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115th Congress } { Rept. 115-1129
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { Part 1
======================================================================
SPACE WEATHER COORDINATION ACT
_______
January 3, 2019.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Smith of Texas, from the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 141]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to whom
was referred the bill (S. 141) to improve understanding and
forecasting of space weather events, and for other purposes,
having considered the same, report favorably thereon with
amendments and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Committee Statement and Views.................................... 7
Section-by-Section............................................... 9
Explanation of Amendments........................................ 10
Committee Consideration.......................................... 11
Roll Call Votes.................................................. 11
Application of Law to the Legislative Branch..................... 13
Statement of Oversight Findings and Recommendations of the
Committee...................................................... 13
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 13
Duplication of Federal Programs.................................. 13
Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings.............................. 13
Federal Advisory Committee Act................................... 13
Unfunded Mandate Statement....................................... 13
Earmark Identification........................................... 14
Committee Estimate............................................... 14
Budget Authority and Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate... 14
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill as Reported............. 16
The amendments are as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Space Weather Coordination Act''.
SEC. 2. SPACE WEATHER.
(a) In General.--Subtitle VI of title 51, United States Code, is
amended by adding after chapter 605 the following:
``CHAPTER 606--SPACE WEATHER
``Sec.
``60601. Space weather findings; policy.
``60602. Space weather coordination.
``60603. Space weather priorities, plan, and research roadmap.
``60604. Space weather reports.
``60605. Pilot program for obtaining commercial sector space weather
data.
``60606. Definitions.
``Sec. 60601. Space weather findings; policy
``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
``(1) Space weather events pose a significant threat to
humans working in the space environment, to modern
technological systems, and critical terrestrial infrastructure.
``(2) The effects of severe space weather events on the
electric power grid, satellites and satellite communications,
services, orbits and information, airline operations,
astronauts living and working in space, and space based
position, navigation, and timing systems could have significant
societal, economic, national security, and health impacts.
``(3) Space weather observation and forecasting are essential
for the success of deep space exploration.
``(4) Earth and space observations provide crucial data
necessary to predict and warn about space weather events.
``(5) Clear roles and accountability of Federal departments
and agencies are critical for an efficient and effective
response to threats posed by space weather.
``(6) Observations and measurements closer to the sun and
advanced instrumentation would provide for more advanced
warning of solar activity resulting in space weather activity.
``(7) Coordination and collaboration between Federal
departments and agencies, international partners, the academic
community, and the commercial sector is necessary to improve
the Nation's ability to understand, prepare for, avoid,
mitigate, and respond to severe space weather events.
``(8) The commercial sector should be solicited to support
and enable Federal space weather activities and encouraged to
provide and separately invest in innovative space weather data
and services.
``(b) Statement of National Policy.--It is the policy of the United
States that--
``(1) the United States should establish and maintain
baseline capabilities for space weather observation and
forecasting to protect civil aviation, space transportation,
national security, human life, critical infrastructure,
commercial enterprise, and economic vitality in the United
States;
``(2) the establishment and maintenance of such baseline
capabilities for space weather should, to the extent
practicable, leverage the space weather observation
capabilities, data, and services of the academic community and
commercial sector;
``(3) space weather observation and forecasting are not
exclusive functions of the Federal Government; and
``(4) the Federal Government should, as practicable, obtain
space weather data and services through contracts with the
commercial sector, when the data and services are available,
cost-effective, and add value.
``Sec. 60602. Space weather coordination
``(a) Sense of Congress.--
``(1) National space council.--It is the sense of Congress
that--
``(A) members of the National Space Council are key
stakeholders of the Federal Government with respect to
space weather;
``(B) the Users' Advisory Group of the National Space
Council should effectively and efficiently represent
and advocate on behalf of nongovernmental organizations
and the academic community within the Nation's space
weather enterprise; and
``(C) the National Space Council is the appropriate
Federal entity to review, establish, and coordinate the
Nation's space weather priorities.
``(2) Office of science and technology policy.--It is the
sense of Congress that the Office of Science and Technology
Policy--
``(A) efficiently and effectively identifies
opportunities and avenues to advance the leadership of
the United States in science and technology; and
``(B) is well positioned to identify opportunities
for advancement in coordination of space weather
research-to-operations and operations-to-research.
``(b) Coordinating Authority.--The National Space Council shall
oversee efforts and activities of the Federal Government--
``(1) to implement the Nation's space weather priorities; and
``(2) to prepare for, avoid, mitigate, and respond to space
weather events.
``(c) National Committee for Space Weather Observation and
Forecasting.--
``(1) Establishment.--In order to address the Nation's space
weather priorities and further coordinate efforts to monitor,
prepare for, avoid, mitigate, and respond to space weather
events, the President shall, in consultation with the Chair of
the National Space Council--
``(A) establish a committee with respect to space
weather observation and forecasting to be known as the
`National Committee for Space Weather Observation and
Forecasting' (in this chapter referred to as the
`National Committee'); and
``(B) establish one advisory committee for the
purpose specified in paragraph (3)(B), the composition
of which shall be determined by the Co-Chairs of the
National Committee and shall include equal
representation from the academic community, commercial
sector, and space weather end users.
``(2) National committee composition.--The National Committee
shall--
``(A) be co-chaired by the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Commerce, or
their designated representatives, provided that such
designated representatives are of the Under Secretary
or Assistant Secretary level or higher;
``(B) include as permanent voting members all Federal
departments or agencies determined to be key space
weather stakeholders or otherwise necessary for
inclusion as such permanent voting members by the
President, with the agreement of the Chair of the
National Space Council; and
``(C) be empowered, with the approval of the Chair of
the National Space Council, to allow a relevant, non-
member Federal department or agency to participate in
meetings of the National Committee as either a non-
permanent observer or semi-permanent liaison to the
National Committee.
