H.R. 7273 — NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026

This section authorizes appropriations of $24,438,336,000 for NASA for FY2026, allocated as follows: (1) $7,783,000,000 for Exploration; (2) $4,175,000,000 for Space Operations; (3) $7,250,000,000 for Science; (4) $935,000,000 for Aeronautics; (5) $920,500,000 for Space Technology; (6) $143,000,000 for Education; (7) $3,000,000,000 for Safety, Security, and Mission Services; (8) $185,336,000 for Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration; and (9) $46,500,000 for Inspector General.

This section states congressional findings regarding NASA's progress on the Space Launch System, Orion, and Artemis missions; increasing foreign space exploration activities; the importance of U.S. leadership through partnerships; and the value of clear, long-term mission objectives. It directs the NASA Administrator to (1) continue development of space exploration elements pursuant to 51 U.S.C. 20302 (i.e., program for sustained human presence in cis-lunar space or on the Moon, including precursors, and Mars exploration planning using Space Launch System and Orion) as part of human exploration activities including Artemis; (2) leverage the private sector for logistical services to the extent practicable, consistent with Moon to Mars architecture requirements and 51 U.S.C. 50131; and (3) maintain continuity of purpose as described in section 201 of the 2017 NASA Transition Authorization Act.

This section expresses the sense of Congress on the benefits of lunar and cislunar exploration for science, economic opportunity, STEM workforce development, U.S. leadership in space norms, and the strategic value of lunar polar volatiles such as water ice. It directs the NASA Administrator, in carrying out Artemis missions under the Moon to Mars Program established by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167), to (1) use relevant elements set forth in section 10811(b)(2)(B) of that Act; (2) ensure those elements enable human exploration of Mars, consistent with section 10811(b)(2)(C)(i); (3) engage international partners, consistent with section 10811(b)(2)(C), to increase redundancy, efficiency, and cost savings; and (4) leverage capabilities provided by U.S. commercial providers. The section further authorizes the Administrator to enter into agreements or public-private partnerships with U.S. commercial providers to procure capabilities and services supporting human exploration of the Moon or cislunar space.

This section reaffirms congressional support for the full development of Space Launch System (SLS) capabilities as specified in 42 U.S.C. 18322(c)—which establishes minimum requirements including 70-100 tons lift capacity to low-Earth orbit (LEO) for core elements and 130 tons or more with an upper stage—and commitment to the SLS and Orion crew vehicle flight cadence set forth in section 10812(b) of the NASA Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167). It directs the NASA Administrator to assess demand for SLS from non-NASA entities (i.e., other federal agencies and nongovernment sectors), including estimates of cost and schedule savings from SLS capabilities, barriers to such use, and actions and costs to overcome those barriers. Finally, it requires NASA to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees within 180 days of enactment describing progress toward the specified flight cadence (including the expected launch after which it will be achieved) and the results of the demand assessment.

This section reaffirms Congress's intent that NASA's Moon to Mars program—which seeks sustained human presence on the Moon as a precursor to Mars exploration—include human-rated lunar landing systems (including lunar ascent capabilities) and directs the NASA Administrator to support their development and demonstration, obtain them from at least two U.S. commercial providers (subject to appropriations availability and potentially including uncrewed services), and ensure they meet Moon to Mars program requirements as well as human-rating and certification standards. This section further requires the Administrator to submit four reports to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) within 60 days of enactment, detailing government personnel, expertise, technologies, and infrastructure contributions to human lunar landing capabilities over the past five years and planned for 2026 through 2030, including associated costs; (2) within 60 days, for any existing agreements with U.S. commercial providers, specifying agreement values (at award and currently), investments by NASA and providers, requirements (including human-rating), milestones and payments (completed, pending, and changes), challenges, and compliance certifications under 51 U.S.C. §§ 30301 and 50503; (3) within 90 days and in consultation with providers, on steps to address cost, schedule, and performance challenges and ensure timely availability for Artemis missions; and (4) within 90 days, on alternative approaches (including budgetary estimates) for human-rated lunar landing capabilities if challenges cannot be overcome.

