[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5666 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5666
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 24, 2020
Ms. Kendra S. Horn of Oklahoma (for herself, Mr. Babin, Ms. Johnson of
Texas, and Mr. Lucas) introduced the following bill; which was referred
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2020''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
Sec. 101. Fiscal year 2020.
TITLE II--HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS
Subtitle A--Moon to Mars Program
Sec. 201. Sustainable human exploration program.
Sec. 202. Goals and objectives.
Sec. 203. Structure of Moon to Mars Program.
Sec. 204. Reporting and briefings.
Sec. 205. Critical enabling capabilities.
Sec. 206. Noncritical path activities.
Sec. 207. Core exploration capabilities.
Sec. 208. Reviews and assessments.
Subtitle B--International Space Station
Sec. 221. Extension and post-ISS support.
Sec. 222. Priorities for ISS utilization.
Sec. 223. Assured crew access to the International Space Station.
Sec. 224. International Space Station Deorbit Capability and Plan.
Sec. 225. Replacement Extravehicular Mobility Units.
Sec. 226. Low Earth orbit development.
TITLE III--SCIENCE
Sec. 301. Importance of a balanced science program.
Sec. 302. Review of implementation of quality assurance program and
parts policy in science mission
development.
Sec. 303. Independent external technical, management, and cost reviews.
Sec. 304. Small satellites.
Sec. 305. Options for small satellite and payload access to the near-
space and space environment.
Sec. 306. Study on space life and physical sciences research and
applications placement.
Sec. 307. Space life and physical sciences research requirements.
Subtitle A--Earth Science and Applications
Sec. 311. Goal.
Sec. 312. Applied uses of Earth science data.
Sec. 313. Survey of State, Tribal, and territory use of NASA Earth
observation data.
Sec. 314. Commercial Earth observation data.
Sec. 315. Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem mission.
Sec. 316. CLARREO Pathfinder.
Subtitle B--Astrophysics
Sec. 321. Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope.
Sec. 322. Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy.
Sec. 323. Research on technosignatures.
Subtitle C--Planetary Science
Sec. 331. Mars communications infrastructure.
Sec. 332. Mars sample return strategy and plan.
Sec. 333. Commercial Lunar Payload Services.
Sec. 334. Europa Clipper launch vehicle.
Sec. 335. Dedicated survey mission.
Sec. 336. Near-Earth object and planetary defense roadmap.
Sec. 337. Assessment of requirements for cataloguing and archiving
near-Earth object data.
Sec. 338. International confidence and capacity building for near-Earth
object impact mitigation.
Sec. 339. Close passing near-Earth objects.
Subtitle D--Heliophysics and Space Weather Research
Sec. 341. Importance of heliophysics research to understanding space
weather.
Sec. 342. Space Weather Research and Applications Program.
Subtitle E--Data Science and Management
Sec. 361. Data science and management.
Sec. 362. Workshop on data analytics for Earth science research.
TITLE IV--SPACE COMMUNICATIONS
Sec. 401. Review of space communications.
TITLE V--AERONAUTICS
Sec. 501. Research effort to advance sustainable aviation.
Sec. 502. Workshop on research and development on noise.
Sec. 503. Aeronautics research and technology roundtable.
Sec. 504. Experimental aircraft demonstrations.
Sec. 505. Review of research roadmap on hypersonics.
Sec. 506. Supersonic flight.
Sec. 507. Urban air mobility.
Sec. 508. Aeronautics workforce and modeling and test facilities.
Sec. 509. University leadership initiative.
TITLE VI--SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 601. Space nuclear systems.
Sec. 602. Nuclear thermal propulsion.
Sec. 603. Nuclear surface power.
Sec. 604. Review of flight opportunities program.
Sec. 605. Sense of Congress on optical communications.
Sec. 606. Propulsion testing facilities.
Sec. 607. In-space satellite servicing and assembly.
Sec. 608. Parachute systems research and development.
TITLE VII--SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
Sec. 701. Office of STEM engagement.
Sec. 702. Independent review of Space Grant.
TITLE VIII--SAFETY, SUPPORT, AND MISSION SERVICES
Sec. 801. Policy and procedure.
Sec. 802. Monitoring millimeter-sized orbital debris.
Sec. 803. Planetary protection strategic plan.
TITLE IX--CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION
Sec. 901. Data collection on cost benefits to the Administration of use
of enhanced-use leasing.
Sec. 902. Report on enhanced-use leasing requirements.
Sec. 903. Report on current and anticipated effects of climate change
and extreme weather on agency
infrastructure and facilities.
TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 1001. Space situational awareness and orbital debris mitigation.
Sec. 1002. International framework on active orbital debris removal.
Sec. 1003. Safety and technical risks of active debris removal.
Sec. 1004. Independent program analysis and evaluation office.
Sec. 1005. Report on use of the term ``commercial'' in NASA activities.
Sec. 1006. Supply chain and supplier base.
Sec. 1007. Use of operational commercial suborbital vehicles for
research, development, and education.
Sec. 1008. The space capabilities of the People's Republic of China.
Sec. 1009. Spectrum interference.
Sec. 1010. Reports to Congress.
Sec. 1011. General accountability office report on large-scale
programs, projects, and activities.
Sec. 1012. NASA institutes.
Sec. 1013. Surveys on the industrial base of the United States.
Sec. 1014. Budgets.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) NASA should remain a multimission agency and continue
to carry out, in partnership with academia, industry, and
international partners, a balanced program of science,
aeronautics, space technology, human exploration, and
educational activities.
(2) The Nation's investments in civil space research,
technology, and development have and will continue to
contribute significantly to the Nation's innovation capacity
and economic strength, and provide applications and benefits
that improve the lives of United States citizens and society.
(3) International cooperation and collaboration strengthen
the Nation's science, aeronautics, and human exploration
programs and unify partner nations in the peaceful uses of
outer space.
(4) NASA's leadership in aeronautics has contributed
greatly to the Nation's strength in civil and commercial
aviation and should remain a priority as innovative
technologies and aviation concepts offer the potential to
transform the future of aviation and support the Nation's
economic growth.
(5) NASA makes essential contributions to our understanding
of the global challenge of climate change through its
collection of space-based Earth science data, research on
global, integrated Earth system science, and development of
models that advance our understanding of the climate system and
the natural and human impacts on it.
(6) The Nation's human space exploration goal should be to
send humans to the surface of Mars.
(7) Reducing the risk and demonstrating the capabilities
and operations needed to support a human mission to Mars may
require human exploration of the cis-lunar vicinity and lunar
surface.
(8) A constancy of purpose, including clear and consistent
goals and objectives, is essential for making effective
progress on the Nation's science, aeronautics, space
technology, and human exploration programs and for attracting
and keeping the Nation's best, brightest, and most capable
workforce.
(9) Clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and
accountability provides transparency in the implementation of
the Nation's civil space goals and objectives.
(10) The innovative capabilities of the commercial space
industry are essential to the Nation's science, aeronautics,
and human space exploration activities, are an important
instrument of technological and economic competitiveness, and
should be leveraged, as appropriate, to advance the Nation's
objectives in civil space.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' has the
meaning given the term in section 10101 of title 51, United
States Code.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' has the
meaning given the term in section 10101 of title 51, United
States Code.
(3) Cis-lunar space.--The term ``cis-lunar space'' means
the region of space from the Earth out to and including the
region around the surface of the Moon.
(4) Deep space.--The term ``deep space'' means the region
of space beyond low-Earth orbit, including cis-lunar space.
(5) ISS.--The term ``ISS'' means the International Space
Station.
(6) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
(7) Orion.--The term ``Orion'' has the meaning given the
term in section 20302 of title 51, United States Code.
(8) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System''
has the meaning given the term in section 20302 of title 51,
United States Code.
(9) United states government astronaut.--The term ``United
States government astronaut'' has the meaning given the term
``government astronaut'' in section 50902 of title 51, United
States Code.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
SEC. 101. FISCAL YEAR 2020.
There are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for fiscal year
2020, $22,629,000,000 as follows:
(1) For exploration, $6,017,600,000, of which
$1,406,700,000 shall be for the Orion multi-purpose Crew
Vehicle, $2,585,900,000 shall be for the Space Launch System,
$590,000,000 shall be for Exploration Ground Systems, and
$1,435,000,000 shall be for Exploration Research and
Development.
(2) For space operations, $4,140,200,000.
(3) For science, $7,138,900,000, of which $1,971,800,000
shall be for Earth Science, $2,713,400,000 shall be for
Planetary Science, $1,306,200,000 shall be for Astrophysics,
$423,000,000 shall be for the James Webb Space Telescope, and
$724,500,000 shall be for Heliophysics.
(4) For aeronautics, $783,900,000.
(5) For space technology, $1,100,000,000.
(6) For science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM), $120,000,000, of which $48,000,000 shall be for the
National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program,
$24,000,000 shall be for the Established Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research (EPSCoR), $36,000,000 shall be for the
Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP), and
$12,000,000 shall be for STEM Education and Accountability
Projects (SEAP).
(7) For safety, security, and mission services,
$2,913,300,000.
(8) For construction and environmental compliance and
restoration, $373,400,000.
(9) For Inspector General, $41,700,000.
TITLE II--HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS
Subtitle A--Moon to Mars Program
SEC. 201. SUSTAINABLE HUMAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM.
It is the sense of Congress that the Nation's human exploration
program is an important element of United States leadership in space
exploration, economic strength, and national security. It is the
further sense of Congress that constancy of purpose and the
sustainability of the Nation's human exploration goals and objectives
should be an inherent principle of a long-term, deep space human
exploration program that spans several Congresses and Administrations.
SEC. 202. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.
(a) In General.--The Administrator is authorized under sections
20302 and 70504 of title 51, United States Code, and shall carry out
plans and programs to achieve sustainable human exploration of deep
space for the purpose of sending humans to the surface of Mars.
(b) Establishment.--The goal of NASA's Moon to Mars Program shall
be to land humans on Mars in a sustainable manner as soon as
practicable. The Moon to Mars Program shall have the interim goal of
sending a crewed mission to the lunar surface by 2028 and a goal of
sending a crewed mission to orbit Mars by 2033.
