,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #edgj ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,december #ag1 #bjai ,mr4 ,weber of ,texas introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology ,a ,,bill ,to ensure ,american leadership in low-,earth orbit and deep space exploration1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,u4,s4 ,leadership in ,space ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4 ,title ,i--,human spaceflight and exploration ,sec4 #aja4 ,steppingstone approach to exploration4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,technical amendments relating to ,artemis missions4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,establishment of ,artemis program management office4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,advanced cislunar and lunar surface capabilities4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,advanced spacesuits4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,life science and physical science research4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,value of ,international ,space ,station and capabilities in low-,earth orbit4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,extension and modification relating to ,international ,space ,station4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,commercial development in low-,earth orbit4 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,maintaining a national laboratory in space4 ,title ,,ii--,safety and transparency ,sec4 #bja4 ,crew transportation safety4 ,title ,,iii--,u4,s4 national security ,sec4 #cja4 ,cybersecurity4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,exemption from the ,iran1 ,north ,korea1 and ,syria ,nonproliferation ,act4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,limitation on cooperation with the ,people's ,republic of ,china4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,countering ,chinese threats to ,u4,s4 activities in space4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,consideration of issues related to contracting with entities receiving assistance from or affiliated with the ,people's ,republic of ,china4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administration ,the term ,administration means the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#b7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#c7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,except as otherwise expressly provided1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#d7 ,cislunar space ,the term cislunar space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the ,moon4 7#e7 ,deep space ,the term deep space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit1 including cislunar space4 7#f7 ,development cost ,the term development cost has the meaning given the term in section #cjajd of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#g7 ,,iss ,the term ,,iss means the ,international ,space ,station4 7#h7 ,,iss management entity ,the term ,,iss management entity means the organization with which the ,administrator has entered into a cooperative agreement under section #ejd7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;a774 7#i7 ,,nasa ,the term ,,nasa means the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#aj7 ,johnson ,space ,center ,the term ,johnson ,space ,center means the ,lyndon ,b4 ,johnson ,space ,center in ,houston1 ,texas4 7#aa7 ,orion ,the term ,orion means the multipurpose crew vehicle described in section #cjc of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbc74 7#ab7 ,,ostp ,the term ,,ostp means the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy4 7#ac7 ,space ,launch ,system ,the term ,space ,launch ,system means the ,space ,launch ,system authorized under section #cjb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbb74 7#ad7 ,lunar ,gateway ,the term ,lunar ,gateway means the ,lunar ,orbital ,platform referenced in the ,consolidated ,appropriations ,act1 #bjai 7,public ,law #aaf-f74 ,i ,human spaceflight and exploration #aja4 ,steppingstone approach to exploration 7a7 ,in general ,section #gjejd of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #gjejd4 ,steppingstone approach to exploration 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 in sustainable steps1 may conduct missions to intermediate destinations1 such as the ,moon1 in accordance with section #bjcjb7;b71 and on a timetable determined by the availability of funding1 in order to achieve the objective of human exploration of ,mars specified in section #bjb7;b77#e7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcab7;b77#e771 if the ,administrator-- 7#a7 determines that each such mission demonstrates or advances a technology or operational concept that will enable human missions to ,mars2 and 7#b7 incorporates each such mission into the human exploration roadmap under section #dcb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note74 7b7 ,cislunar space exploration activities ,in conducting a mission under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 use a combination of launches of the ,space ,launch ,system and space transportation services from ,united ,states commercial providers1 as appropriate1 for the mission2 7#b7 plan for not fewer than one ,space ,launch ,system launch annually beginning after the ,artemis ,,ii mission2 and 7#c7 establish an outpost in orbit around the ,moon that-- 7,a7 demonstrates technologies1 systems1 and operational concepts directly applicable to the space vehicle that will be used to transport humans to ,mars2 7,b7 has the capability for periodic human habitation2 and 7,c7 can function as a point of departure1 return1 or staging for ,administration or nongovernmental or international partner missions to multiple locations on the lunar surface or other destinations4 7c7 ,cost-,effectiveness ,to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the long-term space exploration and utilization activities of the ,united ,states1 the ,administrator shall take all necessary steps1 including engaging nongovernmental and international partners1 to ensure that activities in the ,administration's human space exploration program are balanced in order to help meet the requirements of future exploration and utilization activities leading to human habitation on the surface of ,mars4 7d7 ,completion ,within budgetary considerations1 once an exploration-related project enters its development phase1 the ,administrator shall seek1 to the maximum extent practicable1 to complete that project without undue delay4 7e7 ,international participation ,to achieve the goal of successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface of ,mars1 the ,administrator shall invite the partners in the ,,iss program and other nations1 as appropriate1 to participate in an international initiative under the leadership of the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,definition of cislunar space ,section #ajaja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,cislunar space ,the term cislunar space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the ,moon4 4 7c7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,section #c of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcjb7 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#c7 ,cislunar space ,the term cislunar space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the ,moon4 4 #ajb4 ,technical amendments relating to ,artemis missions 7#a7 ,section #dba of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja note7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7c77#c7-- 7i7 by striking ,,em-#a and inserting ,artemis ,i2 7ii7 by striking ,,em-#b and inserting ,artemis ,,ii2 and 7iii7 by striking ,,em-#c and inserting ,artemis ,,iii2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7f77#c71 by striking ,,em-#c and inserting ,artemis ,,iii4 7#b7 ,section #dcb7;b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note7 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#c77;,d7-- 7i7 by striking ,,em-#a and inserting ,artemis ,i2 and 7ii7 by striking ,,em-#b and inserting ,artemis ,,ii2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d77;,c71 by striking ,,em-#c and inserting ,artemis ,,iii4 #ajc4 ,establishment of ,artemis program management office 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,johnson ,space ,center was established in #aifa to serve as the centralized location to house the organizations that led the ,apollo program2 7#b7 the ,johnson ,space ,center has decades of experience working with international partners1 other ,federal agencies1 and partners in industry and academia to study1 develop1 and carry out the human spaceflight priorities of the ,united ,states2 7#c7 the ,johnson ,space ,center's architecture and program roles include crewed mission management1 program definition and management1 systems analysis and concepts1 as well as overall crewed destination system development integration2 7#d7 ,,nasa has documented its lessons learned for complex program management within the ,,nasa ,policy ,directive 7,,npd #gabj4d7 for ,program_/,project ,management and ,,nasa ,space ,flight ,program and ,project ,management ,requirements 7,,npr #gabj4e74 ,these documents delineate the scope and expectations for successful program implementation in ,,nasa2 and 7#e7 the ,artemis program should leverage the expertise unique to ,johnson ,space ,center4 7b7 ,establishment of ,artemis program management office 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish the ,artemis program management office at ,johnson ,space ,center4 #ajd4 ,advanced cislunar and lunar surface capabilities 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa developed the ,artemis program-- 7,a7 to fulfill the goal of landing ,united ,states astronauts1 including the first woman and the next man1 on the ,moon by #bjbd2 and 7,b7 to collaborate with commercial and international partners to establish sustainable lunar exploration by #bjbh2 and 7#b7 in carrying out the ,artemis program1 the ,administration should ensure that the entire ,artemis program is inclusive and representative of all people of the ,united ,states1 including women and minorities4 7b7 ,lander program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall foster the flight demonstration of not more than #b human-class lunar lander designs through public-private partnerships4 7#b7 ,initial development phase ,the ,administrator may support the formulation of more than #b concepts in the initial development phase4 7c7 ,lunar gateway program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish an outpost in orbit around the ,moon that-- 7,a7 demonstrates technologies1 systems1 and operational concepts directly applicable to the space vehicle that will be used to transport humans to ,mars2 7,b7 has the capability for periodic human habitation2 and 7,c7 can function as a point of departure1 return1 or staging for ,administration or nongovernmental or international partner missions to multiple locations on the lunar surface or other destinations4 7d7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the programs under subsection 7b7 and subsection 7c71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 enter into industry-led partnerships using a fixed-price1 milestone-based approach2 7#b7 to the maximum extent practicable1 encourage reusability and sustainability of systems developed2 7#c7 ensure availability of one or more lunar polar science payloads for a demonstration mission2 and 7#d7 to the maximum extent practicable1 offer existing capabilities and assets of ,,nasa centers to support these partnerships4 7e7 ,full utilization of space launch system1 exploration upper stage1 and exploration ground systems ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7b71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 to the maximum extent practicable1 make use of the ,space ,launch ,system1 ,exploration ,upper ,stage1 ,exploration ,ground ,systems1 and associated facilities and infrastructure available for the launch of an integrated ,human ,landing ,system2 and 7#b7 as space allows1 add secondary payload capacity on the ,space ,launch ,system to support ongoing ,human ,landing ,systems and ,lunar ,gateway elements4 #aje4 ,advanced spacesuits 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that next-generation advanced spacesuits are a critical technology for human space exploration and use of low-,earth orbit1 cislunar space1 the surface of the ,moon1 and ,mars4 7b7 ,development plan ,the ,administrator shall establish a detailed plan for the development and manufacture of advanced spacesuits1 consistent with the deep space exploration goals and timetables of ,,nasa4 7c7 ,diverse astronaut corps ,the ,administrator shall ensure that spacesuits developed and manufactured after the date of the enactment of this ,act are capable of accommodating a wide range of sizes of astronauts so as to meet the needs of the diverse ,,nasa astronaut corps4 7d7 ,,iss use ,throughout the operational life of the ,,iss1 the ,administrator should fully use the ,,iss for testing advanced spacesuits4 7e7 ,prior investments 7#a7 ,in general ,in developing an advanced spacesuit1 the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 leverage prior and existing investments in advanced spacesuit technologies to maximize the benefits of such investments and technologies4 7#b7 ,agreements with private entities ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,administrator may enter into one or more agreements with one or more private entities for the manufacture of advanced spacesuits1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7f7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and semiannually thereafter until ,,nasa procures advanced spacesuits under this section1 the ,administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of ,congress on the development plan in subsection 7b74 #ajf4 ,life science and physical science research 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the #bjaa decadal survey on biological and physical sciences in space identifies-- 7,a7 many areas in which