This section directs the NASA Administrator to obtain advanced spacesuit capabilities for human spaceflight exploration programs, including for low-Earth orbit and deep space missions, from U.S. commercial providers and to maintain NASA's internal expertise in spacesuit design, development, manufacture, and operations at the Johnson Space Center. This section requires the Administrator to submit to congressional committees, not later than 180 days after enactment, (1) a report on NASA's plans for in-space testing of advanced spacesuits on the International Space Station (ISS), transition from existing Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs), future use by government astronauts on certified nongovernmental low-Earth orbit platforms, and disposition of retired spacesuits; and (2) certifications justifying compliance with restrictions on using appropriated funds for anchor tenancies in new commercial space hardware or services (51 U.S.C. §30301). This section further requires the Administrator, not later than 45 days after enactment, to arrange with an independent entity for a technical assessment of current ISS EMUs—including analysis of the past 10 years of mishaps—and to transmit the results to congressional committees not later than 270 days after enactment. (As background, EMUs are 1970s-era spacesuits that are reaching the end of their useful life, have experienced maintenance issues endangering astronauts, and no longer fit a diverse astronaut corps.)

This section adds the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the list of covered agencies eligible for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II flexibility (previously, the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and Department of Education). (Thus, the head of NASA may provide Phase II SBIR awards without regard to the Phase I award amount and may offer additional Phase II support.)

This section directs the NASA Administrator to arrange for an independent entity to conduct a study evaluating the feasibility of using power purchase agreements to facilitate private sector development and deployment of lunar surface power capabilities. The study must assess required facilities and technologies (including technical readiness and timelines), demand forecasts for governmental and nongovernmental users (for near-term exploration, long-duration activities, and operations throughout the lunar night), lessons from federal power purchase agreements, and potential policy and legal issues; the Administrator must coordinate with the Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium, the Departments of Energy and Commerce, other agencies, international partners, and private sector entities, and submit a report on the results to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 24 months after enactment.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that advancing cryogenic fluid valve technology would support improvements in cryogenic fluid management, space vehicle reliability, and efficiency. Subject to the availability of appropriations, it directs the NASA Administrator to enter into an agreement with an independent research and development center or nonprofit organization within 90 days of enactment to review recent advances in cryogenic fluid valve technology for space applications and assess opportunities for improvement, including research and development on materials engineering; the organization must submit a report on its findings to the NASA Administrator and appropriate congressional committees within 18 months of enactment.

This section defines terms for purposes of this title, including (1) advanced air mobility and AAM, as a transportation system comprised of urban air mobility and regional air mobility using manned or unmanned aircraft; (2) regional air mobility, as the movement of passengers or property by airworthy aircraft weighing more than 1,320 pounds with advanced technologies (e.g., distributed propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing) that is not urban air mobility; (3) unmanned aircraft, as an aircraft operated without direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft; (4) unmanned aircraft system, as an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (e.g., communication links, control components) required for safe operation in the national airspace system; (5) urban air mobility, as the movement of passengers or property by airworthy aircraft weighing more than 1,320 pounds with advanced technologies between points in different cities or within the same city; and (6) UTM, as an unmanned aircraft system traffic management system or service.

This section directs the NASA Administrator, in consultation with industry and academia, to complete a study not later than one year after enactment on NASA's administration of past and ongoing experimental aircraft demonstrator projects. The study must (1) identify flight research activities, systems, capabilities, and technologies (e.g., structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, controls, autonomous capabilities) viable for future demonstrator projects, along with criteria and performance metrics for readiness; and (2) assess lessons learned from projects over the last decade, including those under section 10831 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167), covering (a) quantitative achievement of cost, schedule, and performance goals; (b) changes or descoping of objectives and rationales; (c) maturation of demonstrated systems, capabilities, or technologies; and (d) contributions to U.S. aircraft and aviation industry capabilities and innovation.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that basic and applied hypersonics research—which supports advanced high-speed aeronautical and space systems—is critical to U.S. leadership in space and aeronautics and should complement Department of Defense efforts and partner with universities and industry. The section directs the NASA Administrator, in coordination with the FAA Administrator and Secretary of Defense and in consultation with industry and academia, to continue basic and applied hypersonics research and, not later than 180 days after enactment, to update the hypersonics research roadmap required under section 603 of the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (51 U.S.C. 20302 note), considering advancements in system-level design, propulsion, vehicle technologies, advanced materials, and other areas. Not later than one year after enactment, NASA must submit the updated roadmap to the appropriate congressional committees and provide a briefing on the research conducted and its alignment with the roadmap.