(c) Precursor Activities.--The Administrator shall undertake
precursor crewed missions to cis-lunar space and the lunar surface for
the purpose of risk reduction for human missions to Mars by developing
and testing those systems and operational practices needed for
successful crewed Mars missions.
(d) Objectives.--The objectives of the human missions to Mars shall
be to--
(1) validate the capabilities required for sustained human
exploration of and operations on the surface of Mars;
(2) pursue scientific investigations, as recommended by the
National Academies, that are enabled by the human exploration
of Mars; and
(3) develop and maintain the scientific, technical, program
management, and human spaceflight operational skills required
to support a sustainable deep space exploration program.
SEC. 203. STRUCTURE OF MOON TO MARS PROGRAM.
(a) Moon to Mars Program Office.--The Administrator shall establish
a Moon to Mars Program Office within 60 days of the enactment of this
Act to lead and manage the Moon to Mars Program.
(b) Program Director.--The Administrator shall appoint a Program
Director of the Office established in subsection (a) who shall report
to the Associate Administrator and the Associate Administrator of the
Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate.
(c) Responsibilities.--The Moon to Mars Program Office shall be
responsible for developing--
(1) requirements for a human Mars orbital mission and a
human mission to the surface of Mars;
(2) an architecture, integrated plan, and overall schedule
encompassing the elements of the Moon to Mars Program to carry
out a human mission to orbit Mars by 2033. The architecture and
plan shall be based on the mission requirements established in
paragraph (1); and
(3) an integrated, master plan for the development of
required capabilities for the human mission to Mars.
(d) Systems Engineering and Integration.--The Director of the Moon
to Mars Program Office shall appoint a Systems Engineering and
Integration Manager to manage the systems engineering and integration
activities of the Moon to Mars Program.
(e) Special Hiring Authorities.--The Administrator shall propose to
Congress any special hiring authorities that the Administrator
determines are needed to ensure that personnel with the requisite
skills and experience are available to the Program Office.
(f) Program Elements.--The Moon to Mars Program shall consist of
the following:
(1) A Gateway to Mars in cis-lunar space or at a Lagrangian
point for the purpose of reducing the risks of the capabilities
in paragraph (3) and serving as a testbed for the systems and
operational techniques needed to transport crews to, from, and
during operations in Mars orbit or on the surface of Mars. The
Gateway to Mars shall be developed to operate autonomously and
to be crew-tended, as needed, on an intermittent basis. The
Gateway to Mars shall be open and available for international
participation and use.
(2) A Lunar Precursor Initiative (LPI) for the purpose of
gaining and demonstrating the operational experience and
systems needed to enable crewed transport to and from the
surface of Mars, as well as for limited operations and
habitation on Mars.
(3) A Mars Enabling Technology Initiative (METI) for the
purpose of developing and testing the technologies and
capabilities needed for a human missions to Mars. Mars-enabling
technologies and capabilities to be demonstrated shall
include--
(A) Mars entry, descent, and landing systems;
(B) radiation safety;
(C) in-space power and propulsion, including
nuclear thermal propulsion;
(D) Mars transport vehicle;
(E) planetary ascent propulsion;
(F) environmental control and life support systems;
(G) Mars habitats;
(H) extravehicular activity suits;
(I) in-situ resource utilization of the Mars
atmosphere; and
(J) any other Mars-enabling technologies and
capabilities identified by the Administrator.
(4) A Space Launch System for the purpose of providing
heavy-lift capability to carry out the Moon to Mars Program.
The Administrator shall complete development of the Space
Launch System and the Space Launch System variant enabled by an
Exploration Upper Stage, pursuant to section 302 of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act
of 2010. The Administrator shall take steps to develop the
Block 2 variant to provide the full range of launch capability
and performance available to the United States for the
Administration's crewed and robotic exploration of deep space.
The Administrator shall complete the development and testing of
the Exploration Upper Stage for the Space Launch System.
(5) An Orion Crew vehicle for the purpose of crewed
spaceflight for the Moon to Mars Program.
(6) A Mars Transport Vehicle for the purposes of crewed
transport to and around Mars. Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate
pre-formulation activities for a Mars transport vehicle.
(g) Completion.--The Administrator shall plan to have all required
testing completed to enable development and manufacture of an
operational crewed Mars transport vehicle on a schedule consistent with
the goal of a crewed mission to orbit Mars by 2033 and the
architecture, integrated plan, and schedule in subsection (c)(2).
SEC. 204. REPORTING AND BRIEFINGS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall provide regular reports
and briefings on the progress and status of the Moon to Mars Program,
and associated activities to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate in accordance with
this section.
(1) Reporting with 60 days.--Within 60 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a list
of the remaining human health risk reduction research tasks
that need to be completed to enable crewed missions to Mars and
that require the International Space Station, along with a plan
for completing all of those tasks within 5 years of the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(2) Reporting within 120 days.--Within 120 days of the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop an
overall architecture and plan, consistent with sections
203(c)(1) and 203(c)(2), including--
(A) a list of the minimum set of human and robotic
lunar surface activities that must be completed to
enable a human mission to Mars, including those to be
tested on the Gateway to Mars, along with a plan for
completing those tasks within five years after the
first human lunar landing; and
(B) a list of the capabilities and risk reduction
measures listed in section 203(f)(3).
For each high-priority technology or capability, the
Administrator shall develop a plan to include the development
milestones, including activities required to be carried out in
cis-lunar space or on the lunar surface, and an estimated 5-
year funding profile required for demonstrating the capability
to a level of readiness for use in a Mars mission within 10
years of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) Reporting within 270 days.--Within 270 days of the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit--
(A) five-year funding estimates and profiles for
the Moon to Mars Program. The budget profiles should
include estimated funding requirements and profiles for
the program elements in section 203(f), and related
infrastructure, facilities, and operations that are
consistent with the achievement of a crewed mission to
Mars orbit by 2033; and
(B) the Independent Program Analysis and Evaluation
Office established in section 1004 shall assess the
basis of the five-year budget profiles and shall
transmit the results of the assessment to the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate not later than six
months after the budget profiles have been transmitted
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(b) Biannual Briefings.--The Administrator shall provide biannual
briefings on the status, progress, and any challenges identified in
maturing and developing the key capabilities specified in section
203(c)(3) and section 203(f)(3) to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(c) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the architecture
and plans enumerated in section 204(a)(2) through section 204(a)(3) to
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate within 15 days after their scheduled
completion dates.
SEC. 205. CRITICAL ENABLING CAPABILITIES.
(a) Lunar Landing Mission Architecture.--In order to reduce risk
and complexity and make maximum use of taxpayer investments to date,
the Administrator shall in the conduct of the Lunar Precursor
Initiative employ an architecture that utilizes the Orion vehicle and
an integrated lunar landing system carried on an Exploration Upper
Stage-enhanced Space Launch System for the human lunar landing
missions. The Gateway to Mars shall not be required for the conduct of
human lunar landing missions.
(b) Human-Rated Lunar Landing System.--For the purposes established
in section 202(c), the Administrator shall develop and operate an
integrated human lunar landing system to provide human access to the
lunar surface. The human-rated integrated lunar landing system shall be
designed with safety, sustainability, and affordability as priorities
and developed through a means that allows for the United States
Government to retain--
(1) full ownership of the human landing system;
(2) unlimited and unfettered insight into the design,
development, and testing of the integrated human landing
system;
(3) final determination on whether the system meets
existing human-rating requirements;
(4) leadership over any anomaly or accident investigation,
should it be necessary to carry out such an investigation; and
(5) shall require at least one uncrewed and one crewed in-
space test and demonstration prior to its use to carry
astronauts to the surface of the Moon and a plan for testing of
a Mars human lander in a suitable environment.
(c) Exploration Space Suits.--The Administrator shall develop an
exploration space suit to meet the requirements of the Moon to Mars
Program. In developing an exploration space suit, the Administrator
shall, to the greatest extent practicable, leverage prior and existing
investments in advanced space suit technologies in order to maximize
the benefits of such investments and technologies. The Administrator
shall use the International Space Station for testing of exploration
space suits.
(d) Logistics Support.--To the maximum extent possible, logistics
support to the Gateway to Mars and the lunar surface shall be provided
by commercial services, provided that the availability of those
services does not becoming the limiting critical path factor in NASA's
ability to complete its Gateway to Mars and Lunar Precursor initiatives
as scheduled. The Administrator shall develop contingency plans for the
delivery of the minimum set of needed logistics in the event commercial
services are not available when needed.
(e) International Collaboration.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall lead and encourage
to the maximum extent practicable international partner
participation in the implementation of the elements of the Moon
to Mars Program under overall NASA leadership. The
Administrator shall encourage partnerships that enhance the
program.
(2) Congressional authorization.--NASA shall seek
Congressional authorization prior to finalizing any exploration
architecture that depends on international or commercial
partnerships for overall mission success.
(f) Crewed Lunar Landing Missions.--In order to minimize the time
required for the Lunar Precursor Initiative phase of the Moon to Mars
Program, NASA shall plan for and implement measures to enable a crewed
lunar landing mission rate of at least two per year after the initial
crewed lunar landing has been achieved.
(g) Lunar Lander Management.--The Moon to Mars Program Office shall
manage the overall development of the Human Lunar Landing System, with
the Johnson Space Center responsible for the crew-related elements,
vehicle structure, and Human Lunar Landing System integration and the
Marshall Space Flight Center responsible for the Lander propulsion
systems.
(h) Ground and Flight Test Activities.--The Moon to Mars Program
shall maintain a robust series of ground and flight test activities for
each element of the Program, including at least one crewed flight test
of each crewed system design prior to its use on a human lunar landing
system or Mars mission.
(i) Mars Landing and Ascent System Designs.--To the extent funding
permits, the Administrator shall maintain two competing integrated
crewed Mars landing/ascent system design concepts through the critical
design review milestone, at which point the Administrator shall make a
selection of the system to be utilized in the first human Mars landing
mission.
SEC. 206. NONCRITICAL PATH ACTIVITIES.
