(1) NASA continues to make progress in developing and testing the Space Launch System, Orion, and associated ground systems, including through the successful completion of the Artemis I mission in November 2022 and through continued preparations for the Artemis II crewed flight demonstration mission.

(2) The number of spacefaring countries is increasing, and foreign countries have expanded activities for space exploration efforts, including efforts to explore and utilize the Moon through human and robotic missions.

(3) A strong and ambitious space exploration program conducted with international and commercial partners is important to maintaining United States leadership in space and enhancing United States international competitiveness.

(4) Clear mission objectives that tie to concrete, long-term programmatic goals provide a measure to ensure accountability, enhance public support for exploration missions, and provide a clear signal of commitment to both international and domestic partners.

(1) As part of the human exploration activities of the Administration, including progress on Artemis missions and activities, the Administrator shall continue development of space exploration elements pursuant to section 10811 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167; 51 U.S.C. 20302).

(2) The Administrator shall leverage the private sector for logistical services to the extent practical, consistent with the Moon to Mars architecture requirements and in accordance with section 50131 of title 51, United States Code.

(3) Congress reaffirms the sense of Congress to maintain continuity of purpose as described in section 201 of the 2017 NASA Transition Authorization Act (Public Law 115–10; 131 Stat. 21).

(1) Exploration of outer space, including exploration of the lunar surface and cislunar space, provides benefits and economic opportunity, including by inspiring future generations and expanding the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce needed to sustain United States leadership in science, space, and technology.

(2) The lunar south pole is home to shadowed craters that may contain water ice and other volatiles. Understanding the nature of lunar polar volatiles, such as water ice, would advance science related to the origin and evolution of volatiles in the inner solar system and could facilitate the long-term future of space exploration. Water ice lunar resources have the potential to become an enabling component of future space exploration missions throughout the solar system, including crewed missions to Mars.

(3) Other countries have demonstrated technological advances and successful robotic missions for lunar exploration and have announced credible plans for long-term human exploration of the Moon that include the intent to establish lunar bases.

(4) United States leadership of and measurable progress on the exploration of deep space is essential for guiding development of norms related to operations on and around the Moon and for other space destinations.

(5) It is in the national interest of the United States to hold a leadership role in discussions of future norms governing activities in space, including those on the lunar surface and in cislunar space.

(1) use relevant elements set forth in section 10811(b)(2)(B) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167);

(2) continue to ensure that the elements under paragraph (1) enable the human exploration of Mars, consistent with section 10811(b)(2)(C)(i) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167);

(3) engage with international partners, as appropriate, in a manner that is consistent with section 10811(b)(2)(C) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167), and that increases redundancy, efficiency, and cost savings; and

(4) leverage capabilities provided by United States commercial providers, as appropriate and practicable.

(1) DEVELOPMENT AND CADENCE OBJECTIVES.—Congress reaffirms—

(2) OTHER USES.—The Administrator shall assess the demand for the Space Launch System by entities other than NASA and shall break out such demand according to the relevant Federal agency or nongovernment sector. This assessment may—

(1) NASA’s progress towards achieving the flight rate referred to in subsection (a)(1)(B) and the expected launch of the integrated Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle missions after which such cadence shall be achieved.

(2) The results of the assessment conducted pursuant to subsection (a)(2).

(1) The Administrator shall support the development and demonstration of, and shall obtain, human-rated lunar landing capabilities to further the goals of the human exploration roadmap under section 432 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115–10; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note) and the Moon to Mars Program set forth in section 10811 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167).

(2) The Administrator shall ensure that such human-rated lunar landing capabilities meet all relevant requirements, including requirements of the Moon to Mars program, and for human-rating and certification.

(3) Any commercial provider from which the Administrator obtains human-rated lunar landing capabilities must be a United States commercial provider.

(4) In carrying out paragraph (1)—

(1) Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, a report—

(2) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, a report that sets forth, for any agreement with a United States commercial provider for human lunar landing capabilities, the following:

(3) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, in consultation with any United States commercial provider that is party to an agreement with NASA for human lunar landing capabilities under this section, a report on any steps the Administrator and such providers are taking to carry out the following:

(4) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, a report on alternative approaches, and implementation plans for such approaches, including an estimate of needed budgetary resources, for a human lunar landing capability that meets NASA human-rating and certification requirements in the event challenges referred to in paragraph (3)(A) cannot be overcome or the timeline specified in paragraph (3)(B) cannot be met.

(1) Space suits and associated extravehicular activity (EVA) technologies are critical exploration technologies that are necessary for future human deep space exploration efforts, including crewed missions to the Moon.

(2) The NASA civil service workforce at the Johnson Space Center provides unique capabilities to design, integrate, and validate Space Suits and associated EVA technologies.