This section requires the NASA Administrator to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, a report on the status of NASA activities pursuant to subsections (e) and (f) of section 10831 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (i.e., the advanced materials and manufacturing technology program and research partnerships, respectively), as well as other NASA activities.

This section states a congressional finding that research and development on autonomous aviation is vital to U.S. competitiveness as the National Airspace System evolves from trajectory-based to collaborative and highly automated operations; directs the Administrator, in collaboration with the FAA Administrator, other relevant federal agency heads, and academia and industry representatives, to continue research on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM), including unmanned traffic management (UTM) and autonomous capabilities; and requires a briefing to the appropriate congressional committees on such research progress not later than 18 months after enactment.

This section directs the Administrator to leverage NASA-developed tools and technologies to conduct research and development activities under the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project, or appropriate successor projects, to improve aerial responses to wildfires. Such activities may include (1) advanced aircraft technologies and airspace management for coordination of aerial assets; (2) information sharing and real-time data exchange for response teams; (3) development of an interoperable platform for situational awareness of aerial assets; and (4) establishment of a multi-agency concept of operations involving federal, state, and local governments. It requires collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, regional organizations, commercial partners, and academic institutions; prohibits procurement of unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity (as defined in section 1832 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024), with a case-by-case waiver if determined to be in the national interest and necessary solely for wildfire aerial responses (with notification to appropriate congressional committees within 30 days); and requires annual reports to such committees describing activities and results through December 31, 2031.

This section authorizes the Administrator to carry out research on emerging technologies related to hydrogen aviation, subject to the availability of appropriations and taking into consideration the strategy developed under and research conducted pursuant to section 1019 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-63). The section further requires the Administrator to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, a report on NASA research activities under this section and any associated findings.

This section states the sense of Congress that NASA programs rely on high-performance chase aircraft (i.e., aircraft that accompany test flights to provide research data and mission support) and that the agency faces maintenance challenges with its aging fleet, resulting in increased costs. The section directs the NASA Administrator to brief the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 60 days after enactment and biannually thereafter, on NASA's strategies for (1) collaborating with the Department of Defense on research and flight asset sharing to support NASA's research missions and pilot training; (2) obtaining aircraft parts and engines, including 3D additively manufactured parts, to maintain the current chase aircraft fleet; and (3) acquiring or using DoD aircraft through loans, sharing, or other agreements to support NASA's research and mission activities.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that colleges and universities are hubs of research and innovation with expertise in science and aeronautics; that NASA collaboration with academia provides access to cutting-edge research to advance aeronautics research, technology, and solutions to complex challenges; that a cutting-edge civil aeronautics research and development program inspires students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, including in aeronautics; and that student participation in NASA-supported projects—such as the University Leadership Initiative, the University Students Research Challenge, and related aeronautics projects and competitions—trains the next-generation aeronautics workforce to support U.S. leadership and economic growth in civil aeronautics and aviation.

This section directs the NASA Administrator, in accordance with 51 U.S.C. 20305 (which requires periodic agreements with the National Academies for independent decadal surveys assessing the status, opportunities, and priorities for aeronautics research, among other fields) and in consultation with other relevant federal agencies, to arrange for a National Academies decadal survey of civil aeronautics research and development for the 2026-2036 decade. The survey must recommend priorities to sustain U.S. leadership in civil aeronautics research and development and support a safe and sustainable future for aviation and may include recommendations on enabling innovation, ensuring a world-class workforce, and transitioning research to U.S. commercial aviation and aircraft industries. The section also expresses the sense of Congress supporting such surveys as a framework for strategic planning and resource allocation; notes that the most recent civil aeronautics decadal survey was published in 2006; and requires the Administrator to transmit the survey results, including recommendations, to the appropriate congressional committees not later than two years after enactment.