``(3) Duties.--
``(A) National committee.--The duties of the National
Committee are the following:
``(i) To effectively and efficiently promote
coordination between Federal agencies, the
academic community, and the commercial sector
to advance the Nation's space enterprise.
``(ii) To coordinate the implementation of
the national space weather plan developed under
section 60603(b) across the Federal Government,
in partnership with the academic community,
international partners, and the commercial
sector.
``(iii) To collaborate with the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy to
identify opportunities for the academic
community and commercial sectors to advance the
understanding of space weather.
``(B) Advisory committees.--The duty of the advisory
committee established pursuant to paragraph (1)(B)
shall be to advise the National Committee with respect
to--
``(i) the development and implementation of
the national space weather plan established
under section 60603(b); and
``(ii) the capabilities of the academic
community and the commercial sector to meet the
national space weather priorities identified
under section 60603(a).
``(d) User Survey.--
``(1) In general.--The Chair of the National Space Council,
in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal
agencies, the academic community, and the commercial sector,
shall direct the Users' Advisory Group of the Council to
conduct a comprehensive survey to identify the space weather
observation, research, modeling, forecasting, and prediction
needs of the space weather user community.
``(2) Survey considerations.--The survey conducted under
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) assess the adequacy of current Federal
Government goals for lead time, accuracy, coverage,
timeliness, data rate, and data quality for space
weather observations and forecasting;
``(B) identify options and methods to, in
consultation with the academic community and the
commercial sector, improve the goals specified in
subparagraph (A);
``(C) identify opportunities for the generation of
new data to address the needs of the space weather user
community;
``(D) identify methods to increase coordination of,
with respect to space weather, research-to-operations
and operations-to-research;
``(E) identify the most efficient and effective
formal mechanism or mechanisms for the sharing of space
weather data, operational forecasting needs, research
needs, findings, models, and capabilities between the
Federal Government, the academic community, the
commercial sector, and the space weather user
community;
``(F) identify opportunities for new technologies,
research, and instrumentation to aid in research,
understanding, monitoring, modeling, prediction, and
forecasting of space weather; and
``(G) identify methods and technologies to improve
preparedness for potential space weather events.
``(e) Special Authority.--In order to better understand space
weather, the National Space Council may leverage expertise from any
Federal agency or partner, as deemed appropriate by the Chair of the
National Space Council, including through the use of--
``(1) interagency agreements;
``(2) memoranda of understanding; and
``(3) shared personnel.
``Sec. 60603. Space weather priorities, plan, and research roadmap
``(a) National Space Weather Priorities.--The National Space Council,
in consultation with the Users' Advisory Group of the National Space
Council, the academic community, and the commercial sector, shall
establish national priorities for space weather, with respect to--
``(1) the protection of life and property;
``(2) the support of the leadership, economic development,
and national security of the United States; and
``(3) the space weather prediction and forecasting needs of
end-users.
``(b) National Space Weather Plan.--The National Committee shall
develop a national space weather plan to implement the priorities
established under subsection (a). Such plan shall, with respect to
activities carried out to meet such priorities--
``(1) delineate appropriate roles among Federal agencies;
``(2) consider small satellite options, hosted payloads,
public-private partnerships, and commercial options such as
data-buys, and other acquisition approaches, that maximize
Federal investment and minimize overall costs to the Federal
Government;
``(3) identify knowledge gaps and their resolution through
specific research and development activities to improve
operational space weather forecasting;
``(4) describe collaborative opportunities with stakeholders,
including the academic community, nongovernmental
organizations, the commercial sector, and foreign governments;
``(5) leverage the work conducted through the National Space
Weather Strategy and National Space Weather Action Plan of the
National Science and Technology Council before the date of the
enactment of this section;
``(6) include a formal mechanism to share operational needs
of space weather forecasters with Federal agencies engaged in
space weather research and development activities, the academic
community, and the commercial sector; and
``(7) appropriately prioritize the critical land-based, sea-
based, air-based, or space-based observation capabilities.
``(c) National Space Weather Research Roadmap.--The Director of the
Office of Science and Technology Policy shall issue a national space
weather research roadmap that--
``(1) considers the national space weather priorities
established under subsection (a);
``(2) considers the national space weather plan issued under
subsection (b);
``(3) considers the National Academy of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine's decadal survey recommendations;
``(4) includes a formal mechanism that provides for the
sharing of the research needs, findings, models, and
capabilities with space weather operational forecasting
centers; and
``(5) enhances coordination between research modeling
centers, forecasting centers, and the commercial sector.
``Sec. 60604. Space weather reports
``(a) Survey and Priorities.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of the Space Weather Coordination Act, the Chair of the
National Space Council 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--
``(1) the findings of the user survey under section 60602(d);
and
``(2) the recommended space weather priorities under section
60603(a).
``(b) National Space Weather Plan.--Not later than 270 days after the
date of enactment of the Space Weather Coordination Act, the Chair of
the National Space Council 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 national
space weather plan developed under section 60603(b).
``(c) National Space Weather Research Roadmap.--Not later than one
year after the date of enactment of the Space Weather Coordination Act,
the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy 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 national space weather research
roadmap issued under section 60603(c).
``(d) Revaluation of Content.--Not later than one year after the date
on which each Presidential term begins, as well as when determined to
be necessary by the Chair of the National Space Council during the
intervening years, the applicable entities shall review and assess the
content previously developed under this section and update and resubmit
such content when appropriate.