(3) Maintaining a strong NASA core competency in the design, development, manufacture, and operation of space suits and related technologies allows NASA to be an informed purchaser of competitively awarded commercial space suits and subcomponents.

(4) According to a 2018 NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report, current EVAs space suits, the Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs), were developed in the late 1970s, are reaching the end of their useful life, have experienced multiple maintenance issues that threaten astronaut lives, and no longer accommodate the varying sizes of a diverse astronaut corps.

(5) The same NASA OIG report found that “… manufacturers of several critical suit components, including the very fibers of the suits, have now gone out of business… ,” which further reinforces the importance of NASA’s role in maintaining a space suit core competency and limiting the risk posed by outsourcing key national capabilities.

(6) The private sector currently is developing space suit capabilities.

(7) Testing space suits and related technologies on the International Space Station could reduce risk and improve safety of such suits and technologies.

(1) In carrying out subsection (b), NASA shall maintain the internal expertise necessary to develop space suits for both extravehicular activity and surface operations, including through partnerships with the private sector.

(2) The Johnson Space Center shall continue to manage NASA’s spacesuit and extravehicular activity programs.

(1) describing NASA’s plans for—

(2) including—

(1) No later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with an independent science and technical engineering organization to review the technical status and performance of the Administration’s existing extravehicular mobility units (“EMUs”), to analyze the data associated with all mishaps, anomalies, and off-nominal events related to the EMUs used by government astronauts on the International Space Station over the last 10 years, and to make recommendations to the Administrator, as a result of such assessment.

(2) The Administrator shall ensure that the entity carrying out the assessment in paragraph (1) consults with relevant industry contractors regarding the Administration’s EMUs and EMU capabilities, and coordinates with the NASA Astronaut Office in carrying out such assessment.

(3) The Administrator shall transmit the results of the assessment in paragraph (1) to the appropriate committees of Congress as soon as practicable and no later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

(1) ISS is a unique facility that provides the United States with capabilities in space that are currently unmatched; NASA continues to make productive use of the ISS;

(2) the ISS serves several functions, including establishing the United States as a leader in space activities, acting as a beacon of international cooperation, and conducting cutting-edge microgravity and observational research in low-Earth orbit;

(3) NASA must complete certain objectives on the ISS to facilitate deep space exploration efforts, including carrying out human research and demonstrating exploration-related technologies; and

(4) reducing crew size or cargo deliveries, or reducing sustaining engineering capabilities, would reduce the scientific output of the ISS and potentially increase the risk to the ISS and its crew.

(1) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that, to ensure the greatest return on investments made by the United States and the International Space Station partners in the development, assembly, and operations of the International Space Station, the Administrator should maximize the utilization and productivity of the International Space Station with respect to the priorities set forth in section 10816 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167; 51 U.S.C. 70901 note), which include research of the human research program, risk reduction activities relevant to exploration technologies, the advancement of United States leadership of basic and applied space life and physical sciences, and other research and development essential to Moon to Mars program activities.

(2) AMENDMENT.—Section 502(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–267; 42 U.S.C. 18352(a)), is amended by striking “take steps to”.

(1) nongovernmental missions involving crew or spaceflight participants on the International Space Station carried out, as appropriate, pursuant to NASA policies and procedures, and Federal Government laws and regulations, can provide lessons and learning experiences for both government and nongovernment entities to inform the development of future commercial low-Earth orbit platforms and a low-Earth orbit economy; and

(2) the Administrator should share lessons learned from nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station to advance the commercial human spaceflight industry, to promote the safety of future commercial low-Earth orbit platforms, and to inform the evolution of policies guiding such activities in low-Earth orbit.

(1) The number of nongovernmental missions on the ISS planned.

(2) The number of nongovernmental missions on the ISS completed.

(3) The extent to which commercial entities carrying out nongovernmental missions on the ISS fully reimburse costs incurred by NASA in association with any nongovernmental missions carried out on the International Space Station.

(4) The extent to which nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station impact the priorities specified in section 10816 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167; 51 U.S.C. 70901 note).

(5) The impact, if any, to operations of or activities on the International Space Station that are not related to nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station.

(6) The extent to which any nongovernmental mission on the ISS—

(7) Any other issues related to nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station that the Comptroller General determines are appropriate for review as part of undertaking the report in subsection (c).

(1) the International Space Station is aging and eventually will need to be deorbited safely and disposed of in a controlled manner; and

(2) to protect the safety of the public, and to avoid interfering with other space operators or objects, NASA plans to deorbit and disposition the International Space Station through a controlled atmospheric reentry over an uninhabited region.

(1) The Administrator shall acquire ISS deorbit capabilities from one or more United States commercial providers.

(2) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, to the greatest extent practicable, not reduce or deprioritize NASA activities conducted on and in support of the ISS to support the acquisition of United States deorbit capabilities.