(a) Lunar Outpost.--Any establishment of a continuously crewed
lunar outpost or research station shall not be considered an element of
the Moon to Mars Program and shall be budgeted separately from the Moon
to Mars Program.
(b) Other Crewed Activities.--Crewed activities on or around the
surface of the Moon that do not contribute to the goal of landing
humans on Mars in as sustainable manner as practical shall not be
included in the Moon to Mars Program and shall be budgeted separately
from the Moon to Mars Program.
(c) Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization.--Lunar in-situ resource
utilization shall not be considered as risk reduction for the initial
crewed missions to orbit and land on Mars. Any lunar in-situ resource
utilization activities and shall not be included in the Moon to Mars
Program and shall be budgeted separately from the Moon to Mars Program.
SEC. 207. CORE EXPLORATION CAPABILITIES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that ground
systems, robust testing programs, and a flight cadence necessary to
maintain critical human spaceflight skills are important elements of a
safe and sustainable human exploration program.
(b) Flight Rate and Safety.--After the first crewed lunar landing,
the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, and taking into
account the results of the Assessment in section 208(b), carry out a
flight rate of at least two integrated Space Launch System and Orion
crew vehicle missions per year, until the Lunar Precursor Initiative is
complete, to maintain the critical human spaceflight production and
operations skills necessary for the safety of human spaceflight
activities in deep space.
(c) Milestones.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a list of the key
milestones required for completing each of the Space Launch System
variants and an estimated date on which those milestones shall be
completed.
(d) Exploration Ground Systems Infrastructure.--The Administrator
shall ensure that elements of a ground system infrastructure are in
place to enable the preparation and use of the Space Launch System,
specifically its Block 1 (70 mt) and Block 1B (105 mt) and Block 2 (130
mt) variants of the Space Launch System.
(e) Mobile Launch Facility.--In implementing the requirements in
subsection (d), the Administrator shall take all necessary steps to
develop and complete a second mobile launch facility that will be in
place to support the first Block 1B Space Launch System.
(f) Ground-Based Test Program in Support of Crewed Flight Test.--
The Administrator shall carry out a robust ground-based test program,
including the full Green Run test of the Space Launch System engines
and the testing and qualification of the Exploration Upper Stage.
SEC. 208. REVIEWS AND ASSESSMENTS.
(a) Independent Review of Human Research Program.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall enter into an
arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine for an independent, external review
of the Human Research Program. The purpose of the review shall
be to examine the effectiveness of approaches currently being
taken for identifying, measuring, and mitigating, and
establishing countermeasures for human health and performance
risks related to long-term human spaceflight, including any
human activities in deep space, and to make recommendations to
improve the program. The review shall consider the translation
of basic research into the Human Research Program.
(2) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit the results
of the review to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later
than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Core Stage Production Capacity.--
(1) Assessment.--The Administrator shall assess the
requirements and resource needed for increasing the production
capacity of the Space Launch System core stage from one to two
core stages per year, and shall identify the resources,
workforce, and infrastructure needed to increase the production
capacity.
(2) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit the results
of the assessment not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(c) Vehicle Assembly Building.--Not later than 270 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate an assessment of requirements for
concurrently processing 2 or more Space Launch System vehicles,
including Space Launch System vehicles with an exploration upper stage.
(d) Review of Risk Mitigation.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a review of the Orion crew vehicle and its
systems, including the European Service Module, to identify any single-
point failure and zero-fault-tolerant systems, components, or designs.
The review shall identify and describe all actions taken to mitigate
the risks of the systems, components, or designs identified, and any
risk mitigation actions that are planned to be taken.
(e) Study on Enhanced Orion Service Module Performance.--Not later
than 270 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Administrator
shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of an
independent technical and cost analysis of the options for developing
or acquiring an enhanced Orion service module, as appropriate, that
would enable direct low lunar orbit access and departure.
(f) Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS).--Not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the results of a
plan and schedule for the completion, full testing, qualification, and
validation of the integrated ECLSS system to be used on the Orion crew
vehicle. The plan shall include a schedule, milestones, and shall
identify any technical or supply chain challenges, as well as
approaches to overcoming the challenges, in meeting the schedule and
milestone dates.
Subtitle B--International Space Station
SEC. 221. EXTENSION AND POST-ISS SUPPORT.
(a) Policy.--Section 70907 of title 51, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``at least 2024'' and inserting ``at least 2028''
and adding at the end ``unless continued operations present an
increased safety risk or Congress has authorized a detailed plan
submitted by the Administration for a transition from the International
Space Station to an alternate platform, platforms or other means for
continued research, as determined in section 226(b) and section 307''.
(b) Independent Cost Estimate.--The Independent Program Analysis
and Evaluation Office established in section 1004 shall arrange for an
independent estimate of the cost of continuing International Space
Station operations through 2028. The estimate shall include the cost of
crew and cargo transportation and of the research to be undertaken
reflecting the priorities identified in section 222. The assessment
shall identify opportunities for operational efficiencies that could
result in cost savings and increased research productivity.
(c) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the results of
the independent cost estimate to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 6
months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Study.--Not later than 120 days 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
an assessment of--
(1) technological challenges to operating the ISS until
2028; and
(2) the potential viability of commercial space stations as
an alternative to the ISS for carrying out--
(A) the research requirements of the Human Research
Program and the requirements recommended in sections
226(b) and 307;
(B) to test systems necessary for crewed, long
duration deep space missions; and
(C) key capabilities at NASA Centers that can be
leveraged for the Administration's continued safety in
and use of low Earth orbit.
SEC. 222. PRIORITIES FOR ISS UTILIZATION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall prioritize the use of
available NASA allocation of crew time and resources on the
International Space Station toward research and technology development
that enables the Moon to Mars goal in section 202. Priority research
and development areas should include--
(1) the research of the Human Research Program, including
research on reduction of human health and performance risks,
behavioral and psychological risks, and astronaut safety
related to long-duration human spaceflight, and the development
of countermeasures to mitigate those risks;
(2) the reduction of risks for exploration technologies,
including for ECLSS, extravehicular activity and space suits,
environmental monitoring, safety, and emergency response, deep
space communications, among other critical enabling
technologies for human exploration of deep space identified in
section 203(f); and
(3) basic space life and physical science research
consistent with the priorities of the most recent space life
and physical sciences National Academies decadal survey.
In addressing paragraphs (1) and (2), the Administrator shall take into
account the data associated with the Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut
Health program, other relevant data, and recommendations from relevant
National Academies reports.
(b) Biannual Progress.--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 biannual accounting of the use of NASA
crew time and ISS resources, including allocation of such resources
toward the priorities established in subsection (a).
(c) Prohibition.--The Administration is prohibited from authorizing
spaceflight participants access to the International Space Station when
fewer than 3 United States Government astronauts are onboard as part of
an International Space Station expedition crew.
SEC. 223. ASSURED CREW ACCESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall transmit to Congress a contingency plan, including
an implementation timeline, for assured crew access to the
International Space Station until certified commercial crew
transportation services are taking place, in the event that the
availability of those services is delayed or unavailable.
SEC. 224. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION DEORBIT CAPABILITY AND PLAN.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator shall transmit to the Congress an International Space
Station Deorbit Capability and Plan, including a cost estimate of
implementing the plan.
SEC. 225. REPLACEMENT EXTRAVEHICULAR MOBILITY UNITS.
(a) Replacement Suits.--The Administrator shall take all necessary
steps to provide for upgraded and replacement International Space
Station Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs), including spares, to
ensure the safety of the International Space Station crew and crew
operations. The upgraded and replacement units shall be fully tested
and demonstrated, including on the ISS, to be certified by the
Administration for use by crew as soon as practicable. Upgraded and
replacement EMUs, including spares, shall accommodate the diversity of
ISS crew, suit sizes, and other requirements established to support
extravehicular activities.
(b) Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a plan for the provision of
upgraded and replacement EMUs to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
SEC. 226. LOW EARTH ORBIT DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall carry out development
activities in low Earth orbit for the purposes of meeting the
requirements established in subsection (b) and of supporting basic
space life and physical sciences research and applications, in
accordance with the requirements identified in section 307, following
the end of International Space Station operations.
(b) Requirements for Low Earth Orbit Activities and Research in
Support of Human Exploration.--The Administrator shall continue to
develop and regularly update detailed research, development and
associated requirements and capabilities that are needed to support
NASA's human spaceflight and Moon to Mars Program and that must be
carried out in low Earth orbit. Requirements and capabilities for NASA
human spaceflight and exploration should include--
(1) human health and performance research;
(2) crew accommodation and training;
(3) cargo and crew transportation services;
(4) technology demonstration and qualification; and
(5) options for how such requirements could be met,
including through the use of suborbital launch systems, free
flying orbital platforms, and the feasibility of and potential
risks associated with each option.
(c) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the requirements
in subsection (b) to Congress not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act and shall provide annual updates to Congress.
(d) Request for Information.--Within 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a request for
information for the development or provision of low Earth orbit
platforms, modules, or on-orbit capabilities, including options for
ownership and services provisions, that can meet the requirements
transmitted in subsection (c).
(e) Results.--The Administrator shall transmit the results of the
request for information to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 120
days after the date the responses to the request for information are
submitted to the Administration.
TITLE III--SCIENCE
SEC. 301. IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED SCIENCE PROGRAM.
It is the sense of Congress that a balanced and adequately funded
set of activities, consisting of NASA's research and analysis grants
programs, technology development, small-, medium-, and large-sized
space science missions, and suborbital research activities, continues
to contribute to a robust and productive science program and serves as
a catalyst for innovation.
SEC. 302. REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM AND
PARTS POLICY IN SCIENCE MISSION DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Review.--The Comptroller General shall review the
implementation of quality assurance program and parts policy,
processes, and procedures used in the development of instrument and
spacecraft for space and Earth science missions. The review shall build
on prior work carried out for the 2011 Government Accountability Office
report on ``Space and Mission Defense Acquisitions: Periodic Assessment
Needed to Correct Parts Quality Problems in Major Programs'', released
in 2011, and include an assessment of--
(1) the extent to which NASA is following established
policy related to the selection, acquisition, traceability,
testing, handling, packaging, storage, and application of
materials and mechanical and electrical parts and the reasons
for any deviations;
(2) how NASA conducts surveillance of contractor
implementation of such policy, processes, and procedures; and
(3) the extent to which established policy, processes, and
procedures follows Federal government best practices.