``Sec. 60605. Pilot program for obtaining commercial sector space
weather data
``(a) Pilot Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of the Space Weather Coordination Act, the
Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (in this section referred to
as the `Secretary'), shall establish a pilot program under
which the Secretary will offer to enter into contracts with one
or more entities in the commercial sector for the provision to
the Secretary of space weather data generated by such an entity
that meets the standards and specifications published under
paragraph (2).
``(2) Data standards and specifications.--Not later than one
year after the date of the enactment of the Space Weather
Coordination Act, the Secretary shall publish standards and
specifications for ground-based, ocean-based, air-based, and
space-based commercial space weather data and metadata.
``(3) Contracts.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of the Space Weather Coordination
Act, the Secretary shall offer to enter, through an
open competition, into at least one contract with one
or more commercial sector entities capable of providing
space weather data that--
``(i) meets the standards and specifications
established by the Secretary for providing such
data; and
``(ii) is provided in a manner that allows
the Secretary to calibrate and evaluate the
data for use in space weather research and
forecasting models of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
``(B) Assessment.--Not later than the date that is 3
years after the date on which the Secretary enters into
a contract under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
assess, and 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 extent to which data
provided under such contract meet the standards and
specifications established under paragraph (1) and the
extent to which the pilot program has demonstrated--
``(i) the viability of assimilating the
commercially provided data into National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration space
weather research and forecasting models;
``(ii) whether, and by how much, the data so
provided add value to space weather forecasts
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration; and
``(iii) the accuracy, quality, timeliness,
validity, reliability, usability, information
technology security, and cost-effectiveness of
obtaining commercial space weather data from
commercial sector providers.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $6,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2022, to remain available
until expended.
``(b) Data and Hosted Satellite Payloads.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary may enter into agreements for--
``(1) the purchase of space weather data through contracts
with commercial providers; and
``(2) the placement of space weather satellite instruments on
payloads co-hosted by the Federal Government and the commercial
sector.
``(c) Obtaining Future Data.--If an assessment under subsection
(a)(3)(B) demonstrates the ability of commercial space weather data to
meet data and metadata standards and specifications published under
subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall--
``(1) where appropriate, cost-effective, and feasible, obtain
space weather data from commercial sector providers;
``(2) as early as possible in the acquisition process for any
future National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration space
weather observational capability, consider whether a suitable,
cost-effective, commercial capability is or will be available
to meet the observational requirements by the planned
operational date of the system;
``(3) if a suitable, cost-effective, commercial capability is
or will be available as described in paragraph (2), determine
whether it is in the national interest to develop a
governmental observational capability; and
``(4) 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
detailing any determination made under paragraph (2) or (3).
``(d) Data Sharing Practices.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, to the extent
practicable, leverage United States leadership in space weather
observation and forecasting to incentivize international
partners to increase their space weather observational and
forecasting capabilities and contribute additional space
weather observations, data, models, predictions, and forecasts.
The Under Secretary shall continue to meet international data
sharing agreements entered into prior to the date of enactment
of this Act.
``(2) NASA and nsf data.--The Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Director of the
National Science Foundation shall each make space weather
related data obtained for scientific research purposes
available to space weather forecasters, operations centers, and
the commercial sector and support model development and model
applications for space weather forecasting.
``(3) NOAA data.--The Secretary shall work with the academic
community to make space weather related data obtained from
operational forecasting available for scientific research.
``(e) Research for Improved Space Weather Forecasting.--The
Secretary, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
shall support basic and applied research which could improve space
weather forecasting lead time and accuracy.
``Sec. 60606. Definitions
``In this chapter:
``(1) National space council.--The term `National Space
Council' means the National Space Council established under
Executive Order 13803, (82 Fed. Reg. 31429, relating to
establishment of National Space Council) or any successor
entities as determined by the President.''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Conforming repeal.--Section 809 of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
(42 U.S.C. 18388) and the item relating to that section in the
table of contents under section 1(b) of that Act (124 Stat.
2806) are repealed.
(2) Table of chapters.--The table of chapters of title 51,
United States Code, is amended by adding after the item
relating to chapter 605 the following:
``606. Space Weather........................................ 60601''.
Amend the title so as to read:
An Act to improve understanding and forecasting of space
weather and promote coordination between stakeholders, and for
other purposes.
Committee Statement and Views
PURPOSE AND SUMMARY
The purpose of S. 141 is to direct the establishment of a
national framework to address current and future space weather
challenges and needs, to coordinate efforts to monitor, prepare
for, avoid, mitigate, and respond to space weather events, and
to improve the lead time, accuracy, coverage, and timeliness of
space weather forecasts.
BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION
Space weather refers to the changing conditions of the
interplanetary environment that arise from solar activity. In
its natural state, the Sun expels a constant stream of
magnetically-active, charged energetic particles and radiation,
referred to as solar wind, outward in all directions. The
strength of solar wind, and concentration of charged particles
and radiation, is influenced by three common types of Sun
phenomena--coronal mass ejections, coronal holes, and solar
flares. While the Earth is constantly buffeted by solar wind,
it is usually deflected and redirected around the planet by
Earth's magnetosphere, a magnetic field that extends well
beyond the atmosphere. During particularly severe space weather
events, however, strong solar wind can and does enter Earth's
atmosphere causing disruptions known as geomagnetic storms.
These storms result in increased radiation and rapid changes in
the direction and intensity of the Earth's magnetic field,
conditions which can negatively influence the performance and
reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological
systems and endanger human life and health.