(1) INDEPENDENT COST ESTIMATE.—Before entering into an agreement for the capabilities described in subsection (b), the Administrator shall obtain an independent life-cycle cost estimate for the deorbit capability and shall report the results of such estimate and a five-year budget profile to the appropriate committees of Congress.

(2) REPORT.—

(1) include a mix of crewed and uncrewed platforms;

(2) consider an incremental approach to achieving the full suite of capabilities necessary to meet NASA research, development, and operational requirements in low-Earth orbit;

(3) consider the requirements described in subsection (b); and

(4) sustain and promote United States leadership and international partnerships in carrying out low-Earth orbit activities.

(1) The results of a survey and assessment of the market for capabilities and services that may be provided through future United States commercial low-Earth orbit platforms that shall be prepared by an independent entity with appropriate expertise;

(2) A detailed justification of compliance with section 30301 of title 51, United States Code.

(3) A detailed certification and justification of compliance with section 50503 of title 51, United States Code.

(A) Implementing the strategy described in section 306.

(B) Supporting the operation of the International Space Station beyond 2030.

(C) Increasing investment in and accelerating development of commercial space stations.

(D) Working with international partners to establish alternative means for conducting research in low-Earth orbit.

(1) the health and safety of the International Space Station requires a reduction in flights; or

(2) the International Space Station has concluded its operational lifetime.

(1) improve the characterization and modeling of the space environment, including the characterization and modeling of objects of both natural and anthropogenic origins that cannot be directly characterized by ground-based measurements;

(2) leverage space weather research and development elements within NASA’s Heliophysics program, to the extent appropriate and in accordance with the priorities established in the most recent solar and space physics decadal survey; and

(3) support the application of relevant research, tools, and technologies to advance orbital debris characterization and mitigation and the transfer of such research, tools, and technologies to stakeholders, as appropriate and practicable.

(1) For the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), or the National Space Council (NSC) to develop, design, plan, promulgate, implement, or execute a bilateral policy, program, order, or contract of any kind to participate, collaborate, or coordinate bilaterally in any way with China or any Chinese-owned company unless such activities are specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(2) To effectuate the hosting of official Chinese visitors at facilities belonging to or utilized by NASA.

(1) pose no risk of resulting in the transfer of technology, data, or other information with national security or economic security implications to China or a Chinese-owned company; and

(2) will not involve knowing interactions with officials who have been determined by the United States to have direct involvement with violations of human rights.

(1) An identification of facilities and technical capabilities needed to support lunar surface power production.

(2) A demand forecast for lunar surface power, including the following:

(3) Potential policy and legal issues associated with lunar power purchase agreements between providers and the United States Government, international partners, and other private sector entities.

(1) The Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium.

(2) The Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, and other Federal agencies, as determined appropriate by the Administrator.

(3) International partners.

(4) Relevant private sector entities.

(1) Reliable communication and navigation capabilities are essential for sustainable human and robotic exploration of the Moon.

(2) Fostering the development of commercial capabilities can accelerate the deployment of lunar communication and navigation services.

(1) enable interoperable communications and navigation services for cislunar missions;

(2) work with the private sector, other Federal agencies, and, as appropriate, international partners to establish technical standards, consistent with section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (Public Law 104–113), protocols, and interface requirements for cislunar communications and navigation services and systems;

(3) support NASA lunar activities;

(4) leverage NASA’s space technology research, development, and demonstration activities related to space communications and navigation; and

(5) evaluate the opportunities, benefits, feasibility, and challenges of potentially using commercial cislunar communication and navigation services, as appropriate, by United States commercial providers.

(1) United States leadership of a sustained presence on the Moon and in deep space exploration is important for advancing science, exploration, commercial growth, and international partnership;

(2) the Artemis and Moon to Mars program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will involve governmental, commercial, academic, and international partners where there is a need for interoperability between systems;

(3) the use of Coordinated Universal Time has challenges when used beyond Earth at other celestial bodies, due to relativistic effects;

(4) the United States should lead in developing time standardization for the Moon and other celestial bodies other than Earth to support interoperability and safe and sustainable operations; and

(5) development of such standardization will advance United States leadership in standards setting for global competitiveness, and will benefit other spacefaring countries and entities.

(1) Enable the development of celestial time standardization, including by leading the study and definition of a coordinated lunar time.

(2) Develop a strategy to implement a coordinated lunar time that would support future operations and infrastructure on and around the Moon.

(3) In carrying out paragraphs (1) and (2)—

(4) Incorporate the following features of a coordinated lunar time, to the extent practicable, in the development of the strategy developed pursuant to paragraph (2):

(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, nontraditional power systems, or autonomous technologies;

(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 pounds; and

(C) is not urban air mobility.

(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, nontraditional power systems, or autonomous technologies; and

(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 pounds.