(b) Transmittal.--The Comptroller General shall transmit the
results of the review to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 303. INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL TECHNICAL, MANAGEMENT, AND COST REVIEWS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall arrange for independent
external technical, management, and cost reviews of science missions
with an estimated development cost of $1 billion or more prior to
completing the system definition and mission definition reviews--Key
Decision Point B--and entering into the preliminary design and
technology completion phase--Phase B--of the mission development cycle.
(b) Results.--The Administrator shall transmit the results of the
review to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 10 days after the results
of the review have been completed.
SEC. 304. SMALL SATELLITES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that small
satellites and cubesats are increasingly important elements of NASA's
exploration, scientific, and technology demonstration missions, have
produced high-value science, and can contribute, where appropriate, to
a balanced science mission portfolio. Cubesat-enabled science missions
also provide opportunities for hands-on training and developing project
management skills for students and early career professionals, as noted
in the 2016 report of the National Academies, ``Achieving Science with
CubeSats: Thinking Inside the Box''.
(b) Continuation.--The Administrator should continue to support the
use of small satellite research and development in the space and Earth
sciences, where appropriate, and for hands-on training and related
skills.
SEC. 305. OPTIONS FOR SMALL SATELLITE AND PAYLOAD ACCESS TO THE NEAR-
SPACE AND SPACE ENVIRONMENT.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing
the options for small satellites and payload access to the upper
atmospheric, near-space, and space environments, including through
suborbital rockets, balloons, hosted payloads, rideshares, dedicated
launch vehicles, among any other options. The report shall also
identify criteria for the selection of an option for small satellite
and payload access to the upper atmospheric, near-space, and space
environments, and shall identify the potential benefits and risks of
each option.
SEC. 306. STUDY ON SPACE LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH AND
APPLICATIONS PLACEMENT.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator shall transmit a report to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on an evaluation
of the potential transfer of the Space Life and Physical Sciences
Research and Applications activities to the Science Mission
Directorate. The study shall identify and consider issues related to
the potential establishment of a Space Life and Physical Sciences
Research and Applications Division under the Science Mission
Directorate, the organization of a potential Division, and the
potential scope of a Division's research and activities. The study
shall include a recommendation on a potential transfer and
identification of follow-on actions, if any, that would be required for
implementation.
SEC. 307. SPACE LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Requirements.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an
arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine for the development of a comprehensive set of requirements to
support life and physical sciences research in microgravity following
the end of International Space Station operations. The study shall
include, among other factors--
(1) requirements to support basic research, as recommended
in the most recent National Academies decadal survey, and
requirements for applied research and development activities;
(2) environmental requirements including thermal,
vibration, micro-g level, noise, sterility, and cleanliness;
(3) laboratory facility hardware (e.g., glovebox, ovens,
rodent facilities);
(4) technology demonstration and qualification;
(5) crew time for carrying out basic research activities;
(6) power;
(7) data storage and transmission;
(8) communications;
(9) supporting facilities and infrastructure;
(10) crew and cargo transportation services, including
pressurized upmass and downmass, to and from low Earth orbit
following the end of International Space Station operations;
(11) options for how such requirements could be met,
including through the use of suborbital launch systems, free
flying orbital platforms, and the feasibility, and potential
risks associated with; and
(12) options for governance and management models for non-
NASA research and development activities and recommendations on
a governance and management approach.
(b) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the study 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 not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act.
(c) Prohibition.--The nonprofit management entity responsible for
managing non-NASA research on the International Space Station, under
section 70905(c)(2) of title 51, United States Code, shall not have
access to any NASA-funded portion of any potential attached commercial
or public-private platform or any free flying commercial or public-
private platform until the results of the study directed under
subsection (a) have been 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 and acted upon by
the Congress.
Subtitle A--Earth Science and Applications
SEC. 311. GOAL.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Administration's Earth science and applications program are vital for
the Nation's ability to research, understand, and take measures to
address the challenge of global climate change and provide increasingly
valuable data for applied uses, including on natural resource
management, agriculture, forestry, food security, air quality
monitoring, among many other application areas. It is the further sense
of Congress that a robust and balanced Earth science and applications
program contributes significantly to the Nation's scientific discovery,
economic growth and to supporting the health and safety of Americans
and citizens of the world.
(b) Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms section 60501 of title 51,
United States Code, on the goal for NASA's Earth science and
applications program, which is that the Administration's Earth Science
program shall be to pursue a program of Earth observations, research,
and applications activities to better understand the Earth, how it
supports life, and how human activities affect its ability to do so in
the future. In pursuit of this goal, the Administration's Earth Science
program shall ensure that securing practical benefits for society will
be an important measure of its success in addition to securing new
knowledge about the Earth system and climate change. In further pursuit
of this goal, the Administration shall, together with other relevant
agencies, provide United States leadership in developing and carrying
out a cooperative international Earth observations-based research
program.
(c) Plan.--The Administrator shall prepare an implementation plan
for the most recent National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine's decadal survey on Earth science and applications.
(d) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the Plan in
subsection (c) to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation in the Senate not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 312. APPLIED USES OF EARTH SCIENCE DATA.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that there are
substantive and innovative applications and uses of space-based Earth
science observations that are benefitting other Federal Government
agencies, State and local government agencies, and the broader user
community and society. It is the further sense of Congress that the
Administration should continue to seek means, to the extent practicable
and in collaboration with other Federal Government agencies, industry,
and academia, to expand the applied uses of NASA space-based Earth
science observations and data. It is also the sense of Congress that
quantifying the uses of these observations by other Federal Government
agencies is important for understanding the impact and value of the
Nation's investments in space-based Earth science observations and
data.
(b) Report.--The Administrator shall prepare a report identifying
the use of NASA space-based Earth science observations by other civil
Federal Government agencies. The report shall, for each Federal agency,
identify the extent of space-based Earth science observations used, the
type of Earth science observations used, the purpose of the data use,
and any tools or decision support services developed in the use of the
space-based Earth science data for operational or research and
development purposes.
(c) Consideration.--The report shall take into account the work of
the Satellite Needs Working Group under the U.S. Group on Earth
Observations, which identifies high-priority Federal satellite user
needs.
SEC. 313. SURVEY OF STATE, TRIBAL, AND TERRITORY USE OF NASA EARTH
OBSERVATION DATA.
(a) Survey.--The Administrator shall arrange for a survey of the
use of NASA Earth observation data by States, Tribal organizations, and
territories.
(b) Transmittal.--The Director shall transmit the results of the
Survey 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 not later than 18
months after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 314. COMMERCIAL EARTH OBSERVATION DATA.
(a) Study.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to carry out
a study on the opportunities and challenges related to the potential
use of commercial Earth observation data collected for the purposes of
conducting Earth science research.
(b) Inclusion.--The study in subsection (a) shall include--
(1) an assessment of the Administration's private sector
small satellite constellation pilot program;
(2) options for government or private sector roles in
performing calibration and validation and reanalysis of
commercial Earth observations data;
(3) approaches to ensuring consistency with Administration
data and information policies for Earth observation data
obtained or purchased from commercial providers;
(4) the results of the assessment in paragraph (1);
(5) the benefits of using commercially provided data,
observations, or services for Earth science research;
(6) recommendations on guidelines, decision rules, and
requirements for the use of commercial Earth observation data
in support of Earth science research; and
(7) recommendations on any other relevant factors and
issues regarding the use of commercial Earth observation data
for the purposes of conducting Earth science research.
(c) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the results of
the study to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 315. PLANKTON, AEROSOL, CLOUD, OCEAN ECOSYSTEM MISSION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue development of
the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission to advance
2007 National Academies decadal survey priorities for systematic
measurements on clouds and aerosols and global ocean color measurements
that extend systematic data records for Earth system and climate
science, including on the carbon cycle and ocean biogeochemistry.
(b) Cost and Schedule.--In carrying out the development in
subsection (a), the Administrator shall follow all requirements under
section 30104 of title 51, United States Code.
SEC. 316. CLARREO PATHFINDER.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue development of
the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO)
Pathfinder mission, as recommended by the 2007 National Academies
decadal survey, to demonstrate measurement capabilities, verify the
accuracy of radiometry for long-term climate studies, and to help
provide a baseline climate record for shortwave reflectance and
infrared measurements.
(b) Cost and Schedule.--In carrying out the development in
subsection (a), the Administrator shall follow all requirements under
section 30104 of title 51, United States Code.
Subtitle B--Astrophysics
SEC. 321. WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue development of
the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), in the configuration
established through preliminary design review, to meet the objectives
prioritized in the 2010 decadal survey of astronomy and astrophysics of
the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
(b) Cost and Schedule.--In carrying out the development in
subsection (a), the Administrator shall follow all requirements under
section 30104 of title 51, United States Code.
(c) Baseline Plan.--Following Key Decision Point-C or project
confirmation, the Administrator shall prepare a cost and schedule
baseline plan for the development of WFIRST against which the project
performance can be measured by Congress. The plan shall include an
annual funding profile required for WFIRST through the completion of
its development and initial science phase, including cost and schedule
reserves levels, consistent with NASA policy.
(d) Transmittal.--Not later than 30 days after Key Decision Point-C
has taken place, the Administrator shall provide the plan in subsection
(c) to the appropriate Committees of Congress.
(e) Quarterly Reporting.--The Administrator shall provide quarterly
reports on the progress of the WFIRST development and the status on
cost and schedule relative to the baseline plan developed in subsection
(a) to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(f) Comptroller General Review.--The Comptroller General 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 an annual review of the performance and
progress of the WFIRST development under subsections (a) through (c).
The review shall examine the Administration's performance in meeting
cost, schedule, and technical objectives and overall management of the
project's development.
SEC. 322. STRATOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY FOR INFRARED ASTRONOMY.
Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the
scientific program and operations of the Stratospheric Observatory for
Infrared Astronomy. The report shall provide--
(1) a description of the scientific instruments that are
flying, including--
(A) their current operating status;
(B) operating costs;
(C) anticipated operational lifetimes; and
(D) the anticipated scientific impact of each
instrument; and
(2) a description of the scientific instruments are planned
to be flown on the observatory, including the--
(A) development status;
(B) estimated development costs;
(C) anticipated launch date;
(D) the anticipated operational lifetime; and
(E) the anticipated scientific impact of the
instrument.
SEC. 323. RESEARCH ON TECHNOSIGNATURES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the search
for life in the universe is an integral component of the
Administration's space science program and that the search for life in
the universe has increasingly encompassed a multi- and
interdisciplinary approach. It is the further sense of Congress that
research related to the search for life has encompassed nongovernment
funded research on and searches for intelligent life. Those efforts
include searches for signatures of advanced technologies that could be
used to indicate the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth, or
what is referred to as ``technosignatures''.
(b) Research.--The Administrator may support, as appropriate, peer-
reviewed, competitively selected research on technosignatures.
Subtitle C--Planetary Science
SEC. 331. MARS COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Requirements.--The Administrator shall develop an estimate of
the Administration's communication requirements, including bandwidth
and communications needs, to serve current and future robotic orbiter,
lander, rover and human missions to Mars into the 2040s.
(b) Assessment.--The Administrator shall prepare an assessment of
the existing Mars communication infrastructure and its capabilities to
meet the Administration's requirements in subsection (a), including the
risk of potential gaps in communications relays between Mars spacecraft
and Earth within the next 5 years.
(c) Plan.--Based on the assessment in subsection (b), the
Administrator shall develop a plan for addressing the risk of potential
gaps of meeting future robotic and potential human mission requirements
into the 2040s.
(d) Inclusion.--The Plan in subsection (c) shall include--
(1) options for a Mars communication infrastructure that
meets the estimated requirements in subsection (a), options for
mitigating any risks identified in the Assessment in subsection
(b), and a preliminary estimate of the potential costs of each
option, including--
(A) the tradeoffs of using a dedicated Mars
communications orbiter, a Mars science orbiter that
handles communications relays, and other options; and
(B) an identification of any technology, software,
and cybersecurity developments anticipated to become
available in the next 2-5 years that could facilitate
the capability, accelerate the development, and enable
implementation of a Mars communication infrastructure;
and
(2) options for acquisition approaches for a Mars
communications infrastructure, including partnerships with
international or commercial partners.
(e) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit to the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate
the assessment and plan in subsections (b) and (c) not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 332. MARS SAMPLE RETURN STRATEGY AND PLAN.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the 2011
National Academies decadal survey, ``Vision and Voyages for Planetary
Science in the Decade 2013-2022'' states that ``The Mars community . .
. was emphatic in their view that a sample return mission is the next
step in Mars exploration. Mars science has reached a level of
sophistication such that fundamental advances in addressing the
important questions . . . will come only from analysis of returned
samples.''. It is the further sense of Congress that the decadal survey
recommended a Mars sample return mission as the highest priority large
mission, and that in addition to advancing high priority science, Mars
samples returned to Earth would contribute science and information that
is valuable for planning a human mission to Mars.
(b) Strategy.--The Administrator shall develop a strategy,
including options, for returning samples that are planned to be cached
by the Mars 2020 rover to Earth for terrestrial laboratory study. The
strategy shall identify--
(1) technologies required to carry out a sample return
mission, including requirements for sample containment and
handling in space and upon return to Earth;
(2) research, technology, and developments needed to
effectively manage planetary protection;
(3) opportunities for potential international partnership;
and
(4) a recommended mission option, and an estimated cost.
(c) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a plan for
implementing the strategy in subsection (a), including a timeline and a
list of key milestones, to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(d) Early Technology Development.--The Administrator shall continue
early technology development work in preparation for a Mars sample
return mission.
SEC. 333. COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES.
(a) In General.--The Administrator may establish a Commercial Lunar
Payload Services program for the purposes of transporting and landing
science instruments and payloads on the lunar surface or to cislunar
space.
(b) Relationship to Other Mission Directorates.--Any lander
demonstrations, services, instruments, or payloads, and the commercial
lunar payload services required to deliver those payloads or
instruments to the lunar surface or lunar vicinity, that are not
carried out for the purposes established in subsection (a) or that are
carried out for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission
Directorate or the Space Technology Mission Directorate shall be funded
from the Mission Directorate sponsoring the use of the program
established in subsection (a).
(c) Commercial Landers.--In carrying out the program under (a), the
Administrator shall procure the services of commercial landers that are
majority-designed, majority-developed, and majority-built in the United
States.
(d) Assessment.--The Administrator shall carry out an assessment of
the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program to identify lessons
learned, ongoing challenges, and approaches to addressing the
challenges. The study shall be transmitted to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 3
years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 334. EUROPA CLIPPER LAUNCH VEHICLE.
(a) Assessment of Launch Vehicle Options.--Not later than 30 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall carry
out and complete an assessment of the launch vehicle options that would
be available at the earliest flight readiness date for launch of the
Europa Clipper mission. The assessment shall include--
(1) an analysis of the marginal cost, schedule, risk, and
benefits associated with launching the Europa Clipper mission
on a Space Launch System as compared to an alternative launch
vehicle, including any additional cost, schedule, and risk
incurred from spacecraft design changes due to alternative
interplanetary trajectories; and
(2) a consideration of whether an increased Space Launch
System production rate would allow the Europa Clipper orbiter
mission to be launched on a Space Launch System on a schedule
that is consistent with the flight readiness date for the
mission.
(b) Authorization.--The Administrator is authorized, based on the
results of the assessment in subsection (a), to select the launch
vehicle for the Europa Clipper mission taking into account the
probability of mission success and based on cost, schedule, vehicle
availability, and impact on science requirements.
(c) Report.--Not later than 15 days after completing the assessment
in subsection (a), 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 including the complete assessment of launch vehicle options in
subsection (a), the Administrator's selection of the Europa Clipper
launch vehicle as authorized in subsection (b), and the estimated cost
of the selected launch option.
SEC. 335. DEDICATED SURVEY MISSION.
(a) Dedicated Survey Mission.--The Administrator shall develop a
dedicated space-based infrared survey telescope mission, as soon as is
practicable, for the purpose of accomplishing the objectives of the
George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey Act, and consistent with
section 71101 of title 51, United States Code. The mission design shall
take into account the recommendations of the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's report, ``Finding Hazardous
Asteroids Using Infrared and Visible Wavelength Telescopes''.
(b) Plan.--The Administrator shall transmit a plan for carrying out
the dedicated survey mission 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 not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 336. NEAR-EARTH OBJECT AND PLANETARY DEFENSE ROADMAP.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in collaboration with other
relevant Federal agencies, shall lead the development of a Roadmap to
improve the detection, tracking, and characterization of near-Earth
objects for the purpose of reducing uncertainties and advancing the
accuracy of decision making on potentially hazardous near-Earth
objects. The Roadmap shall identify existing or planned telescope
programs that could contribute to improving the detection and tracking
of near-Earth objects and completing the goals of the George E. Brown,
Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey.
(b) NASA Responsibilities.--In carrying out subsection (a), NASA
shall, in cooperation with relevant Federal agencies and international
partners--
(1) lead activities that--
(A) enhance national capabilities for near-Earth
object detection, tracking, and characterization; and
(B) seek to develop technologies for fast-response
near-Earth object deflection and disruption; and
(2) participate in activities that--
(A) seek to improve national capabilities for
potentially hazardous near-Earth object modeling,
predictions, and information integration; and
(B) increase international cooperation on near-
Earth object preparation.
SEC. 337. ASSESSMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CATALOGUING AND ARCHIVING
NEAR-EARTH OBJECT DATA.
(a) Assessment.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement
with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to
carry out an assessment to identify the requirements and capabilities
needed for the cataloguing, archiving, and maintaining observational
space-based and ground-based data of near-Earth objects through 2030,
including data from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope.
(b) Inclusion.--The assessment in subsection (a) shall address--
(1) the extent to which the existing facilities, including
the Minor Planet Center, can accommodate the identified needs;
(2) and any additional facilities, equipment, and
capabilities needed to catalogue, archive, and maintain near-
Earth object data anticipated to be collected through 2030;
(3) requirements and capabilities for automated analysis of
the data and objects in the catalogue and archive, including
artificial intelligence; and
(4) an estimated timeline and budget required to support
the requirements and capabilities identified in paragraphs (1)
through (3).
(c) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the results of
the assessment to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 338. INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR NEAR-EARTH
OBJECT IMPACT MITIGATION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall expand efforts being
carried out with international entities, including the Space Missions
Planning Advisory Group of the Working Group on near-Earth Objects of
the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, to support confidence-
building and capacity-building activities related to near-Earth object
impact mitigation techniques, such the use of a kinetic impactor,
gravity tractor, and nuclear explosive device.
(b) Confidence and Capacity-Building.--The Administrator may carry
out workshops, technical exchanges of information, training, or other
means, as appropriate, with international entities for building
confidence, and developing technical understanding and awareness of in-
space near-Earth object deflection or impact mitigation techniques.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall provide a briefing to staff of the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate on plans for carrying out the activities
in subsections (a) and (b).
SEC. 339. CLOSE PASSING NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS.
The Administration should consider planning preparatory actions to
take advantage of opportunities related to close passing near-Earth
objects for both scientific and public outreach purposes, including the
close approach of asteroid 99942 Apophis anticipated to occur in 2029,
to conduct close-up studies of a large asteroids as they pass by Earth.
Subtitle D--Heliophysics and Space Weather Research
SEC. 341. IMPORTANCE OF HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH TO UNDERSTANDING SPACE
WEATHER.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) NASA's Heliophysics Division is a key contributor to a
greater understanding of the Sun, solar activity, and the space
environment of Earth and other planets;
(2) fundamental research in Heliophysics plays a key role
in understanding and predicting space weather, which describes
naturally occurring phenomena that have the potential to
severely and adversely affect numerous assets in space and on
Earth, including military and commercial satellite
communications, the global power grid, and pipelines that
provide fuel and water to billions of people; and
(3) understanding space weather is crucial in advance of
human exploration activities in order to minimize deleterious
effects on humans in space.