On the ground, geomagnetic storms can cause unexpected
electric currents in long conductors like power lines and
pipelines. In 1989, a strong geomagnetic storm set off a major
power blackout in Canada that left six million people without
electricity. Within Earth's atmosphere, commercial aviation
flights, and their passengers, travelling at higher latitudes
are also exposed to more radiation when space weather is
severe. And disturbances in the Earth's ionosphere can
interfere with Global Positioning System navigation and disrupt
high frequency radio communications for days to weeks at a
time. In space, when space weather is severe, satellites may
experience radiation damage, memory upsets, phantom commands,
and unplanned charging, and astronauts on the International
Space Station can be exposed to dangerous amounts of radiation.
Future human exploration beyond Earth's orbit will further
expose astronauts to the negative effects of space weather.
Government and private sector organizations concerned with
communications, satellite operations, electric power grids,
human space flight, and navigation rely heavily on space
weather information bulletins and forecasting to inform their
decision making. Currently, for civilian operations, several
federal agencies under the Science Committee's jurisdiction,
primarily the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S.
Geological Survey, provide operational and research resources
to forecast, model, and understand space weather and its
effects. For the defense and intelligence communities, the
Department of Defense, through the U.S. Air Force, provides
operational resources to forecast and model space weather and
its effects.
In October 2015, the White House National Science and
Technology Council (NSTC) released both the National Space
Weather Strategy and the National Space Weather Action Plan,
the result of a multiagency task force led by the Office of
Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), NOAA, and the Department
of Homeland Security seeking to enhance the integration of
existing national efforts to understand, predict, prepare for,
and mitigate space weather. In January 2018, the Space Weather
Operations, Research, and Mitigation (SWORM) Subcommittee of
the NSTC Committee on Homeland and National Security, released
the Space Weather Phase 1 Benchmarks. Currently, SWORM
coordinates many of the interagency efforts dealing with space
weather and its effects. S. 141 would build upon these efforts
and strengthen the ability of the federal government and
private sector to coordinate operational planning and
forecasting, in both the civilian and defense spaces, as well
as direct and coordinate research activities to better
understand the Sun-Earth system and improve forecasting lead-
time and accuracy.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Over the past six years, the House Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology held two hearings and one markup relevant
to this bill.
COMMITTEE VIEWS
The Committee recognizes the ways in which severe space
weather could adversely impact life on Earth and assets and
activities in space. Accordingly, the Committee elevates the
development, coordination, and implementation of federal
efforts and activities in the space weather enterprise,
specifically by directing the National Space Council to create
priorities for the national space weather enterprise which are
focused on the protection of life and property and advancing
the leadership, economic development, and national security of
the United States. Additionally, the Committee calls on the
President to create a National Committee for Space Weather
Observation and Forecasting, independent of the SWORM, which
will be responsible for creating and helping implement a
national space weather plan to meet the national space weather
priorities. Finally, the Committee calls on the National Space
Council, the National Committee, and OSTP to streamline efforts
to coordinate public and private operational and research
activities to mitigate space weather's impacts and increase our
understanding of the Sun, and to survey the end users of space
weather products to ensure their needs are being met.
The Committee also recognizes that, as with terrestrial
weather, there is a burgeoning commercial sector involved in
space weather observation, research, and forecasting that could
help meet the Nation's needs at a lower cost. Accordingly, the
Committee authorizes the creation of a Commercial Space Weather
Data Pilot program for the purchase of space weather data from
the commercial sector to examine the possibility of using this
data for operational forecasting.
Section-by-Section
Section 1. Short title
This section establishes the short title of the bill as the
``Space Weather Coordination Act.''
Section 2. Space weather
This section amends subtitle VI of title 51, U.S. Code, by
adding chapter 606, containing sections 60601 (space weather
findings; policy), 60602 (space weather coordination), 60603
(space weather priorities, plan, and research roadmap), 60604
(space weather reports), 60605 (pilot program for obtaining
commercial sector space weather data), and 60606 (definitions).
Section 60601 presents the findings of Congress on: threats
posed by space weather to human life, critical infrastructure,
national security, and the economy; the need for coordination
and collaboration between key stakeholders of the national
space weather enterprise; the importance of thorough
observation and advanced instrumentation in order to
understand, prepare for, avoid, mitigate, and respond to severe
space weather events; and the preference to solicit and engage
the commercial sector to support and enable space weather
activities.
Additionally, section 60601 details that the policy of the
United States is to: establish a baseline capability for space
weather observation and forecasting to protect life, property,
and economic vitality; leverage commercial and academic
capabilities whenever practicable, including the use of
contracts for the provision of data and services, in
establishing that baseline; and operate with the mindset that
space weather observation and forecasting are not exclusive
functions of the Federal Government.
Section 60602 outlines the coordinating efforts and
activities of the Federal Government as it relates to
promulgating national space weather priorities, as well as the
identification of avenues to advance U.S. leadership in science
and technology and the coordination of space weather research-
to-operations and operations-to-research.
Additionally, this section creates the National Committee
for Space Weather Observation and Forecasting (``National
Committee''), co-chaired by the secretaries of Defense and
Commerce and the NASA Administrator, to create and coordinate
the implementation of a national space weather plan to meet
national space weather priorities. This section also creates a
Federal Advisory Committee to advise the National Committee on
the development and implementation of the national space
weather plan, including using the capabilities of the academic
community and the commercial sector to meet the national space
weather priorities. Finally, this section tasks the National
Space Council's Users' Advisory Group with conducting a
comprehensive survey to identify the space weather observation,
research, modeling, forecasting, and prediction needs of the
space weather user community.
Section 60603 instructs the White House National Space
Council to establish national space weather priorities, the
National Committee to develop a national space weather plan to
meet those priorities, and OSTP to develop a research roadmap
that considers the priorities and plan to enhance coordination
between research and forecasting centers and the commercial
sector.