This section authorizes the NASA Administrator, in conducting hypersonics research under 51 U.S.C. 40112(d), to establish the Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics Program to facilitate testing opportunities for high-speed aircraft (i.e., operating above Mach 1, including supersonic at Mach 1–5 and hypersonic above Mach 5) and related technologies advancing hypersonic research, without funding technology development. The Administrator must develop a strategic plan for the program within 60 days of enactment aligning with the research roadmap under section 503 of this Act; coordinate with other NASA mission directorates and consult or collaborate with the Secretary of Defense and FAA Administrator; and submit reports to the appropriate committees of Congress (as defined in 15 U.S.C. 4651) and the Armed Services Committees of both chambers—including an initial report within 80 days of enactment describing program activities and the strategic plan, and annual reports thereafter on progress and testing opportunities executed and planned by fiscal year. The section prohibits NASA agreements under the program with entities of concern (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 18912), foreign business entities (i.e., majority- or significantly minority-owned by governmental organizations of, or entities controlled by, a foreign country of concern, as defined in 15 U.S.C. 4651), or foreign countries of concern.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that a balanced and adequately funded NASA science portfolio—including research and analysis grants, technology development, suborbital activities, and small, medium, and large space missions—supports a robust program that catalyzes innovation and discovery, and that the NASA Administrator should prioritize per National Academies decadal surveys. It further reaffirms U.S. policy to ensure, to the extent practicable, a steady cadence of large, medium, and small science missions.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that NASA science missions, prioritized by National Academies decadal surveys, often exceed expectations but that the NASA Administrator should pursue an ambitious science program while avoiding excessive cost growth from immature early estimates, which can disrupt the Science Mission Directorate portfolio (i.e., NASA's division for earth, planetary, heliophysics, astrophysics, and biological/physical sciences missions). The section also requires the Comptroller General to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 12 months after enactment of this Act, a review of NASA practices for establishing and complying with cost caps on competitively-selected, principal investigator-led science missions that— (1) assesses current cost cap values and their appropriateness for different mission classes; (2) evaluates cost caps' effectiveness in maintaining a balanced portfolio of mission types within the Science Mission Directorate; (3) describes information NASA requires in proposals on cost estimates and compliance, and assesses its adequacy; (4) reviews NASA processes for assessing proposed cost estimates and their accuracy for past missions; and (5) for missions from January 1, 2000, through enactment—(A) lists those exceeding cost caps and reasons why; (B) assesses NASA's role in predicting, preventing, or managing such increases; and (C) describes impacts on the affected missions and others in the division and directorate.

This section directs the NASA Administrator to transmit to the appropriate congressional committees of Congress, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment, a report describing (1) agency efforts to comply with the Landsat private sector preference policy under 51 U.S.C. 60134 (i.e., preferring private development of successor systems to Landsat 7 if they meet specified civilian, national security, commercial, and foreign policy goals while maintaining data continuity); (2) aspects of Landsat NEXT or other Landsat observations that could be provided via private sector data buys or service procurements while meeting science requirements and maintaining or exceeding Landsat data quality, integrity, continuity (including 50-year calibrated data record traceability), nondiscriminatory unenhanced data availability, and public archiving under 51 U.S.C. §§ 60141-60142 and related open data policies; (3) potential tradeoffs or impacts of such private sourcing that could reduce Landsat data benefits for scientific and applied uses or the federal government's ability to provide widest possible data access; and (4) recommendations to mitigate identified tradeoffs or facilitate private sector data buys or procurements.

This section amends the civil Earth observation coordination mechanism (42 U.S.C. 18371)—which requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop and update every three years a strategic implementation plan for agency activities, including NASA, in civilian Earth observation research, operations, and sustained space-based climate observations—to require OSTP, in plan updates, to consider commercial Earth observation data, as appropriate, that the federal government can purchase or access to meet requirements. It further directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO), not later than 12 months after release of the next such plan update, to report to the appropriate congressional committees assessing OSTP's implementation of this new requirement.

This section establishes the Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program within NASA's Earth Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate to acquire and disseminate cost-effective commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery, augmenting NASA and other observations to meet scientific, operational, and educational requirements. (As background, NASA's Earth Science program pursues Earth observations, research, and applications to understand the planet and human impacts, building on existing authority under 51 U.S.C. §50115 and the successful 2017 Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Pilot Program.) The program prioritizes U.S. vendors; permits procurement, broad end-use licensing beyond NASA-funded users, and publication of data or derived products for scientific purposes; and requires an initial report to Congress within 180 days of enactment—listing current agreements, license terms, research advancements (including National Academies decadal survey priorities), and data access permissions—followed by annual reports on new agreements. This section also makes a conforming amendment to the table of contents for chapter 603 of title 51, U.S. Code.