(1) a quantitative assessment of each experimental aircraft demonstration project’s ability to meet cost, schedule and performance goals, as defined at the time of project confirmation;

(2) the extent to which the project’s objectives or performance goals were changed or descoped;

(3) the extent to which the system, capability, or technology that was the subject of the project was matured as a result of its demonstration on an experimental aircraft demonstrator; and

(4) the extent to which the project has contributed to advancing the capabilities of and innovation in the United States aircraft and aviation industries.

(1) basic and applied hypersonic research—

(2) investments in hypersonic research are critical to sustaining United States global leadership in space and aeronautics; and

(3) NASA efforts to study hypersonic research should complement research supported by the Department of Defense and, when appropriate, be conducted in partnership with universities and industry.

(1) system level design, analysis, and validation of hypersonic aircraft technologies;

(2) propulsion capabilities and technologies;

(3) vehicle technologies to include vehicle flow physics and vehicle thermal management associated with aerodynamic heating;

(4) advanced materials, including materials capable of withstanding high temperatures and demonstrating durable materials, and efforts to create models and simulate use of such materials; and

(5) other areas of hypersonic research as determined appropriate by the Administrator.

(1) transmit the updated research roadmap under subsection (c) to the appropriate committees of Congress; and

(2) provide a briefing on the research conducted under subsection (b), including how such research aligns with the updated research roadmap under subsection (c).

(1) Advanced aircraft technologies and airspace management efforts to assist in the management, deconfliction, and coordination of aerial assets during wildfire response efforts.

(2) Information sharing and real-time data exchange for wildfire response teams.

(3) Development of an interoperable platform to provide situational awareness of aerial assets during wildfire response.

(4) Establishment of a multi-agency concept of operations, which may involve Federal, State, and local government agencies, to enable coordination of aerial activities for wildfire response.

(1) may coordinate and collaborate with other Federal, State, and local government agencies, regional organizations, and commercial partners and academic institutions involved in wildfire management; and

(2) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, consult with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies to avoid duplication of activities.

(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in this subsection, the Administrator may not procure an unmanned aircraft system to conduct activities described in this section if such unmanned aircraft system is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity.

(2) EXEMPTION.—The Administrator may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1) on a case-by-case basis if the Administrator—

(1) A description of any research and development activities.

(2) A description of the Administrator’s activities pursuant to subsection (c).

(3) An identification of any topics related to improvement of aerial responses to wildfires that could benefit from further research.

(4) A description of any continuing efforts under this section.

(5) Any other information determined appropriate by the Administrator.

(1) COVERED FOREIGN ENTITY.—The term “covered foreign entity” has the meaning given such term in section 1832 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31).

(2) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM.—The term “unmanned aircraft system” has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.

(1) NASA programs benefit from and rely upon high-performance chase aircraft for providing research and mission support; and

(2) NASA currently faces maintenance challenges related to its aging high-performance aircraft fleet, which is resulting in increased program costs.

(1) Collaboration with the Department of Defense on efforts for research and flight asset sharing to support NASA’s research mission support and pilot training requirements.

(2) Efforts to seek aircraft parts and engines to keep NASA’s current fleet of chase aircraft operational, including potential use of 3D additive manufactured parts.

(3) Strategies for acquiring or using through loan, sharing, or other agreements, as appropriate, Department of Defense aircraft to support NASA’s research and mission support activities, as required.

(1) identifies a plan for engaging eligible institutions from diverse geographic areas, including poor, rural, and Tribal communities; and

(2) identifies a plan for connecting science, technology, engineering, and medicine (STEM) activities to Administration missions and centers.

(1) Awarding grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to host individual competitions.

(2) Developing STEM curriculum to be utilized by the competition awardees to help students make the connection to the design, construction, and demonstration of unmanned aircraft systems.

(3) Developing curriculum to assist students in making real-world connections to STEM content and educate students on the relevance and significance of STEM careers.

(4) Ensuring competition awardees are supporting the activities specified in subsection (f).

(5) Conducting performance evaluations of competitions, including data collection, on the following:

(6) Any other activities the Administrator finds necessary to ensure the competitions are successful.

(1) allow students to design, construct, and demonstrate an unmanned aircraft system;

(2) allow students to compete with other teams in the performance of the constructed unmanned aircraft system;

(3) connect to relevant missions and NASA Center activities of the Administration;

(4) connect relevant STEM curriculum to the design, construction, and demonstration of unmanned aircraft systems;

(5) support activities designed to help students make real-world connections to STEM content and educate students on the relevance and significance of STEM careers;

(6) are geographically dispersed in order to serve a broad student population, including those in rural and underserved communities; and

(7) encourage, to the greatest extent practicable, the participation of students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM.

(1) an institution of higher education;

(2) a nonprofit research institution;

(3) a high school; or

(4) a consortium of 2 or more entities described in any of paragraphs (1) through (3).