Section 60604 establishes timelines for the issuance of
reports and publication of the plan and research roadmap
required under section 60603. This section also requires
reevaluation of the priorities, plan, and research roadmap at
least as often as at the beginning of every Presidential term
and requires resubmission and republication of that content if
updated.
Section 60605 establishes a pilot program for the purchase
of commercial space weather data and tasks the NOAA Under
Secretary with developing data and metadata standards for the
pilot program. Section 60605 requires a formal assessment of
the quality of the data, the viability of assimilating the data
into research and forecasting models, and whether and by how
much the purchased data adds value to space weather forecasts.
Section 60605 authorizes appropriations of $6 million for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2022, to remain available
until expended, to carry out the pilot program. Additionally,
this section requires the federal government to obtain
commercial space weather data when it is appropriate, cost
effective, and feasible, if the formal assessment of pilot
program data demonstrates the ability for commercial space
weather data to meet the standards and specifications set by
the Under Secretary.
Lastly, this section instructs: the Under Secretary to
leverage American leadership in space weather to encourage
international partners to increase their space weather
observational and forecasting capabilities and sharing of data;
the heads of NOAA, NASA, and NSF to make space weather data
obtained for research available to space weather forecasting
and operations centers, including the commercial sector, to
support model development and application; and the heads of
NOAA, NASA, and NSF to support research on observation,
technologies, and instrumentation which could improve space
weather forecasting lead time and accuracy.
Section 60606 defines the term ``National Space Council.''
Explanation of Amendments
An amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by
Representative Ed Perlmutter was agreed to by voice vote. The
amendment provides new text that elevates the National Space
Council to coordinate federal agency responsibilities and
implementation of space weather research and forecasting and
encourages involvement with the academic community and
commercial sector. The substitute text also removes language
authorizing or directing activities of the Department of
Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration.
A manager's amendment offered by Representative Ed
Perlmutter was agreed to by voice vote. The amendment makes
technical and clarifying improvements.
An amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by
Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson was defeated by a roll
call vote of 13-19.
Committee Consideration
On July 24, 2018, the Committee met in open session and
ordered reported favorably the bill, S. 141, as amended, by
voice vote, a quorum being present.
Roll Call Votes
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Application of Law to the Legislative Branch
Section 102(b)(3) of Public Law 104-1 requires a
description of the application of this bill to the legislative
branch where the bill relates to the terms and conditions of
employment or access to public services and accommodations.
This bill establishes a coordinating framework for the creation
and implementation of a national space weather plan. As such
this bill does not relate to employment or access to public
services and accommodations.
Legislative branch employees and their families, to the
extent that they are otherwise eligible for the benefits
provided by this legislation, have equal access to its
benefits.
Statement of Oversight Findings and Recommendations of the Committee
In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause
(2)(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, the Committee's oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the descriptive portions of
this report.
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee's performance
goals and objectives are reflected in the descriptive portions
of this report.
Duplication of Federal Programs
No provision of S. 141 establishes or reauthorizes a
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of
another Federal program, a program that was included in any
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance.
Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings
The Committee estimates that enacting S. 141 does not
direct the completion of any specific rule makings within the
meaning of 5 U.S.C. 551.
Federal Advisory Committee Act
The Committee finds that the legislation establishes or
authorizes the establishment of an advisory committee within
the definition of 5 U.S.C. App., Section 5(b). The Committee
estimates that the functions of the advisory committee are not
and could not be performed by one or more agencies, by an
advisory committee already in existence, or by enlarging the
mandate of an existing advisory committee.
Unfunded Mandate Statement
Section 423 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment
Control Act (as amended by Section 101(a)(2) of the Unfunded
Mandate Reform Act, P.L. 104-4) requires a statement as to
whether the provisions of the reported bill include unfunded
mandates. In compliance with this requirement the Committee has
received a letter from the Congressional Budget Office included
herein.
Earmark Identification
S. 141 does not include any congressional earmarks, limited
tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9
of rule XXI.
Committee Estimate
Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires an estimate and a comparison by the
Committee of the costs that would be incurred in carrying out
S. 141. However, clause 3(d)(3)(B) of that rule provides that
this requirement does not apply when the Committee has included
in its report a timely submitted cost estimate of the bill
prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office
under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act.
Budget Authority and Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section
308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect
to requirements of clause (3)(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has received
the following cost estimate for S. 141 from the Director of
Congressional Budget Office:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, October 2, 2018.
Hon. Lamar Smith,
Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 141, the Space
Weather Coordination Act.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Robert Reese.
Sincerely,
Keith Hall,
Director.
Enclosure.
S. 141--Space Weather Coordination Act
Summary: S. 141 would authorize the annual appropriation of
$6 million over the 2019-2022 period for the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement a pilot
program to gather data on space weather. The legislation also
would transfer the responsibility to coordinate inter-agency
activities related to space weather from the Office of Science
and Technology Policy (OSTP) to the National Space Council
(NSC). CBO estimates that implementing S. 141 would cost $23
million over the 2019-2023 period, assuming appropriation of
the authorized amounts.
Enacting S. 141 would not affect direct spending or
revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
CBO estimates that enacting S. 141 would not increase net
direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four
consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029.
S. 141 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary effect of S. 141 is shown in the following table. The
costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 300
(natural resources and environment) and 800 (general
government).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
------------------------------------------------------------
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2019-2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Authorization Level................................ 6 6 6 6 0 24
Estimated Outlays.................................. 4 5 6 6 2 23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that S.
141 will be enacted in 2019 and that the authorized amounts
will be appropriated each year.
S. 141 would authorize the appropriation of $6 million
annually over the 2019-2022 period for NOAA to implement a
pilot program to procure space weather data from private
entities. Based on historical spending patterns for similar
activities, CBO estimates implementing that program would cost
$23 million over the 2019-2023 period.