This section directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to partner with other federal agencies, as practicable, to disseminate Earth science data—including on water, soil moisture, vegetation health, precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, and land use—to support agricultural producers' resource conservation, farm management, crop yields, and food supply stability. It further requires NASA, in furtherance of its Earth science and applications program goal under 51 U.S.C. 60501 (i.e., securing practical societal benefits alongside new knowledge of the Earth system and climate change), to (1) collaborate with relevant agencies to transition research findings, data, models, and capabilities to operational governmental and private entities addressing agricultural needs; and (2) engage, as practicable, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, agricultural producer organizations, and other stakeholders to improve data dissemination in line with that goal and recommendations from the most recent decadal survey on Earth science and applications from space.

This section states the sense of Congress that planetary science missions advance scientific understanding of the solar system and spacecraft engineering, and that balancing Discovery (i.e., small missions), New Frontiers (i.e., medium missions), and Flagship (i.e., large missions) enables broad discoveries. It reaffirms prior congressional direction to prioritize, to the greatest extent practicable, completion of such missions at the cadence recommended by the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey, with flexibility for adjustments to priorities, schedule, or scope based on budget projections.

This section revises planetary defense requirements as follows: (1) in Section 808(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18387(b)), directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director, in coordination with the NASA Administrator, to maintain and regularly update the policy for notifying federal agencies and emergency response institutions of near-Earth object (NEO) threats posing near-term public safety risks and assigning a responsible federal agency (previously, to implement the policy before September 30, 2012); (2) in 51 U.S.C. §71103, updates the heading to "Policy on near-Earth objects and responsible Federal agency" (from "Developing policy and recommending" [prior words]); requires the OSTP Director, in coordination with the NASA Administrator, to maintain and regularly update the NEO policy (previously, to develop it within two years after October 15, 2008); and restructures the provision to direct policy development for NEO notifications and agency assignments with recommendations for procedures; and (3) codifies in new 51 U.S.C. §71105 the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) within NASA's Planetary Science Division (as previously directed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022). (Thus, the PDCO plans and implements NEO surveys for objects 140 meters or larger in diameter; identifies, tracks, and characterizes potentially hazardous NEOs; issues impact warnings; investigates mitigation strategies and technologies; and coordinates government response planning.)

This section establishes a lunar science program within NASA's Science Mission Directorate to accomplish Moon science objectives, with an organizational structure aligned to recommendations from the most recent decadal survey for planetary science and astrobiology. The section directs the Science Mission Directorate, in consultation with the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate and Space Technology Mission Directorate, to define high-priority lunar science objectives informed by decadal surveys and other scientific consensus, along with requirements for an integrated Artemis science strategy for human and robotic Moon missions. The program must assess the need for and facilitate development of instrumentation to support lunar scientific exploration.

This section authorizes the NASA Administrator to establish a Commercial Lunar Payload Services program to procure, from one or more U.S. commercial providers, delivery services for NASA science payloads and other mission directorate payloads, as appropriate, to the lunar surface. The section expresses the sense of Congress that such commercial services serve the national interest, including through low-cost initial deliveries of noncritical instruments via small- and medium-size landers; requires other mission directorates to fund their payloads and services; and directs the Administrator to (1) conduct market research on the commercial lunar economy, assess NASA's needs and role, evaluate the task order approach, and strengthen payload selection procedures; (2) implement a management plan with clear leadership within 90 days of enactment; (3) brief congressional committees on the plan within 180 days of enactment; and (4) ensure coordination among mission directorates and the Moon to Mars Program.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that NASA's existing lunar and Martian orbital missions, operating beyond their planned lifespans, are critical for observations, communications relay, and other operations supporting increased U.S. activities on and around the Moon and Mars. The section directs the NASA Administrator to develop a plan ensuring continuity of operations and sufficient observational and operational capabilities for robust science and human exploration programs well into the future, considering opportunities to engage private and international partners.