(1) Engaging the science and engineering communities, along with industry, through the development of a National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine decadal survey in aeronautics research and development can provide a science and engineering community consensus on key research and development priorities in national civil aeronautics programs.

(2) A decadal survey entails a comprehensive review of and strategy and priorities for civil national aeronautics research and development and prioritizes for the next decade.

(3) A decadal survey for civil aeronautics research and development can serve as a guiding framework for strategic planning and resource allocation in the field of civil aeronautics for the coming decade.

(1) The Administrator shall ensure coordination between the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate and other Mission Directorates, as appropriate, to identify technologies eligible for testing opportunities under the Program.

(2) The Administrator shall consult and seek to collaborate with, as appropriate, with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration on activities related to the Program, including development, testing, and evaluation of high-speed aircraft and related technologies.

(1) not later than 80 days after the date of the enactment of this section, a report that—

(2) not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, a report describing progress in carrying out the program, including the number and type of testing opportunities executed in the previous fiscal year and planned for the upcoming fiscal year.

(1) ENTITY OF CONCERN.—the term “entity of concern” has the meaning given such term in section 10114 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (Public Law 117–167; 42 U.S.C. 18912).

(2) FOREIGN BUSINESS ENTITY.—The term “foreign business entity” means an entity that is majority-owned or majority-controlled (as such term is defined in section 800.208 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, or a successor regulation), or minority owned greater than 25 percent by—

(3) FOREIGN COUNTRY OF CONCERN.—The term “foreign country of concern” has the meaning given such term in section 9901 of title XCIX of division H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651).

(4) HIGH-SPEED AIRCRAFT.—The term “high-speed aircraft” has the meaning given such term in section 1009 of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118–63).

(1) a balanced and adequately funded set of activities consisting of research and analysis grant programs, technology development, suborbital research activities, and small, medium, and large space missions, contributes to a robust and productive science program and serves as a catalyst for innovation and discovery; and

(2) the Administrator should set science priorities by following the recommendations and guidance provided by the scientific community through the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine decadal surveys.

(1) NASA science missions address compelling scientific questions prioritized by the National Academies decadal surveys, and often such missions exceed expectations in terms of performance, longevity, and scientific impact;

(2) the Administrator should continue to pursue an ambitious science program while also seeking to avoid excessive cost growth that has the potential to affect the balance across the Science portfolio and within the Science Divisions;

(3) audits by the NASA Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office have reported that early cost estimates for missions in the preliminary phases of conception and development are immature and unreliable, and the cost of a mission typically is not well-understood until the project is further along in the development process;

(4) cost growth of a mission beyond its early cost estimates is a challenge for budget planning and has the potential to affect other missions in the Science Mission Directorate portfolio, including through delays to future mission solicitations; and

(5) relying on early cost estimates made prior to preliminary design review for science missions which then experience such cost growth may disincentivize program and cost discipline moving forward.

(1) assess current cost cap values and determine whether existing cost-cap amounts are appropriate for different classes of missions;

(2) consider the effectiveness of cost caps in maintaining a varied and balanced portfolio of mission types within the Science Mission Directorate;

(3) describe the information NASA requires as part of a proposal submission related to project cost estimates and proposal compliance with cost caps, and assess whether such required information provides sufficient insight or confidence in the estimates;

(4) consider NASA processes for assessing proposed cost estimates and the accuracy of such assessments for past competitively-selected, principal investigator-led science missions; and

(5) for the period starting on January 1, 2000 and ending on the date of the enactment of this Act—

(A) could be provided by private sector data-buys or service procurements; and

(B) could—

(1) by striking “The Director of OSTP” and inserting the following:

(2) by adding at the end the following:

(1) Section 60501 of title 51, United States Code, states that the goal for the Earth Science program of NASA shall be to pursue a program of Earth observations, research, and applications activities to better understand the Earth, how it supports life, and how human activities affect its ability to do so in the future.

(2) Section 50115 of title 51, United States Code, states that the Administrator of NASA shall, to the extent possible and while satisfying the scientific or educational requirements of NASA, and where appropriate, of other Federal agencies and scientific researchers, acquire, where cost effective, space-based and airborne commercial Earth remote sensing data, services, distribution, and applications from a commercial provider.

(3) The Administrator of NASA established the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Pilot Program in 2019 to identify, validate, and acquire from commercial sources data that support the Earth science research and application goals.

(4) The Administrator of NASA has—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 603 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of contents for chapter 603 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

“60307. Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program.”.

(1) observation and measurement of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are of critical importance to understand the sources of these emissions;

(2) additional tools can improve the precise detection of methane leaks from natural gas lines and production facilities to reduce economic losses and to reduce unintentional release of this potent greenhouse gas;

(3) observation of such gases can be conducted with a combination of space-based, airborne, and ground-based instruments;

(4) in 2022, NASA cancelled the Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory, a competitively-selected, Principal Investigator-led instrument under development that is designed to make space-based observations of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane, as well as vegetation health over the western hemisphere from geosynchronous orbit; and

(5) in 2023, the Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory PI-led project team delivered an unvalidated instrument assembly and flight spares to NASA as part of the project closeout activities.

