbit, or LEO. While the ISS is the world's premier microgravity
laboratory, after over 24 years of operation, the station is aging.
NASA must fully utilize the ISS to ensure the maximum return on
taxpayers' investment, but also must prepare for the eventual
retirement of the station. To that end, this bill authorizes NASA to
procure capabilities that will be needed to safely deorbit the ISS at
the end of its lifespan. It also authorizes NASA to support the
development and use of private LEO platforms.
Next, the bill addresses NASA's science programs. NASA's science
missions reveal groundbreaking discoveries that help us understand our
place in the universe that can ultimately improve life here at home.
However, throughout this Congress, the Science Committee has heard
concerns about the effect cost and schedule overruns are having on the
agency's portfolio of science missions.
Given the current constraints on the Federal budget, it is critical
that Congress ensure that each dollar NASA spends is used in the most
efficient way possible.
The bill stresses the value of a balanced science portfolio with a
steady cadence of small, medium, and large missions. It directs NASA to
consider how to incorporate innovative commercial solutions into its
science programs, which can save money while also facilitating the
growth of the U.S. commercial space industry.
The bill also ensures that space technology development is able to
keep pace with the rapid growth in space activities. By encouraging and
supporting space technology development, this bill helps drive economic
growth to ensure our leadership in space.
Finally, the bill will make aviation safer and more efficient by
supporting aeronautics research efforts, including the development of
experimental aircraft and next-generation aeronautics technologies. All
told, it is a strategic bill that positions the U.S. to remain the
global leader in space.
This legislation is the product of months of bipartisan work, and I
thank Ranking Member Lofgren for working with me to create a thoughtful
bill that addresses our shared priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my
colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. FOUSHEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the NASA Reauthorization Act of
2024. I thank the chairman of the Science Committee, Mr. Lucas, for his
leadership of this bipartisan bill, of which I am an original
cosponsor.
I am pleased that we are able to continue our committee's long
history of bipartisanship when it comes to supporting NASA and our
Nation's preeminent science and technology enterprise. I also thank the
many members of the Science Committee for their constructive
contributions and amendments that made needed improvements to this
legislation.
While not perfect, this is a good bill that builds on the NASA
Authorization Act of 2022 that was enacted as part of the CHIPS and
Science Act. H.R. 8958 reaffirms America's commitment to science
exploration, Earth and space science, aeronautics, innovation,
education, and inspiration.
Through NASA's triumphs, our Nation has demonstrated to the world
what can be achieved when great minds work together. There are
countless technologies and services originated in the science program
that benefit the everyday lives of Americans. Our investment in civil
space has and will continue making remarkable contributions to
innovation and economic prosperity here on Earth.
However, many of the dividends that NASA pays are immeasurable.
NASA's science and human spaceflight missions have inspired generations
of Americans and NASA's outreach and STEM programming have set
countless young people on a path to degrees and careers in STEM.
Just last week, we were finally able to honor NASA's hidden figures
with their Congressional Gold Medals. We have these women to thank for
the success of our space program. Throughout their careers, they faced
the unjust cruelties of racism and sexism, and still they persevered.
It is with the legacies of Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden,
Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and all the women computers,
mathematicians, and engineers at NASA and NACA during the space race in
mind that we ensure NASA and the rest of our Federal science enterprise
help lead the way in building STEM opportunities for all.
Put simply, we can only lead in science and technology with a STEM
workforce that represents the rich diversity of our Nation. It is with
the legacies of these trailblazing women in mind that this legislation
supports NASA's STEM education portfolio, including the Minority
University Research and Education Project.
I am pleased this bill provides continuity of policy and purpose for
human exploration, the Moon to Mars program, and provides for NASA's
continued use of low-Earth orbit to advance science and reduce
exploration risks.
The bill directs NASA to both prepare for the safe deorbiting of the
International Space Station at the end of its operational life while
also planning for a robust and resilient architecture for the future of
low-Earth orbit.
This legislation also supports NASA's science and aeronautics
portfolios under which essential work is done. For example, NASA's
Earth science satellites and research are critical to understanding and
responding to global climate change. Under this bill, we will also
improve our ability to detect large methane emission events and monitor
greenhouse gases. Close to home for me, the NASA Ames Research Center
does important aeronautical work to improve aerial responses to
wildfires, including by developing and testing drone technology and
aerial operations for wildland fire response.