S. 141 also would codify existing space weather activities
and transfer the responsibility for inter-agency coordination
from the OSTP to the NSC. In addition, the legislation would
require the OSTP to develop a roadmap for space weather
research, and would direct the NSC to oversee the development
of a national space weather plan. CBO expects that plan would
be similar to the national space weather action plan that was
released in 2015. Based on the costs of similar tasks, CBO
estimates that implementing those provisions would cost less
than $500,000; such spending would be subject to the
availability of appropriated funds.
Pay-As-You-Go considerations: None.
Increase in long-term direct spending and deficits: CBO
estimates that enacting S. 141 would not increase net direct
spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive
10-year periods beginning in 2029.
Mandates: S. 141 contains no intergovernmental or private-
sector mandates as defined in UMRA.
Previous CBO estimate: On February 24, 2017, CBO
transmitted a cost estimate of S. 141, the Space Weather
Research and Forecasting Act, as ordered reported by the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on January
24, 2017. The two versions of the legislation have different
provisions; accordingly, CBO's estimates of their budgetary
effects differ.
Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Robert Reese and
Janani Shankaran, Mandates: Jon Sperl.
Estimate reviewed by: Kim P. Cawley, Chief, Natural and
Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit; H. Samuel Papenfuss,
Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, and existing law in which no
change is proposed is shown in roman):
TITLE 51, UNITED STATES CODE
Subtitle I--General
Chap. Sec.
Definitions..................................................10101
* * * * * * *
Subtitle VI--Earth Observations
* * * * * * *
60601pace Weather.....................................................
* * * * * * *
Subtitle VI--EARTH OBSERVATIONS
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 606--SPACE WEATHER
Sec.
60601. Space weather findings; policy.
60602. Space weather coordination.
60603. Space weather priorities, plan, and research roadmap.
60604. Space weather reports.
60605. Pilot program for obtaining commercial sector space weather data.
60606. Definitions.
Sec. 60601. Space weather findings; policy
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Space weather events pose a significant threat to
humans working in the space environment, to modern
technological systems, and critical terrestrial
infrastructure.
(2) The effects of severe space weather events on the
electric power grid, satellites and satellite
communications, services, orbits and information,
airline operations, astronauts living and working in
space, and space based position, navigation, and timing
systems could have significant societal, economic,
national security, and health impacts.
(3) Space weather observation and forecasting are
essential for the success of deep space exploration.
(4) Earth and space observations provide crucial data
necessary to predict and warn about space weather
events.
(5) Clear roles and accountability of Federal
departments and agencies are critical for an efficient
and effective response to threats posed by space
weather.
(6) Observations and measurements closer to the sun
and advanced instrumentation would provide for more
advanced warning of solar activity resulting in space
weather activity.
(7) Coordination and collaboration between Federal
departments and agencies, international partners, the
academic community, and the commercial sector is
necessary to improve the Nation's ability to
understand, prepare for, avoid, mitigate, and respond
to severe space weather events.
(8) The commercial sector should be solicited to
support and enable Federal space weather activities and
encouraged to provide and separately invest in
innovative space weather data and services.
(b) Statement of National Policy.--It is the policy of the
United States that--
(1) the United States should establish and maintain
baseline capabilities for space weather observation and
forecasting to protect civil aviation, space
transportation, national security, human life, critical
infrastructure, commercial enterprise, and economic
vitality in the United States;
(2) the establishment and maintenance of such
baseline capabilities for space weather should, to the
extent practicable, leverage the space weather
observation capabilities, data, and services of the
academic community and commercial sector;
(3) space weather observation and forecasting are not
exclusive functions of the Federal Government; and
(4) the Federal Government should, as practicable,
obtain space weather data and services through
contracts with the commercial sector, when the data and
services are available, cost-effective, and add value.
Sec. 60602. Space weather coordination
(a) Sense of Congress.--
(1) National space council.--It is the sense of
Congress that--
(A) members of the National Space Council are
key stakeholders of the Federal Government with
respect to space weather;
(B) the Users' Advisory Group of the National
Space Council should effectively and
efficiently represent and advocate on behalf of
nongovernmental organizations and the academic
community within the Nation's space weather
enterprise; and
(C) the National Space Council is the
appropriate Federal entity to review,
establish, and coordinate the Nation's space
weather priorities.
(2) Office of science and technology policy.--It is
the sense of Congress that the Office of Science and
Technology Policy--
(A) efficiently and effectively identifies
opportunities and avenues to advance the
leadership of the United States in science and
technology; and
(B) is well positioned to identify
opportunities for advancement in coordination
of space weather research-to-operations and
operations-to-research.
(b) Coordinating Authority.--The National Space Council shall
oversee efforts and activities of the Federal Government--
(1) to implement the Nation's space weather
priorities; and
(2) to prepare for, avoid, mitigate, and respond to
space weather events.
(c) National Committee for Space Weather Observation and
Forecasting.--
(1) Establishment.--In order to address the Nation's
space weather priorities and further coordinate efforts
to monitor, prepare for, avoid, mitigate, and respond
to space weather events, the President shall, in
consultation with the Chair of the National Space
Council--
(A) establish a committee with respect to
space weather observation and forecasting to be
known as the ``National Committee for Space
Weather Observation and Forecasting'' (in this
chapter referred to as the ``National
Committee''); and
(B) establish one advisory committee for the
purpose specified in paragraph (3)(B), the
composition of which shall be determined by the
Co-Chairs of the National Committee and shall
include equal representation from the academic
community, commercial sector, and space weather
end users.
