S. 582 — Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act

This section establishes in 51 U.S.C. §20150 authority for the NASA Administrator, notwithstanding restrictions in 31 U.S.C. §1344(a) on official use of government vehicles, to use passenger carriers (i.e., government-owned or leased motor vehicles, aircraft, boats, vessels, or similar) to transport government astronauts and space flight participants between their residences and other locations for post-mission official purposes (i.e., medical research, monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment before medical clearance to operate a motor vehicle), subject to written approval by the Chief of the Astronaut Office. The section further authorizes NASA to maintain, operate, and repair such carriers for this purpose; requires reimbursement to the Treasury for international partner astronauts and non-government space flight participants; and directs the Administrator to promulgate implementing regulations. (Thus, this enables safe post-mission transport for astronauts returning from missions on space support vehicles.) It also makes a clerical amendment to the table of contents for 51 U.S.C. chapter 201.