SEC. 342. SPACE WEATHER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Administrator, in collaboration with other
relevant Federal Government agencies, shall establish within the
Heliophysics Division a Space Weather Research and Applications Program
to support the transition of scientific research to operations and to
carry out competitively selected applied research for the purposes of
improving the modeling, forecasting, and prediction of space weather
phenomena. In carrying out the Program established in this subsection,
the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, partner with
relevant Federal Government agencies, academia, industry, and the space
weather user community.
(b) Community Coordinated Modeling Center.--The Administrator, in
collaboration with relevant Federal Government agencies and
stakeholders, shall lead the coordination of space weather model
development, testing, and validation in preparation for transitioning
such models to operational users. In leading the Center, the
Administrator should, to the extent practicable--
(1) take steps to support the integration of additional
data sources (including international, academic, and
commercial) that could improve space weather models, predictive
capabilities, and forecasts; and
(2) increase efforts to coordinate the Community
Coordinated Modeling Center activities with academia, industry,
international, and other space weather modeling and forecasting
entities.
(c) Observations.--The Administrator should continue to consider,
to the extent practicable, the use of small spacecraft to expand space
weather observations and enhance research related to space weather
model development.
Subtitle E--Data Science and Management
SEC. 361. DATA SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT.
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should take
steps to establish a data science and management initiative to expand
data analytic capabilities, such as cloud computing, in the management
of the Administration's scientific databases that can enable the
pursuit of new, interdisciplinary areas of scientific investigation and
facilitate the broadest possible use of space science and Earth science
data for research and applied purposes.
SEC. 362. WORKSHOP ON DATA ANALYTICS FOR EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH.
(a) Workshop.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement
with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for
a workshop on the scientific opportunities related to the use of
advanced data analytics and modeling techniques in Earth science
research and applications. The workshop should identify--
(1) the opportunities and challenges of using advanced data
analytics and modeling techniques for Earth science research,
including those areas of Earth science research that currently
use advanced data analytics and modeling techniques;
(2) current and future developments in data analytics and
modeling techniques; and
(3) potential areas of interdisciplinary Earth science and
applications research that could be enabled by advanced data
analytics and modeling techniques.
(b) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall provide a report on the
Workshop in subsection (a) not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act.
TITLE IV--SPACE COMMUNICATIONS
SEC. 401. REVIEW OF SPACE COMMUNICATIONS.
(a) Review.--The Comptroller General shall undertake a review of
the Administration's space communications and navigation programs,
activities, and plans.
(b) Inclusion.--The review in subsection (a) shall include--
(1) the extent to which there is a well-defined plan,
architecture, and identification of communications and
navigation needs over the next 20 years;
(2) an identification of performance capabilities required
to meet the Administration's plans and needs over the next 20
years;
(3) the extent to which the Administration has developed an
estimate of the costs, including life cycle costs, of paragraph
(2);
(4) approaches the Administrator is taking to sustain the
existing space communications and navigations architecture;
(5) any risks to the sustainment and operations of the
architecture;
(6) planned upgrades to the architecture;
(7) an estimated cost for the upgrades in paragraph (6);
(8) the extent to which there is an established means for
prioritizing investments and how such investments are balanced
between sustaining existing operations, upgrading systems, and
undertaking new developments;
(9) the technical and programmatic viability of any
approaches for meeting space communications needs after all
Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System third-generation
communications satellites are operational; and
(10) the extent to which the Administration has an
established plan and measures for mitigating threats to
electromagnetic spectrum use.
(c) Transmittal.--The review in subsection (a) shall be transmitted
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act.
TITLE V--AERONAUTICS
SEC. 501. RESEARCH EFFORT TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with other
relevant Federal agencies, industry, and academia, shall conduct
research and development efforts that contribute to reducing the
environmental impact of aviation, providing for a sustainable future
for aviation, and improving the efficiency and performance of United
States commercial aircraft.
(b) Research Effort.--The research effort in subsection (a) shall
include research, development, and demonstration projects on--
(1) subsonic aircraft and engine design and technology;
(2) sustainable aviation fuels;
(3) electric and hybrid-electric propulsion; and
(4) other efforts that contribute to a sustainable future
for aviation.
(c) Goals.--The goals of the initiative in subsection (b) shall be
to reach--
(1) two percent annual fuel efficiency improvement through
2050; and
(2) carbon neutral growth.
(d) Annual Report.--Not later than June 1 of every year, the
Administrator shall submit a report identifying the activities carried
out under the research effort under subsection (a) and the progress
toward meeting the goals identified in subsection (c).
SEC. 502. WORKSHOP ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON NOISE.
(a) Workshop.--The Administrator shall organize a workshop on the
status of existing research and technology activities, and to identify
planned research and technology demonstration activities and
opportunities for future research and development activities, including
noiseless aircraft, related to reducing the noise effects from subsonic
aircraft, urban air mobility and uncrewed aviation systems, supersonic
aircraft, and commercial space launch vehicles.
(b) Participants.--The Workshop described in subsection (a) shall
include participants from relevant Federal government agencies,
industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations.
(c) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit a report on the
results of the workshop to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 18
months after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 503. AERONAUTICS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY ROUNDTABLE.
It is the sense of Congress that the National Academies Aeronautics
Research and Technology Round Table has been a valuable forum for
industry, academia, and government to share knowledge, define strategic
issues, identify research topics of interest, and provide input into
NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate's agenda. It is the
further sense of Congress, that the Administrator should continue to
support the Roundtable to facilitate continuing partnerships in United
States aeronautics research going forward.
SEC. 504. EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall study, develop, and carry
out large-scale testing and demonstrations in relevant environments
that are needed to understand complex, transformational flight systems,
including structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, controls and flight
dynamics interactions, and advanced technologies and systems for their
transition into aircraft and airspace systems by the aviation
community.
(b) Experimental Aircraft Demonstrations.--In meeting the
objectives established in subsection (a), the Administrator shall carry
out experimental aircraft demonstrations, including a--
(1) subsonic demonstrator to demonstrate the performance
and feasibility of advanced, ultra-efficient subsonic flight
demonstrator configurations;
(2) low-boom flight demonstrator to validate design tools
and technologies that can be applied to low sonic boom
commercial supersonic aircraft and support the development of a
noise-based standard for supersonic overland flight; and
(3) hybrid wing body demonstrator to demonstrate the
performance and feasibility of an ultra-efficient hybrid wing
body configuration.
(c) Collaboration With Industry and Academia.--The Administration
shall seek means to increase collaboration with industry and academia
in basic research, technology development, and experimental aircraft
demonstration activities.
SEC. 505. REVIEW OF RESEARCH ROADMAP ON HYPERSONICS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement
with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to
review the Roadmap for Hypersonic Research directed in section 603 of
the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017. The review shall take
into account research activities of the Department of Defense. The
review shall identify and prioritize critical basic and applied
research to be carried out by the Administration in the near-term
(within 6 months to 3 years), mid-term (within 3 to 6 years), and long-
term (within 6 to 10 years), and shall identify the flight
demonstration vehicles and demonstrations, capabilities, infrastructure
and facilities, and workforce skills needed to establish global
leadership in hypersonics.
(b) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the review 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 not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 506. SUPERSONIC FLIGHT.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
development of low-boom commercial supersonic transport that is
efficient, cost-effective, and safe for the environment will be
transformative for the aviation industry and will help ensure continued
United States leadership in enabling new transportation capabilities.
It is the further sense of Congress that NASA, in its work on a low-
boom flight demonstrator aircraft, should continue consulting with the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), other international aeronautics research
organizations.
(b) Continued Research.--The Administrator shall continue to
conduct research and development activities to enable the development
and operational use of low-boom supersonic aircraft.
SEC. 507. URBAN AIR MOBILITY.
(a) Strategy.--The Administrator shall develop a strategy,
including goals and objectives, for the Administration's research and
development activities on urban air mobility. The strategy shall--
(1) take into account the Administration's work on uncrewed
aviation systems;
(2) consider relevant National Academies reports on the
feasibility of a safe and efficient urban air mobility system;
(3) provide a description of the Administration's ``Grand
Challenges'' for urban air mobility and how it contributes to
achieving the goals and objectives identified in the strategy;
(4) identify any research gaps and options for addressing
the gaps; and
(5) identify the means of partnering with the other
relevant Federal agencies, academia, and industry on urban air
mobility research and development.
(b) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the strategy to
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 508. AERONAUTICS WORKFORCE AND MODELING AND TEST FACILITIES.
(a) Review.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with
the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to carry
out a comprehensive review of--
(1) the Nation's aeronautics workforce and skills-base; and
(2) the status of NASA's aeronautical modeling and test
facilities.
The review shall make prioritized recommendations on actions needed to
align the workforce with research objectives, strategic goals, and
commercial aeronautics opportunities and on the improvements and
additions to modeling capabilities and test facilities needed to meet
the Nation's aeronautics strategic goals and objectives.
(b) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the results of
the review not later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this
Act to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(c) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 120 days after the date
that the review is completed and published, 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 plan for implementing the
recommendations in the review in subsection (a).
SEC. 509. UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that United
States leadership in aeronautics will depend, in part, on infusing
innovation into the Nation's aeronautical research and development
programs and in transferring the proven capabilities and technologies
established through research and development into commercial aviation.
It is the further sense of Congress that the University Leadership
Initiative is encouraging innovation by successfully engaging
multidisciplinary teams, including academia and industry, in compelling
research activities that address the Aeronautics Research Mission
Directorate's strategic research goals while also energizing the
aeronautics research enterprise. The Administrator should continue to
support the University Leadership Initiative.
(b) Review.--The Administrator shall arrange for an external review
of the University Leadership Initiative for the purposes of considering
the Initiative's progress toward meeting the program's objectives,
identifying options and recommendations for strengthening the program,
and evaluating the project's efforts to increase the participation of
women, HBCU and underrepresented and minority participants in the
program.
(c) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit a report to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act.
