“To require a report on merits and options for establishing an institute relating to space resources, and for other purposes.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section directs the NASA Administrator and the Secretary of Commerce to jointly submit to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, not later than 180 days after enactment, a report on the merits of and options for establishing an institute relating to space resources (i.e., abiotic resources in situ in outer space, including raw natural materials or energy sources) to advance U.S. preeminence in space. The report must assess (1) identifying, developing, and distributing such resources, including foundational science, industrial capability, and technology; (2) reducing associated technological and business risks; (3) research to maximize responsible use of such resources; and (4) options for using such resources to support or enable space architectures, programs, businesses, and missions or to supplement Earth supplies. The report must also include assessments of (1) whether a virtual or physical institute is most cost-effective and appropriate and (2) the effectiveness of partnering with institutions of higher education (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), the aerospace industry, and the extractive industry (i.e., companies and individuals involved in mining, quarrying, drilling, and dredging raw natural materials or energy sources).