I appreciate and commend the constructive input of NASA and the space
and aerospace community as this bill came together. I thank Chairmen
Lucas and Babin and their staffs for their hard work, cooperation, and
consideration of our recommendations. I give special thanks to Ranking
Member Sorensen for his leadership on the Space and Aeronautics
Subcommittee and to Pam Whitney and Ashlee Wilkins on the Democratic
staff of the committee.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and pass the NASA
Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Babin), the subcommittee chairman of jurisdiction.
Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8958, the
NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024. I am honored to represent the Johnson
Space Center and privileged to chair the Space and Aeronautics
Subcommittee. As an original cosponsor of this bill, I can share with
you that it is the result of a lot of hard work.
We were able to reach a bipartisan consensus that keeps NASA on track
to return to the Moon, maintain our leadership role in low-Earth orbit,
continue
[[Page H5623]]
to explore our solar system and universe, and push the boundaries of
flight.
All too often, changes in administrations lead to upended plans at
NASA. While ever-changing goals and priorities challenge all agencies,
it is particularly problematic for NASA, which undertakes extremely
complex programs that literally take decades to accomplish.
The bill before us today provides the necessary guidance and support
to ensure NASA's success and meet the rising challenge that the Chinese
Communist Party poses to the United States in space.
I hope that the other Chamber will seize the opportunity to take up
this important piece of legislation before the end of this year so that
NASA will have the certainty that it needs to carry out the bold
activities that we have tasked it with.
I also thank the chairman of the Science Committee, my friend from
Oklahoma, Frank Lucas, for his support in drafting this legislation, as
well as his leadership on the committee over the past 6 years. I also
thank Ranking Members Lofgren and Sorensen for their collegiality
through this process and for their important contributions to the bill.
Finally, I thank the staff for their tireless work. Charlie Scales,
Kelsey McBarron, Vishal Amin, Brent Blevins, and Tom Hammond from the
majority staff and Pam Whitney and Ashlee Wilkins from the minority
staff all put in a lot of time to get us where we are today. I thank
them, as well.
{time} 1815
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Mike Garcia) to speak on the bill.
Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lucas
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology staff for their
leadership on this very important bill.
Mr. Speaker, you can't tell the story of my district without also
telling the story of NASA, whether it is Chuck Yeager breaking the
sound barrier in the X-1 about 77 years ago, Pete Knight setting the
record as the fastest man ever in the X-15 in 1967, the development and
first flights of the space shuttle in the seventies and eighties, or
now the upcoming first flight of the X-59, which is a commercial
supersonic aircraft that will bring supersonic flight back to the
United States for the commercial industry.
NASA's DNA is simply ingrained in the Antelope Valley, or as we
affectionately call it in my district, the aerospace valley. That is
why I am so proud to rise in support of the NASA Reauthorization Act of
2024.
This bill advances the Artemis program, returning Americans to the
Moon for the first time in nearly 50 years. It supports our still-
emerging commercial space economy, which is essential for Artemis,
national security, and our scientific interests. It also includes my
bill, the ACERO Act, to support work already underway at NASA to
integrate unmanned aerial vehicles and ground systems into wildfire
response, which will help stop fires before they spread.
We need to ensure that our firefighters are equipped like combat
warfighters on the battlefield with cutting-edge technology to keep
them safe, help them accomplish the mission as quickly as possible, and
put the fires out as quickly as possible.
These UAVs will act as a force multiplier for firefighters to help
protect communities like those in my district and usher in the next
generation of firefighting technology so that our firefighters make
sure that they come home safely at night.
This bill is about the next chapter for NASA, a chapter that starts
in the aerospace valley and reaches all the way out to the edges of our
solar system.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill, and I encourage my
colleagues from both sides of the aisle to do the same.
Mrs. FOUSHEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no requests for time to speak on
this bill, and I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8958, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, NASA has long been a driving force in space exploration,
but as I have said previously, we cannot take the decades of American
leadership in space for granted. This is especially true as the growing
interest in space drives greater activity and competition into the
domain, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party.
An effective and efficient NASA is the key to maintaining U.S. space
leadership. Congress must provide NASA with clear, forward-thinking
guidance.
This is why one of my top priorities on the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology this Congress is passage of the bill currently
before us.
I fully support the thoughtful guidance this bill provides NASA. It
ensures NASA continues making progress toward returning humans to the
Moon, developing the best strategy for NASA's future operations in LEO,
and promotes a range of scientific research and technological
development activities.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Ranking Member Lofgren and her staff for
working with me and my staff to craft this important bill, and I look
forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to see this across
the finish line.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 8958, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
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