(2) National committee composition.--The National
Committee shall--
(A) be co-chaired by the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of
Commerce, or their designated representatives,
provided that such designated representatives
are of the Under Secretary or Assistant
Secretary level or higher;
(B) include as permanent voting members all
Federal departments or agencies determined to
be key space weather stakeholders or otherwise
necessary for inclusion as such permanent
voting members by the President, with the
agreement of the Chair of the National Space
Council; and
(C) be empowered, with the approval of the
Chair of the National Space Council, to allow a
relevant, non-member Federal department or
agency to participate in meetings of the
National Committee as either a non-permanent
observer or semi-permanent liaison to the
National Committee.
(3) Duties.--
(A) National committee.--The duties of the
National Committee are the following:
(i) To effectively and efficiently
promote coordination between Federal
agencies, the academic community, and
the commercial sector to advance the
Nation's space enterprise.
(ii) To coordinate the implementation
of the national space weather plan
developed under section 60603(b) across
the Federal Government, in partnership
with the academic community,
international partners, and the
commercial sector.
(iii) To collaborate with the
Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy to identify
opportunities for the academic
community and commercial sectors to
advance the understanding of space
weather.
(B) Advisory committees.--The duty of the
advisory committee established pursuant to
paragraph (1)(B) shall be to advise the
National Committee with respect to--
(i) the development and
implementation of the national space
weather plan established under section
60603(b); and
(ii) the capabilities of the academic
community and the commercial sector to
meet the national space weather
priorities identified under section
60603(a).
(d) User Survey.--
(1) In general.--The Chair of the National Space
Council, in consultation with the heads of other
relevant Federal agencies, the academic community, and
the commercial sector, shall direct the Users' Advisory
Group of the Council to conduct a comprehensive survey
to identify the space weather observation, research,
modeling, forecasting, and prediction needs of the
space weather user community.
(2) Survey considerations.--The survey conducted
under paragraph (1) shall--
(A) assess the adequacy of current Federal
Government goals for lead time, accuracy,
coverage, timeliness, data rate, and data
quality for space weather observations and
forecasting;
(B) identify options and methods to, in
consultation with the academic community and
the commercial sector, improve the goals
specified in subparagraph (A);
(C) identify opportunities for the generation
of new data to address the needs of the space
weather user community;
(D) identify methods to increase coordination
of, with respect to space weather, research-to-
operations and operations-to-research;
(E) identify the most efficient and effective
formal mechanism or mechanisms for the sharing
of space weather data, operational forecasting
needs, research needs, findings, models, and
capabilities between the Federal Government,
the academic community, the commercial sector,
and the space weather user community;
(F) identify opportunities for new
technologies, research, and instrumentation to
aid in research, understanding, monitoring,
modeling, prediction, and forecasting of space
weather; and
(G) identify methods and technologies to
improve preparedness for potential space
weather events.
(e) Special Authority.--In order to better understand space
weather, the National Space Council may leverage expertise from
any Federal agency or partner, as deemed appropriate by the
Chair of the National Space Council, including through the use
of--
(1) interagency agreements;
(2) memoranda of understanding; and
(3) shared personnel.
Sec. 60603. Space weather priorities, plan, and research roadmap
(a) National Space Weather Priorities.--The National Space
Council, in consultation with the Users' Advisory Group of the
National Space Council, the academic community, and the
commercial sector, shall establish national priorities for
space weather, with respect to--
(1) the protection of life and property;
(2) the support of the leadership, economic
development, and national security of the United
States; and
(3) the space weather prediction and forecasting
needs of end-users.
(b) National Space Weather Plan.--The National Committee
shall develop a national space weather plan to implement the
priorities established under subsection (a). Such plan shall,
with respect to activities carried out to meet such
priorities--
(1) delineate appropriate roles among Federal
agencies;
(2) consider small satellite options, hosted
payloads, public-private partnerships, and commercial
options such as data-buys, and other acquisition
approaches, that maximize Federal investment and
minimize overall costs to the Federal Government;
(3) identify knowledge gaps and their resolution
through specific research and development activities to
improve operational space weather forecasting;
(4) describe collaborative opportunities with
stakeholders, including the academic community,
nongovernmental organizations, the commercial sector,
and foreign governments;
(5) leverage the work conducted through the National
Space Weather Strategy and National Space Weather
Action Plan of the National Science and Technology
Council before the date of the enactment of this
section;
(6) include a formal mechanism to share operational
needs of space weather forecasters with Federal
agencies engaged in space weather research and
development activities, the academic community, and the
commercial sector; and
(7) appropriately prioritize the critical land-based,
sea-based, air-based, or space-based observation
capabilities.
(c) National Space Weather Research Roadmap.--The Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall issue a
national space weather research roadmap that--
(1) considers the national space weather priorities
established under subsection (a);
(2) considers the national space weather plan issued
under subsection (b);
(3) considers the National Academy of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine's decadal survey
recommendations;
(4) includes a formal mechanism that provides for the
sharing of the research needs, findings, models, and
capabilities with space weather operational forecasting
centers; and
(5) enhances coordination between research modeling
centers, forecasting centers, and the commercial
sector.
Sec. 60604. Space weather reports
(a) Survey and Priorities.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of the Space Weather Coordination Act, the
Chair of the National Space Council 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--
(1) the findings of the user survey under section
60602(d); and
(2) the recommended space weather priorities under
section 60603(a).
(b) National Space Weather Plan.--Not later than 270 days
after the date of enactment of the Space Weather Coordination
Act, the Chair of the National Space Council 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 national space weather plan
developed under section 60603(b).
(c) National Space Weather Research Roadmap.--Not later than
one year after the date of enactment of the Space Weather
Coordination Act, the Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy 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 national space weather research roadmap issued
under section 60603(c).