(1) The Administrator shall assess the hardware and, to the maximum extent practicable, seek to validate the instrument assembly delivered to the Administration under the contract for the development of GeoCarb, which shall include an assessment of scientific capabilities of the delivered hardware, including potential repurposed uses or science contributions.

(2) The Administrator, within 6 months of the date of the enactment of this Act, shall provide a report to the appropriate committees of Congress regarding the results of the assessment conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) and if appropriate based on the assessment, a list of potential launch opportunities, including cost and schedule associated with such opportunities.

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other relevant agencies, shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to develop a science-based strategy to assess and evaluate the use of present and future greenhouse gas monitoring and detection capabilities, including ground-based, airborne, and space-based sensors and integration of data relating to such monitoring and detection from other indicators, to detect large methane emission events (commonly referred to as “methane super-emitters”).

(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The strategy described in subsection (a) shall include the following elements:

(1) GREENHOUSE GAS MONITORING AND DETECTION.—The term “greenhouse gas monitoring and detection” means the direct observation, from space or in-situ, or collection of measurement data pertaining to, greenhouse gas emissions and levels.

(2) GEOCARB.—The term “GeoCarb” shall mean the Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory.

(1) NASA has decades of experience in space-based scientific Earth observations and measurements, including data, trends and modeling.

(2) NASA Earth science data, which includes data on precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, and vegetation health, has been used to inform the decisionmaking of agricultural producers.

(3) NASA applies its scientific data and models to inform and support the agricultural community and engages in innovative collaborations such as the NASA Acres and NASA Harvest agricultural consortia.

(4) NASA uses space-based Earth observations and science and applications to support farmers in efforts to conserve water and other resources, improve farm management and crop yield, and facilitate the stability of the national food supply.

(5) NASA’s upcoming Earth System Observatory will benefit the agricultural community by improving observations critical for measuring and understanding cropland conditions, water availability, early onset crop disease, soil moisture, and other crop and rangeland management indicators.

(6) Increased engagement between NASA and the agricultural community can support agricultural producers, bolster the national food supply, and improve agricultural research, science, and technology.

(1) continuing the leverage NASA Earth science water data and information to enable efficient use of resources, inform irrigation decisions, and support local innovation and control of water management;

(2) supporting agriculture decisionmaking by increasing the accessibility and useability of NASA Earth science data, information, and tools relevant to the impact of disease, weather, precipitation, and other environmental factors on agricultural production; or

(3) making available, to the greatest extent practicable, NASA earth science measurements and data to advance precision agricultural capabilities relevant to the needs and requirements of agricultural producers.

(1) planetary science missions advance the scientific understanding of the solar system and the place of humans in it while also advancing the design and operations of spacecraft and robotic engineering; and

(2) Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship programs allow NASA to fund a range of missions that vary in size, cost, and complexity; maintaining balance across these mission classes allows for a broad scope of discoveries and scientific advances.

(1) in accordance with the priorities established in the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey, The Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, the completion of a balanced set of Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship missions at the cadence recommended by the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey; and

(2) consistent with the set of missions described in paragraph (1), and while maintaining the continuity of scientific data and steady development of capabilities and technologies, the Administrator may seek, if necessary, adjustments to mission priorities, schedule, and scope in light of changing budget projections.

(1) in section 71103—

(2) in chapter 711—

(1) the Administrator’s encouragement and support for commercial services for lunar surface delivery capabilities and other related services serves the national interest; and

(2) commercial providers benefit from an approach that places low-cost, noncritical instruments on initial deliveries using small- and medium-size landers before proceeding to larger landers for more complex payloads.

(1) any payload, instrument or other item sponsored by the Mission Directorate for delivery through the program; and

(2) the cost of the commercial lunar payload services obtained on behalf of the Mission Directorate.

(1) conduct updated market research on the commercial lunar economy and identify any changes since the last market analysis;

(2) assess NASA’s needs from and role in and contribution to the commercial lunar delivery market;

(3) based on such needs identified in paragraph (2), assess the effectiveness of the task order approach in advancing commercial development of lunar delivery services, including an assessment of the appropriate number of providers necessary to support NASA commercial lunar delivery needs, and identify any challenges and recommendations for improvement; and

(4) strengthen procedures related to the selection, manifesting, interfaces, and requirements of payloads and other relevant factors that could contribute to minimizing future NASA-directed changes to projects following commercial lunar payload service contract awards.