TITLE VI--SPACE TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 601. SPACE NUCLEAR SYSTEMS.
It is the sense of Congress that:
(1) Space nuclear technology development, including nuclear
propulsion and surface power reactors, is critical for enabling
Moon and Mars missions. Nuclear propulsion technologies can
reduce transit times to Mars, particularly making possible
opposition class missions. Surface power would enable robotic
and human exploration. It is important that the United States
lead in developing the safe and sustainable use of space
nuclear power.
(2) NASA should continue to develop technologies that rely
on low enriched uranium fuel and continue partnerships on such
concepts with the commercial sector. Where feasible, the use of
low enriched uranium should be prioritized.
SEC. 602. NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall carry out nuclear thermal
propulsion research and development activities, including for systems
based on the use of low-enriched uranium, for the purposes of
developing an in-space propulsion system to support crewed missions to
Mars.
(b) Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a plan, including a cost
estimate, to achieve an in-space flight test of a nuclear thermal
propulsion system within 10 years of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the plan to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 603. NUCLEAR SURFACE POWER.
(a) Sense of Congress.--Developing lightweight fission reactors
systems is critical for generating sufficient power to run systems that
enable long-term presence, robotic or human, in space. It is the sense
of Congress that NASA should continue developing kilopower technology.
(b) Program.--The Administrator shall establish a program for
research, testing, and development of a space surface power reactor
design.
(c) Plan.--NASA shall develop a plan and timeline for a kilopower
program taking into consideration mission needs and shall include
opportunities for participation by United States commercial entities.
(d) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit plan to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 604. REVIEW OF FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM.
(a) Review.--The Comptroller General shall carry out a review of
the Flight Opportunities Program to assess--
(1) the goals and objectives of the program, and the basis
for those goals and objectives;
(2) the extent to which the program goals and objectives
have changed over time since the establishment of the program,
and the rationale for such changes;
(3) the performance measurements NASA has established to
oversee progress toward meeting the goals and objectives of the
program;
(4) the activities conducted and level of resources
provided to date toward meeting the goals;
(5) the basis for the resource requirements;
(6) the extent to which NASA is using the results of the
flight opportunities research activities to advance the
agency's strategic goals;
(7) the challenges in achieving program objectives; and
(8) the factors that should be considered in evaluating
whether the program, as structured and funded, could be
expanded to include science and education projects, and any
potential implications of such an expansion.
(b) Transmittal.--The report in subsection (a) shall be transmitted
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 605. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS.
It is the sense of Congress that advances in interplanetary
communications are an essential enabler for future robotic and human
exploration, and that optical communications can provide increased
bandwidth at farther distances with greater accuracy and speed than
radio frequency transmissions. Optical communications involve
opportunities and challenges that can transform scientific
investigations in space and support deep space human exploration
operations that will require broadband communications with Earth. In
addition, optical communications systems are lighter, more compact and
use less power than radio frequency communications, and the
Government's investment in advancing optical communications also has
the potential to offer significant benefits to the private sector and
future space commerce.
SEC. 606. PROPULSION TESTING FACILITIES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Administration's development of next generation in-space and electric
propulsion will help enable the Nation's goal of sending humans to
Mars, especially for use in emplacing the cargo and infrastructure
necessary to support human activities at Mars. It is the further sense
of Congress that additional testing capabilities may be needed to
support research and development on in-space propulsion and that such
facilities could serve government, industry, and university work on
maturing in-space propulsion development work.
(b) Needs Assessment.--The Administrator shall carry out a needs
assessment for facilities and technical capabilities required to
support advanced research and development on in-space propulsion,
including high-power electric propulsion devices and ground-based
testing of a full-scale, full-power nuclear thermal engine. The
assessment should consider the potential development of facilities that
will support long-term research and development of in-space propulsion
systems.
(c) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the results of
the assessment to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 607. IN-SPACE SATELLITE SERVICING AND ASSEMBLY.
(a) RESTORE-L.--The Administrator shall continue development of
RESTORE-L technologies and capabilities for a planned on-orbit
demonstration to refuel the Landsat 7 spacecraft.
(b) Assessment.--The Administrator shall carry out an assessment of
in-space assembly and servicing technologies, the potential uses of
those technologies, and related issues. The assessment shall include--
(1) the capabilities, technological readiness levels, and
relevant applications of the Administration's existing in-space
servicing and assembly technology across directorates and
divisions;
(2) the projected requirements for in-space satellite
servicing and assembly and the research and development, other
than that being conducted under subsection (b), needed to
address the requirements;
(3) the potential advantages of incorporating in-space
assembly and servicing into spacecraft design, construction,
and operations;
(4) a determination of any areas of overlap or alignment
among Administration directorates and divisions of current
capabilities and potential enabling technologies for in-space
servicing and assembly;
(5) a description of the criteria, information needed in
order to develop criteria, that could be used in determining
whether in-space servicing and assembly could increase the
capabilities, mitigate risks, reduce the costs, or otherwise
benefit a given mission or project;
(6) a comparison of the relative opportunities and
challenges of human versus robotic assembly and servicing,
taking into account prior and current servicing activities;
(7) a description of ways in which the Administration could
partner with the private sector or otherwise use available
private sector in-space satellite servicing and assembly
services; and
(8) a description of the approaches the Administration is
taking to ensure that the project under subsection (a) does not
involve competition with the private sector and does not
preclude the development of commercial capabilities for in-
space satellite servicing and assembly.
(c) Transmittal.--The results of the Assessment in subsection (c)
shall be transmitted to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 608. PARACHUTE SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
It is the sense of Congress that parachute design, development, and
performance is essential for the safety and success of both robotic and
human spaceflight systems, including the Orion crew vehicle, capsules
being developed under the Commercial Crew Program, as well as some
robotic spacecraft that are to be landed on solar system bodies. It is
the further sense of Congress that the risks and complexities involved
in parachute systems warrant additional research and development that
could benefit both internal development programs and those of United
States industry partners. The Administrator should strongly consider
supporting research and development on parachute systems for the
purposes of contributing to the overall safety and success of United
States robotic and human spaceflight systems.
TITLE VII--SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
SEC. 701. OFFICE OF STEM ENGAGEMENT.
(a) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that
NASA's inspiring mission, specialized facilities, skilled engineering
and scientific workforce, and research activities present unique
opportunities for inspiring public engagement in STEM and increasing
the number of students pursuing STEM degrees and careers.
(b) In General.--The Administrator shall establish an Office of
STEM Engagement for the purpose of advancing progress toward the
Nation's Federal STEM education goals for enhancing STEM literacy,
increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, and preparing the
STEM workforce for the future.
(c) Responsibilities.--The Office established in subsection (b)
shall be responsible for coordinating efforts to administer and support
evidence-based formal and informal education programs, research
experiences, and related activities among organizations across the
agency, including NASA headquarters, Mission Directorates, and Centers,
to administer and support evidence-based formal and informal education
programs, research experiences, and related activities designed to--
(1) create unique opportunities for students and the public
to learn from and contribute to NASA's work in exploration and
discovery;
(2) contribute to the growth of a diverse STEM workforce;
and
(3) strengthen public understanding of science by enabling
connections to NASA's mission and work.
(d) Portfolio.--The Office shall coordinate and administer--
(1) the National Space Grant College and Fellowship
Program;
(2) the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research;
(3) the Minority University Research and Education Project;
(4) the NextGen STEM Project; and
(5) any other programs or activities determined appropriate
by the Administrator.
SEC. 702. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF SPACE GRANT.
(a) Review.--The Administrator shall make arrangements for an
independent external review of the National Space Grant College and
Fellowship Program to evaluate its management, accomplishments, and
responsiveness to the purposes and goals defined in Chapter 403 of
title 51, United States Code.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year 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.
TITLE VIII--SAFETY, SUPPORT, AND MISSION SERVICES
SEC. 801. POLICY AND PROCEDURE.
(a) Policy and Procedure.--The Administrator shall develop an
Administration policy and procedure for assessment every 3 to 5 years
of the Administration's strategic capabilities, including
infrastructure and facilities, and workforce skills and capabilities.
The policy and procedure shall include acquiring data and support for
Administration decisions and recommendations on strategic capabilities,
including on infrastructure and facilities, and workforce skills and
capabilities needed to support the Administration's goals and
objectives through 2040.
(b) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the policy and
procedure 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 not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 802. MONITORING MILLIMETER-SIZED ORBITAL DEBRIS.
(a) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report to the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on--
(1) the risks of millimeter-sized and larger orbital debris
objects to NASA orbiting assets and space activities; and
(2) the gaps in monitoring of millimeter-sized orbital
debris data, orbital debris object sizes of 2-10 centimeters,
and orbital debris objects larger than 10 centimeters;
(3) an identification of options to address any identified
risks and gaps; and
(4) a recommended option for further analysis and potential
implementation.
SEC. 803. PLANETARY PROTECTION STRATEGIC PLAN.
(a) Strategic Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a strategic
plan for the Administration's planetary protection policy, research,
and development activities.
(b) Inclusion.--The strategic plan shall include the
Administration's approach to--
(1) managing planetary protection policy implementation;
(2) organizing and receiving input from independent,
external experts on planetary protection;
(3) understanding the application of planetary protection
to cubesats;
(4) setting planetary protection research and technology
investment priorities, including on planetary protection
techniques and measures for verifying compliance with planetary
protection guidelines; and
(5) coordinating the strategic plan and any planetary
protection issues related to sample return and human missions
to Mars in the Administration's robotic and human solar system
exploration activities, as informed by the National Academies
report, ``Review and Assessment of Planetary Protection Policy
Development Processes''.
(c) Transmittal.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the results of the
Strategic Plan in subsection (a) and to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
TITLE IX--CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION
SEC. 901. DATA COLLECTION ON COST BENEFITS TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF USE
OF ENHANCED-USE LEASING.
(a) Data Collection.--The Administrator shall establish and follow
a means to collect quantitative data on--
(1) the annual and cumulative number of enhanced-use leases
entered into;
(2) the annual and cumulative costs savings to the
Administration on reduced maintenance, operating, and
associated costs resulting from entering into enhanced-use
leases at NASA Centers; and
(3) other quantifiable benefits to the Administration of
the use of enhanced-use leasing authority.