(d) Revaluation of Content.--Not later than one year after
the date on which each Presidential term begins, as well as
when determined to be necessary by the Chair of the National
Space Council during the intervening years, the applicable
entities shall review and assess the content previously
developed under this section and update and resubmit such
content when appropriate.
Sec. 60605. Pilot program for obtaining commercial sector space weather
data
(a) Pilot Program.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of the Space Weather Coordination
Act, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere
(in this section referred to as the ``Secretary''),
shall establish a pilot program under which the
Secretary will offer to enter into contracts with one
or more entities in the commercial sector for the
provision to the Secretary of space weather data
generated by such an entity that meets the standards
and specifications published under paragraph (2).
(2) Data standards and specifications.--Not later
than one year after the date of the enactment of the
Space Weather Coordination Act, the Secretary shall
publish standards and specifications for ground-based,
ocean-based, air-based, and space-based commercial
space weather data and metadata.
(3) Contracts.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 18 months
after the date of enactment of the Space
Weather Coordination Act, the Secretary shall
offer to enter, through an open competition,
into at least one contract with one or more
commercial sector entities capable of providing
space weather data that--
(i) meets the standards and
specifications established by the
Secretary for providing such data; and
(ii) is provided in a manner that
allows the Secretary to calibrate and
evaluate the data for use in space
weather research and forecasting models
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(B) Assessment.--Not later than the date that
is 3 years after the date on which the
Secretary enters into a contract under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall assess,
and 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
extent to which data provided under such
contract meet the standards and specifications
established under paragraph (1) and the extent
to which the pilot program has demonstrated--
(i) the viability of assimilating the
commercially provided data into
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration space weather research
and forecasting models;
(ii) whether, and by how much, the
data so provided add value to space
weather forecasts of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
and
(iii) the accuracy, quality,
timeliness, validity, reliability,
usability, information technology
security, and cost-effectiveness of
obtaining commercial space weather data
from commercial sector providers.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subsection $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
through 2022, to remain available until expended.
(b) Data and Hosted Satellite Payloads.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the Secretary may enter into agreements
for--
(1) the purchase of space weather data through
contracts with commercial providers; and
(2) the placement of space weather satellite
instruments on payloads co-hosted by the Federal
Government and the commercial sector.
(c) Obtaining Future Data.--If an assessment under subsection
(a)(3)(B) demonstrates the ability of commercial space weather
data to meet data and metadata standards and specifications
published under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall--
(1) where appropriate, cost-effective, and feasible,
obtain space weather data from commercial sector
providers;
(2) as early as possible in the acquisition process
for any future National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration space weather observational capability,
consider whether a suitable, cost-effective, commercial
capability is or will be available to meet the
observational requirements by the planned operational
date of the system;
(3) if a suitable, cost-effective, commercial
capability is or will be available as described in
paragraph (2), determine whether it is in the national
interest to develop a governmental observational
capability; and
(4) 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 detailing any determination made
under paragraph (2) or (3).
(d) Data Sharing Practices.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, to the extent
practicable, leverage United States leadership in space
weather observation and forecasting to incentivize
international partners to increase their space weather
observational and forecasting capabilities and
contribute additional space weather observations, data,
models, predictions, and forecasts. The Under Secretary
shall continue to meet international data sharing
agreements entered into prior to the date of enactment
of this Act.
(2) NASA and nsf data.--The Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the
Director of the National Science Foundation shall each
make space weather related data obtained for scientific
research purposes available to space weather
forecasters, operations centers, and the commercial
sector and support model development and model
applications for space weather forecasting.
(3) NOAA data.--The Secretary shall work with the
academic community to make space weather related data
obtained from operational forecasting available for
scientific research.
(e) Research for Improved Space Weather Forecasting.--The
Secretary, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and
the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration shall support basic and applied research which
could improve space weather forecasting lead time and accuracy.
Sec. 60606. Definitions
In this chapter:
(1) National space council.--The term ``National
Space Council'' means the National Space Council
established under Executive Order 13803, (82 Fed. Reg.
31429, relating to establishment of National Space
Council) or any successor entities as determined by the
President.
* * * * * * *
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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010
SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of
2010''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is
as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
* * * * * * *
TITLE VIII--SPACE SCIENCE
* * * * * * *
Sec. 801. Technology development.
* * * * * * *
[Sec. 809. Space weather.]
* * * * * * *
TITLE VIII--SPACE SCIENCE
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 809. SPACE WEATHER.
[(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
[(1) Space weather events pose a significant threat
to modern technological systems.
[(2) The effects of severe space weather events on
the electric power grid, telecommunications and
entertainment satellites, airline communications during
polar routes, and space-based position, navigation and
timing systems could have significant societal,
economic, national security, and health impacts.
[(3) Earth and Space Observing satellites, such as
the Advanced Composition Explorer, Geostationary
Operational Environmental Satellites, Polar Operational
Environmental Satellites, and Defense Meteorological
Satellites, provide crucial data necessary to predict
space weather events.
[(b) Action Required.--The Director of OSTP shall--
[(1) improve the Nation's ability to prepare, avoid,
mitigate, respond to, and recover from potentially
devastating impacts of space weather events;
[(2) coordinate the operational activities of the
National Space Weather Program Council members,
including the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and
the U.S. Air Force Weather Agency; and
[(3) submit a report to the appropriate committees of
Congress within 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act that--
[(A) details the current data sources, both
space- and ground-based, that are necessary for
space weather forecasting; and
[(B) details the space- and ground-based
systems that will be required to gather data
necessary for space weather forecasting for the
next 10 years.]
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