(1) existing NASA lunar and Martian orbital missions are operating well beyond their planned mission lifespans;

(2) NASA relies on this aging infrastructure for observations, communications relay, and other operations to support critical NASA missions; and

(3) the United States plans to increase its activities on and around both the Moon and Mars in coming years.

(1) Sustain United States leadership in the scientific exploration of Mars;

(2) maintain NASA capabilities to land and operate robotic spacecraft on the surface of Mars;

(3) preserve the relevant unique and long-term institutional expertise; and

(4) maintain a balanced and robust planetary science division portfolio without requiring significant increases to the NASA budget.

(1) assessing the appropriate scope for any future mission;

(2) determining the range of capabilities and technology readiness of such capabilities needed for a mission; and

(3) informing the development and maturation of science and technologies needed for such mission.

(1) NASA heliophysics research advances the scientific understanding of the Sun, its impact on the Earth and near-Earth environment, and the Sun’s interactions with other bodies in the solar system, the interplanetary medium, and the interstellar medium;

(2) fundamental science supported by the Heliophysics division is critical to improving space weather observations forecasting capabilities, which contribute to—

(3) the Heliophysics Division should continue to maximize the scientific return on investment of its portfolio through maintaining a balanced portfolio that includes research and analysis, including multidisciplinary research initiatives, technology development, space-based missions and suborbital flight projects that include both directed and strategic missions and principal investigator-led, competitively solicited missions, informed by the science priorities and guidance of the most recent decadal survey in solar and space physics.

(1) maintain a regular Explorer Announcement of Opportunity cadence and alternate between small and mid-sized missions; and

(2) enable a regular selection of Missions of Opportunity.

(1) an assessment of commercial capabilities and commercial data that meets or exceeds the science and technical standards and requirements of the Administration, which may include—

(2) recommendations and opportunities for the Federal Government to facilitate the use of commercially available options for space weather data relevant to advancing the Administration’s space weather research and development activities consistent with the most recent National Academies decadal survey, without reducing quality of data; and

(3) options, where appropriate, for potential partnerships or use of NASA prize authority and competitions, as appropriate and practicable, to obtain access to such data identified in paragraph (1) that—

(1) Enhanced predictive modeling and early warning systems for wildland fire detection and prevention.

(2) Developing remote sensing technologies and data analysis tools to monitor fire-prone areas.

(3) Transitioning wildland fire management technologies to operational users, including agencies, private sector entities, and academic institutions.

(4) Conducting research to understand the impacts of climate change on wildland fire frequency and intensity.

(5) Supporting post-fire recovery and ecosystem restoration through advanced technologies and data.

(6) Providing necessary technical assistance to operational users to receive, process, and make use of wildland fire science, data, and technology resources.

(7) Any additional objectives as determined necessary by the Administrator to satisfy the purpose described in subsection (b).

(1) Relevant Federal agencies, as determined appropriate by the Administrator.

(2) State, local, and Tribal governments and organizations.

(3) Private sector entities.

(4) Academic institutions, including colleges, universities, and wildland fire research institutions.

(1) An assessment of interagency coordination efforts.

(2) FireSense’s impact on wildland fire management efforts.

(3) A list of emerging wildland fire management technologies and opportunities that may be considered for further research, development, demonstration, and deployment.

(4) An assessment of existing challenges to effective coordination with operational users, including State, local, and Tribal governments.

(1) Wildland fires pose a significant threat to public safety, property, and natural resources.

(2) The National Wildland Fire Management and Mitigation Commission (in this section referred to as the “Commission”) has provided critical recommendations for enhancing wildland fire science, data, and technology resources.

(3) The Administration, through the Science Mission Directorate, has the capability to support and enhance wildland fire management through its advanced research and technological expertise.

(1) Enhancing the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data related to wildland fires, including satellite and remote sensing data.

(2) Supporting research and development projects aimed at improving wildland fire prediction, prevention, response, and recovery.

(3) Developing and deploying technologies that can assist in monitoring, detecting, and mitigating wildland fires.

(4) Conducting studies on the impact of climate change on wildland fire behavior, frequency, and intensity.

(1) Facilitating the sharing of wildland fire-related data and research findings with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

(2) Participating in joint initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing wildland fire management capabilities.

(1) A summary of research and development projects initiated or supported.

(2) An assessment of the impact of such activities on wildland fire management and mitigation efforts.

(3) Any challenges or obstacles encountered in implementing such recommendations.

(1) in section 40303, by striking subsections (d) and (e);

(2) in section 40304—

(1) evaluate its management, accomplishments, approach to funding allocation as described in section 40303(e) of title 51, United States Code, and responsiveness to the purposes and goals defined in chapter 403 of title 51, United States Code;

(2) consider the benefits partnerships with local education agencies, including those in underserved and rural areas, may provide; and

(3) propose any statutory updates that may be needed to implement recommendations of the review.