This section directs the NASA Administrator, subject to appropriations, to lead a Mars Sample Return program to enable the return to Earth of scientifically selected samples from Mars for terrestrial laboratory study, consistent with National Academies decadal surveys for planetary science. The section requires NASA to pursue the program on a timeline and in a manner that (1) sustains U.S. leadership in Mars scientific exploration, (2) maintains capabilities to land and operate robotic spacecraft on Mars, (3) preserves relevant institutional expertise, and (4) supports a balanced planetary science portfolio without significant budget increases. Finally, the section requires NASA to transmit to the appropriate congressional committees, no later than 180 days after enactment, an implementation plan and timeline—including mission design, architecture, cost, and schedule estimates—to maximize scientific return.

This section directs the NASA Administrator to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, full copies of any studies conducted in the last five years on the technical feasibility of safely reboosting the Hubble Space Telescope, including studies on the feasibility of using private sector capabilities.

This section authorizes the NASA Administrator to establish the Great Observatories Mission and Technology Maturation program to mature large-scale space-based mission concepts and technologies for future strategic astrophysics missions, including a large-aperture infrared, optical, and ultraviolet space telescope, as informed by the most recent decadal survey in astronomy and astrophysics. The program must conduct activities to (1) assess appropriate mission scope, (2) determine required capabilities and technology readiness levels, and (3) inform development and maturation of needed science and technologies. For any large-scale space-based astrophysics mission derived from program-matured concepts, this section requires the independent life-cycle cost estimate under 51 U.S.C. 30307 to account for all program maturation costs. It further directs the NASA Administrator to submit annual reports to the appropriate congressional committees on the progress and impacts of such projects, beginning one year after enactment.

This section directs the NASA Administrator to continue development of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope as specified in sec. 10823(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-167).

This section expresses the sense of Congress that NASA heliophysics research is critical to understanding the Sun and space weather—benefiting national security assets, energy infrastructure resilience, and human health in space—and that the Heliophysics Division should maintain a balanced portfolio of research, technology development, and missions informed by the most recent decadal survey in solar and space physics. The section further directs the NASA Administrator to maintain a regular Explorer Announcement of Opportunity cadence alternating between small and mid-sized missions and to enable regular selections of Missions of Opportunity.

This section directs the NASA Administrator, in consultation with the NOAA Administrator, to conduct a study on the extent to which commercially available data could advance space weather research, including priorities from the most recent National Academies decadal survey on solar and space physics. The study must (1) assess commercial capabilities and data (e.g., from providers, small spacecraft, hosted NASA payloads, and processing solutions) meeting or exceeding NASA standards; (2) recommend federal facilitation of such options for NASA's space weather research and development consistent with the decadal survey, without reducing data quality; and (3) identify non-duplicative partnership or NASA prize/competition options; with a report to the appropriate congressional committees due within 270 days of enactment.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that the Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission could enable scientific discoveries transforming understanding of the processes governing the dynamics of Earth's upper atmospheric envelope and directs the Administrator to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, a report on the updated mission approach, schedule, and budget profile to launch the mission by the end of the decade in fulfillment of the heliophysics decadal survey recommendations.

This section establishes the FireSense project within NASA's Earth Science Division for Earth Action to co-develop, deploy, and support advanced science, data, and technology for improving U.S. wildland fire management and mitigation across pre-fire, active fire, and post-fire phases. FireSense must align with NASA's Earth science goals under 51 U.S.C. §60501 (i.e., Earth observations, research, and applications to understand Earth systems, support life, assess human impacts, deliver societal benefits, and lead international efforts) and, to the extent practicable, focus on objectives including (1) enhanced predictive modeling and early warning for detection and prevention; (2) remote sensing and data tools for monitoring fire-prone areas; (3) transitioning technologies to operational users such as agencies, private entities, and academia; (4) studies on long-term Earth system changes affecting fire behavior, frequency, and intensity; (5) post-fire recovery and ecosystem restoration; (6) technical assistance for users; and (7) other objectives as needed. The section further requires interagency coordination; ongoing operational support and data sharing with federal, state, local, Tribal, private sector, and academic users; periodic project evaluation; and reports to congressional committees not later than one year after enactment and annually thereafter for five years on coordination, impacts, emerging technologies, and user challenges.