(b) Inclusion.--The data collected in subsection (a) shall be
included the annual report required under section 20145(f) of title 51,
United States Code.
SEC. 902. REPORT ON ENHANCED-USE LEASING REQUIREMENTS.
Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator shall prepare and transmit a report to the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on
requirements for enhanced-use leasing applicants, including
requirements related to the involvement of foreign entities, foreign
entity ownership, and foreign entity investment in the entities
applying for enhanced-use leases.
SEC. 903. REPORT ON CURRENT AND ANTICIPATED EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
AND EXTREME WEATHER ON AGENCY INFRASTRUCTURE AND
FACILITIES.
(a) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees
of Congress a report on vulnerabilities of Administration facilities
and infrastructure resulting from climate change and extreme weather
events over the next 20 years.
(b) Contents.--The assessment shall include--
(1) an identification of existing facilities and
infrastructure vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather
events based on the effects of sea level rise, increased
flooding, drought, desertification, wildfires, thawing
permafrost, increases in heavy precipitation events, and any
other categories the Administrator deems necessary;
(2) a description of the potential impacts to facilities
and infrastructure identified in paragraph (1);
(3) an overview of measures that may be necessary to ensure
the continued operational viability and to increase the
resiliency of the identified vulnerable facilities and
infrastructure and the cost of such measures; and
(4) considerations and recommendations for policies and
practices for future Administration facilities and
infrastructure design, construction, and operation that would
promote resilience to changing environmental conditions and
extreme weather events.
(c) Consideration and Incorporation of Reliable and Authorized
Sources.--In conducting the assessment, the Administrator shall
consider and incorporate climate change impacts, projections and
analyses from reliable and authorized sources, such as the National
Academies of Sciences, the United States Geological Survey, the U.S.
Global Change Research Office and National Climate Assessment, and the
Administration's Earth Science Division.
TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 1001. SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND ORBITAL DEBRIS MITIGATION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator is authorized to carry out
activities, including research and development, orbital debris
measurement, tracking, modeling, mitigation, remediation, conjunction
analysis, and collision avoidance, for the purposes of maintaining the
safety of the Administration's human spaceflight crew and spacecraft
operations and for advancing the understanding of practical approaches
to ensuring the sustainability of the space environment for the future
of civil and commercial activities in space.
(b) Research and Technology Strategy.--The Administrator, in
collaboration with other relevant Federal agencies, academia, and
industry, shall develop a research and technology strategy for
advancing the Nation's capability for conducting space situational
awareness and orbital debris mitigation activities. The strategy shall
identify and prioritize--
(1) basic and applied research to improve object
identification, orbit determination, object characterization,
data cataloguing, and orbit propagation tracking and
prediction;
(2) technology development and demonstrations needed to
further the activities identified in subsection (a);
(3) specific research and technology activities regarding
small satellite constellations, projections for debris
production by small satellite constellations, and potential
means for the prevention of debris by such constellations;
(4) other relevant research and technology activities that
have the potential to materially improve the Nation's
understanding and capabilities in space situational awareness
and orbital debris mitigation;
(5) mechanisms to coordinate and transition basic and
applied research on space situational awareness into space
situational awareness operations; and
(6) methods for communicating the research and technology
activities in paragraphs (1) through (4) to external
stakeholders.
(c) Transmittal.--The Administrator shall transmit the Strategy in
subsection (b) to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate not later than 270 days after the date
of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1002. INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK ON ACTIVE ORBITAL DEBRIS REMOVAL.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with other
relevant Federal agencies, shall carry out international discussions
and capacity-building activities on orbital debris removal, including
active satellite debris removal, for the purposes of making progress
toward international guidelines on orbital debris removal, including
active satellite debris removal.
(b) Inclusion.--The international discussions and capacity-building
activities in subsection (a) shall identify--
(1) opportunities for shared responsibilities for orbital
debris removal;
(2) legal issues related to international responsibilities
for orbital debris removal, including active satellite debris
removal; and
(3) research and technology developments being carried out
by national entities.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report to the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the
status of international discussions and capacity-building activities in
subsection (a), including the status of progress toward the development
of international guidelines under subsection (a).
SEC. 1003. SAFETY AND TECHNICAL RISKS OF ACTIVE DEBRIS REMOVAL.
(a) Report.--The Administrator shall identify safety and technical
risks associated with active debris removal that would need to be
addressed in active debris removal operations of the Administration's
assets and provide report on the identified safety and technical risks
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1004. INDEPENDENT PROGRAM ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OFFICE.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall establish within NASA an
independent program analysis and evaluation capability for the purposes
of independently assessing program performance, making programmatic,
technical risk mitigation and institutional recommendations, performing
cost estimates and analyses, and conducting strategic planning
activities, among other functions.
(b) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish an
Independent Program Analysis and Evaluation Office to carry out the
functions in subsection (a). The Office shall remain independent of any
Program, and shall have no programmatic responsibilities so as to
maintain its independent assessment integrity.
(c) Authorization.--The Administrator is authorized to carry out
research on program assessment; cost, schedule, and technical
estimation; and other relevant functions for the purposes of obtaining
the highest level of expertise and the most effective decision-making
tools with which to inform the Administrator.
(d) Moon to Mars Program.--The Office established in subsection (b)
shall maintain an ongoing, focused effort to assess the goals,
objectives, requirements, architectural approach, cost and schedule,
and progress of the Moon to Mars Program established under section 202.
SEC. 1005. REPORT ON USE OF THE TERM ``COMMERCIAL'' IN NASA ACTIVITIES.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the
definitions of ``commercial'' being used across the Administration.
SEC. 1006. SUPPLY CHAIN AND SUPPLIER BASE.
(a) Review.--The Administrator, in collaboration with industry and
other Federal agencies, shall carry out a review of the health of the
supply chain and supplier base for critical materials, parts, and
systems used in the manufacturing and production of development
systems, spacecraft, instruments, and other relevant elements and shall
provide recommendations to address any identified vulnerabilities.
(b) Transmittal.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the results of the
review, including any recommended actions in response to the review, to
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
SEC. 1007. USE OF OPERATIONAL COMMERCIAL SUBORBITAL VEHICLES FOR
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND EDUCATION.
(a) Assessment.--The Administrator shall conduct an assessment of
the issues and risks related to the potential use of operational
commercial reusable suborbital flight vehicles for carrying out
potential NASA-sponsored science and engineering investigations,
technology demonstrations, and educational activities involving NASA-
sponsored researchers. The report shall--
(1) characterize the risks of using potential commercial
reusable suborbital flights to NASA-sponsored researchers and
scientific investigations and flight hardware;
(2) identify and describe the United States Government and
space flight operator responsibilities for liability and
indemnification with respect to commercial suborbital vehicle
flights that involve NASA-sponsored payloads or activities,
potential NASA-supported space flight participants, or other
NASA-related contributions; and
(3) identify any statutory provisions that may be required
to authorize and enforce the liability and indemnification
responsibilities described in paragraph (2).
(b) Transmittal.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the plan and assessment
described in subsections (a) and (b) to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
SEC. 1008. THE SPACE CAPABILITIES OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
(a) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the National Space Council shall coordinate an interagency
assessment of the space exploration capabilities of the People's
Republic of China, including any threats to United States assets in
space as well as the impact of cooperation and participation of the
People's Republic of China with other nations on space activities.
(b) Strategy.--The report required in subsection (a) shall include
a strategy to ensure United States leadership in space exploration and
counter any identified threats posed by the People's Republic of China.
(c) Classified Annex.--The report identified in subsection (a) may
include a classified annex.
SEC. 1009. SPECTRUM INTERFERENCE.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall conduct an assessment of
the impact of the loss of observations based on protection limits
derived from the Word Radio Conference 19 (WRC19) international
agreement.
(b) Transmittal.--The assessment conducted in subsection (a) shall
be delivered to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1010. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 301 of title 51, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 30105. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.
``Any report or notification provided to Congress by NASA,
including on the status of balances of funding at the account level and
on cost increases of 10 percent or more, shall be provided 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) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 301 of
title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item
relating to section 30104 the following:
``30105. Reports to Congress.''.
SEC. 1011. GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORT ON LARGE-SCALE
PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND ACTIVITIES.
Section 30104(c) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(4) GAO report.--The GAO shall issue an annual report on
the status of large-scale the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration's major programs, programs, projects and
activities.
``(5) Schedule.--The report directed in this subsection
shall be delivered to the Congress annually and in advance of
the annual budget submission of the President.
``(6) Access.--The Administrator is directed to cooperate
fully and to provide timely program analysis, evaluation data
and relevant information to the GAO so that it can conduct this
review and meet the annual schedule. Such information includes,
but is not limited to, copies of preliminary cost estimates,
access to relevant online agency applications, databases, and
web portals, and access to information from contractor and
agency personnel.''.
SEC. 1012. NASA INSTITUTES.
(a) In General.--Section 30103(a) of title 51, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (5);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) the budget for each NASA-funded institute; and''.
(b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall deliver to the Authorizing Committees
of Congress, a report that recommends guidance and metrics for the
management, utilization, expectations for return on investment, and
financial condition for NASA-funded institutes.
SEC. 1013. SURVEYS ON THE INDUSTRIAL BASE OF THE UNITED STATES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 315 of title 51, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 30506. INDUSTRIAL BASE SURVEYS.
``No funds may be obligated or expended by the Administrator of
NASA for the purpose of carrying out a Bureau of Industry and Security
survey with respect to the United States space and aerospace industrial
base until the date that is 90 days after the date on which the
Administrator submits 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 written
notification that includes--
``(1) the proposed subject matter of such survey;
``(2) a description of the information to be required of
survey respondents; and
``(3) any penalties to be assessed against respondents for
noncompliance with survey requirements.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 315 of
title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item
relating to section 30505 the following:
``30506. Industrial base surveys.''.
SEC. 1014. BUDGETS.
Section 30103(a)(1)(A) of title 51, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``space shuttle'' and inserting ``Commercial Crew and
Commercial Cargo''.
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