(1) expose students to careers that require career and technical education;

(2) encourage students to pursue careers that require career and technical education; and

(3) provide students hands-on learning opportunities to view the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of NASA-funded space and aeronautical systems, as the Administrator considers appropriate and with consideration of relevant factors such as workplace safety, mission needs, and the protection of sensitive and proprietary technologies.

(1) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).

(2) SKILLED TECHNICAL WORKFORCE.—The term “skilled technical workforce” has the meaning given the term in section 4(b)(3) of the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act (42 U.S.C. 1862p note; Public Law 115–402).

(A) by striking “Before any funds may be obligated for implementation” and inserting “After the Administrator completes the preliminary design review”;

(B) by striking “analysis” and inserting “estimate”; and

(C) by inserting after the first sentence, “No funds may be obligated for implementation of the project before the Administrator reports the results of the life-cycle cost estimate to Congress.”.

(1) by striking “In the performance of its functions” and inserting the following:

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Administrator shall include in the annual budget justification materials of the Administration, as submitted to Congress with the President’s budget request under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, information describing the activities conducted under subsection (f) of section 20113 of title 51, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), during the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(2) CONTENTS.—The information referred to in paragraph (1) shall contain a description of each transfer of funds under the authority provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (f) of section 20113 of title 51, United States Code (as added and amended, respectively, by this section), during the immediately preceding fiscal year, including the following:

(1) A summary of the value of the authority provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (f) of section 209113 of title 51, United States Code (as added and amended, respectively, by this section), including the extent to which such authority has benefited the Administration and its ability to meet its needs, achieve its mission, or more effectively conduct interagency collaborations.

(2) An identification of any barriers or challenges to implementing such authority, or otherwise to managing funding required to conduct joint programs and award jointly funded grants and cooperative agreements by the administration with other Federal departments and agencies to advance the missions of each such department and agency.

(1) The report of the assessment conducted under subsection (a).

(2) NASA response to the findings of the report, if any.

(1) Identifying, developing, and distributing space resources, including by encouraging the development of foundational science, industrial capability, and technology.

(2) Reducing the technological and business risks associated with identifying, developing, and distributing space resources.

(3) Research to maximize the responsible use of space resources.

(4) Developing options for using space resources to carry out the following.

(1) Whether a virtual or physical institute relating to space resources is most cost effective and appropriate.

(2) Whether partnering with institutions of higher education and the aerospace industry, and the extractive industry as appropriate, would be effective in increasing information available to the institute with respect to advancing the objectives described in such subsection.

(1) DEPARTMENT.—The term “Department” means the Department of Commerce.

(2) EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY.—The term “extractive industry” means companies and individuals involved in the processes of extracting, including mining, quarrying, drilling, and dredging, raw, natural materials or energy sources.

(3) INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).

(4) SECRETARY.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce.

(5) SPACE RESOURCE.—

(A) An increased rate of launch and reentry operations.

(B) An increased number of leases with commercial launch and reentry service providers for use of NASA property.

(A) to fulfill a contractual obligation with NASA; or

(B) for non-NASA purposes using NASA-leased property.

“(1) ASSIGNMENT AUTHORITY.—Under policies and procedures prescribed by the Administration, the Administrator may, with the agreement of a private sector entity and the consent of an employee of the Administration or of such entity, arrange for the temporary assignment of such employee of the Administration to such private sector entity, or of such employee of such entity to the Administration, as the case may be.

“(2) AGREEMENTS.—

“(3) TERMINATION.—An assignment under this section may, at any time and for any reason, be terminated by the Administration or the private-sector entity concerned, as the case may be.

“(4) DURATION.—

“(5) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.—

“(6) STATUS OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO PRIVATE SECTOR ENTITIES.—

“(7) TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES.—An employee of a private sector entity who is assigned to the Administration under this subsection—

“(8) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.—The Administrator shall ensure that—

“(9) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.—The Administrator shall implement a system to identify, mitigate, and manage any conflicts of interests that may arise as a result of an employee’s assignment under this subsection.

“(10) PROHIBITION AGAINST CHARGING CERTAIN COSTS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.—A private-sector entity may not charge the Administration or any other agency of the Federal Government, as direct or indirect costs under a Federal contract, the costs of pay or benefits paid by the entity to an employee assigned to the Administration under this subsection for the period of the assignment concerned.

“(11) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out this subsection, the Administrator shall take into consideration—

“(12) NASA REPORTING.—

“(13) FEDERAL ETHICS.—Nothing in this subsection shall affect existing Federal ethics rules applicable to Federal personnel.

“(14) GAO REPORTING.—

(1) Intellectual property considerations in Space Act agreements.

(2) Feedback shared by industry groups regarding intellectual property considerations in Space Act agreements.

(3) Differences between NASA policies regarding intellectual property in Space Act agreements and policies utilized in similar situations by other Federal agencies.