This section directs the NASA Administrator, in accordance with the goals of NASA's Earth science program (i.e., Earth observations, research, and applications to understand the Earth system, provide societal benefits, and lead international efforts), to incorporate recommendations of the National Wildland Fire Management and Mitigation Commission into agency activities, to the extent practicable. Such incorporation may include (1) enhancing collection, analysis, and dissemination of wildland fire data, including satellite and remote sensing data; (2) supporting research and development for wildland fire prediction, prevention, response, and recovery; (3) developing and deploying technologies for monitoring, detecting, and mitigating wildland fires; and (4) studying long-term impacts of temperature change, weather variability, environmental stressors, and Earth system changes on wildland fire behavior, frequency, and intensity. The section further requires ongoing coordination with Federal, state, local, and Tribal entities (including data sharing and joint initiatives); periodic evaluations and adjustments; and a report to congressional committees within one year of enactment detailing implementation activities, impacts on wildland fire management, and challenges encountered.

This section revises the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program by striking subsections (d) and (e) of 51 U.S.C. §40303; requiring the NASA Administrator to issue annual grant solicitations to space grant consortia and award multi-year grants or contracts (disbursed annually) to lead institutions of eligible consortia in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; and establishing a new annual funding allocation of appropriated funds as follows: (1) not less than 85% to eligible consortia, with equal shares to the 52 consortia in subparagraph (c)(3) and one-fifth shares each to Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands; (2) not more than 10% for all program administration costs; and (3) not more than 5% for innovative science and education grants. (As background, the program supports space-related education, research, fellowships, and public outreach through university-led consortia.) This section further directs the Administrator to arrange an independent external review of the program's management, accomplishments, funding allocation, and partnerships with local education agencies (including in underserved and rural areas) and, not later than nine months after enactment, to submit a report on the review's findings and any recommended statutory updates to the appropriate congressional committees.

This section authorizes the NASA Administrator to conduct or support STEM engagement activities to expand opportunities for students to pursue skilled technical workforce occupations in space and aeronautics, including by considering the leveraging of existing NASA programs or other federal programs and interagency initiatives such as the Manufacturing USA program (i.e., NIST's network of advanced manufacturing institutes). Such activities may include outreach to secondary and post-secondary students—including those at institutions of higher education, two-year colleges, high schools, and vocational or career and technical education programs—to expose them to careers requiring career and technical education, encourage their pursuit of such careers, and provide hands-on learning opportunities in the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of NASA-funded space and aeronautical systems (with consideration of workplace safety, mission needs, and protection of sensitive or proprietary technologies). The section directs the Administrator to brief the appropriate congressional committees not later than one year after the date of enactment on NASA's current and planned activities under this section and defines "institution of higher education" and "skilled technical workforce."

This section amends the duties of the NASA Advisory Council to require advice to Congress, in addition to the NASA Administrator, through September 30, 2028 (from advice to the Administrator only). Effective that date, the requirement to advise Congress sunsets.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 12 months after enactment of this Act, a review of NASA's development, application, and assessment of early cost estimates made prior to preliminary design review for NASA missions. The review may include (1) an assessment of NASA processes related to the formation and evaluation of proposed and early-stage cost estimates; (2) an evaluation of NASA's monitoring and management of cost estimates throughout mission development, in accordance with section 10861(b)(4) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167); and (3) any recommendations as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

This section revises the requirement in 51 U.S.C. §30307 for an independent life-cycle cost estimate (previously analysis) for NASA projects projected to cost more than $250 million in total project costs by changing the trigger to after the Administrator completes the preliminary design review (from before obligating funds for implementation) and prohibiting obligation of any implementation funds until after the Administrator reports the estimate results to Congress. (Implementation begins after preliminary design, independent assessment of the preliminary design, and approval to proceed.)

This section authorizes the transfer to NASA of funds from other federal agencies for scientific or engineering research or education (or facilities therefor), subject to agency head approval, with transferred funds merging into NASA's appropriations but limited to grants or cooperative agreements for such purposes. (1) It directs NASA, beginning not later than two years after enactment, to include in its annual budget justification materials—submitted to Congress with the President's budget request under 31 U.S.C. 1105—details on transfers in the prior fiscal year, including source agencies, amounts by agency, original appropriation purposes, receiving NASA programs or activities, and those programs' purposes and funding. (2) It requires NASA to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than three years after enactment, a report summarizing the authority's value and benefits (e.g., to NASA's mission and interagency collaborations) and any implementation barriers or challenges.

This section directs the NASA Administrator and Secretary of Commerce, not later than 180 days after enactment, to jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees 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 NASA and Department of Commerce objectives in maintaining U.S. preeminence in space. The report must address (1) identifying, developing, and distributing such resources, including foundational science, industrial capability, and technology; (2) reducing technological and business risks associated with such activities; (3) research to maximize responsible use of such resources; and (4) options for using such resources to support, enable, or supplement Earth supplies for current and future space architectures, programs, businesses, and missions. The report must also assess (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).

This section establishes requirements for NASA reports and notices to Congress. It (1) requires any such report or notice provided to Congress to be delivered concurrently to the appropriate committees of Congress and any other committee or office, and (2) directs the NASA Administrator to submit to those committees a report containing a copy of any international agreement or nonbinding instrument concerning NASA activities to which the United States becomes a signatory.

This section finds that, under NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) clause 1852.242-72 (Denied Access to NASA Facilities), contracting officers may adjust contract performance or delivery schedules, forego or reschedule work, or consider equitable adjustment requests for periods when NASA facilities are inaccessible to contractor employees.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, a report reviewing fire and emergency services at NASA launch and reentry facilities that assesses: (1) current capabilities and projected demands for NASA-provided fire and emergency services; (2) impacts on such demand from increased launch and reentry operations and leases with commercial providers for NASA property; (3) current fire and emergency services provided by commercial providers to support launch and reentry operations, either to fulfill NASA contracts or for non-NASA purposes on NASA-leased property; and (4) whether NASA-provided and commercially provided services meet current and projected demands and support all fire response areas on NASA property.

This section establishes a public-private talent program at NASA authorizing the Administrator, under prescribed policies and procedures, to arrange temporary assignments of NASA employees to private sector entities or private sector employees to NASA, with the agreement of the entity and consent of the employee. Assignments require a written agreement among NASA, the entity, and employee specifying terms and conditions, including (1) for NASA employees, a post-assignment service obligation in federal service equal to twice the assignment length and liability for assignment expenses if the obligation is breached (absent good cause, as determined by the Administrator, with waiver authority); and (2) prohibitions on the improper use of predecisional or draft deliberative information related to NASA programming, budgeting, resourcing, acquisition, or procurement. Assignments last not less than three months and not more than two years (renewable up to a total of three years per NASA employee, with possible extension to three years for critical mission needs), may be terminated at any time by either party, exclude inherently governmental activities, and—for NASA employees on assignment to the private sector—treat the employee as on detail to NASA (with certification of no adverse mission impact). Private sector employees assigned to NASA continue receiving pay and benefits from their employer but are deemed NASA employees for purposes of specified federal tort claims, workers' compensation, and ethics/criminal statutes (e.g., 18 USC 201 et al.).

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 180 days after enactment, a report describing (1) intellectual property considerations in Space Act agreements, (2) feedback shared by industry groups regarding those considerations, and (3) differences between NASA policies on intellectual property in such agreements and policies used by other federal agencies in similar situations. In this section, the term “Space Act agreements” means agreements entered into by NASA pursuant to its authorities under the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958.

This section directs the NASA Administrator to establish a comprehensive agency-wide mentoring program for early-career, mid-level, and senior-level employees at all NASA centers and headquarters to ensure a robust civil servant workforce pipeline and prepare employees—including those from populations historically underrepresented in STEM—for promotion and leadership roles. It also requires the Administrator to brief the appropriate congressional committees on implementation not later than 180 days after enactment.

This section prohibits the obligation or expenditure of Federal funds authorized by this Act by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), or National Space Council (NSC) for (1) developing, designing, planning, promulgating, implementing, or executing any bilateral policy, program, order, or contract to participate, collaborate, or coordinate with the People's Republic of China (PRC) or any PRC-owned or PRC-incorporated company, unless specifically authorized by a law enacted after this Act; or (2) hosting official PRC visitors at NASA facilities. The prohibition does not apply to activities for which NASA, OSTP, or NSC certify, after consultation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), that they pose no risk of transferring technology, data, or information with national or economic security implications to the PRC and involve no knowing interactions with PRC officials determined by the U.S. to be involved in human rights violations—with such certifications submitted to specified House and Senate committees and the FBI at least 30 days prior, including the activity's purpose, agenda, major participants, location, and timing.