fundamental scientific research is needed to efficiently advance the range of human activities in space1 from the first stages of exploration to eventual economic development2 and 7,b7 many areas of basic and applied scientific research that could use the microgravity1 radiation1 and other aspects of the spaceflight environment to answer fundamental scientific questions2 7#b7 given the central role of life science and physical science research in developing the future of space exploration1 ,,nasa should continue to invest strategically in such research to maintain ,united ,states leadership in space exploration2 and 7#c7 such research remains important to the objectives of ,,nasa with respect to long-duration deep space human exploration to the ,moon and ,mars1 and developing a commercial space economy in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,program continuation 7#a7 ,in general ,in support of the goals described in section #bjcjb of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,administrator shall continue to implement a collaborative1 multidisciplinary life science and physical science fundamental research program-- 7,a7 to build a scientific foundation for the exploration and development of space2 7,b7 to investigate the mechanisms of changes to biological systems and physical systems1 and the environments of those systems in space1 including the effects of long-duration exposure to deep space-related environmental factors on those systems2 7,c7 to understand the effects of combined deep space radiation and altered gravity levels on biological systems so as to inform the development and testing of potential countermeasures2 7,d7 to understand physical phenomena in reduced gravity that affect design and performance of enabling technologies necessary for the space exploration program2 7,e7 to provide scientific opportunities to educate1 train1 and develop the next generation of researchers and engineers2 and 7,f7 to provide state-of-the-art data repositories and curation of large multi-data sets to enable comparative research analyses4 7#b7 ,elements ,the program under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 include fundamental research relating to life science1 space bioscience1 and physical science2 and 7,b7 maximize intra-agency and interagency partnerships to advance space exploration1 scientific knowledge1 and benefits to ,earth4 7#c7 ,use of facilities ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator may use ground-based1 air-based1 and space-based facilities in low-,earth orbit and beyond low-,earth orbit4 7c7 ,lunar discovery programs 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may carry out a program to conduct lunar science research1 including missions to the surface of the ,moon1 that materially contributes to the objective described in section #bjajb7;d77#a7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,a7 ,commercial landers ,in carrying out a program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator may procure the services of commercial landers developed primarily by ,united ,states industry to land science payloads of all classes on the lunar surface4 7,b7 ,lunar science research ,the ,administrator shall ensure that lunar science research carried out under subsection 7a7 is consistent with recommendations made by the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine4 7,c7 ,lunar polar volatiles ,in carrying out a program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall1 at the earliest opportunity1 consider mission proposals to evaluate the potential of lunar polar volatiles to contribute to sustainable lunar exploration4 #ajg4 ,value of ,international ,space ,station and capabilities in low-,earth orbit 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 it is in the national and economic security interests of the ,united ,states to maintain a continuous human presence in low-,earth orbit2 7#b7 low-,earth orbit should be used as a test bed to advance human space exploration and scientific discoveries2 and 7#c7 the ,,iss is a critical component of economic1 commercial1 and industrial development in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,human presence requirement ,the ,united ,states shall continuously maintain the capability for a continuous human presence in low-,earth orbit through and beyond the useful life of the ,,iss4 #ajh4 ,extension and modification relating to ,international ,space ,station 7a7 ,policy ,section #eja7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcea7;a77 is amended by striking #bjbd and inserting #bjcj4 7b7 ,maintenance of ,united ,states segment and assurance of continued operations ,section #ejc7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcec7;a77 is amended by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 7c7 ,research capacity allocation and integration of research payloads ,section #ejd7;d7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 in the first sentence-- 7,a7 by striking ,as soon as practicable and all that follows through #bjaa1 and inserting ,the2 and 7,b7 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 in the third sentence1 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 7d7 ,maintenance of use 7#a7 ,in general ,section #gjijg of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in the section heading1 by striking #bjbd and inserting #bjcj2 7,b7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj2 and 7,c7 in subsection 7b77#c71 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 7e7 ,transition plan reports ,section #ejaaa7;c77#b7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking #bjbc and inserting #bjbh2 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,j71 by striking #bjbh and inserting #bjcj4 7f7 ,elimination of ,international ,space ,station ,national ,laboratory ,advisory ,committee ,section #gjijf of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7g7 ,conforming amendments ,chapter #gji of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating section #gjijg as section #gjijf2 and 7#b7 in the table of sections for the chapter1 by striking the items relating to sections #gjijf and #gjijg and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #gjijf4 ,maintaining use through at least #bjcj4 4 #aji4 ,commercial development in low-,earth orbit 7a7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states to encourage the development of a thriving and robust ,united ,states commercial sector in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,preference for united states commercial products and services ,the ,administrator shall continue to increase the use of assets1 products1 and services of private entities in the ,united ,states to fulfill the low-,earth orbit requirements of the ,administration4 7c7 ,noncompetition 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,administrator may not offer to a foreign person or a foreign government a spaceflight product or service relating to the ,,iss1 if a comparable spaceflight product or service1 as applicable1 is offered by a private entity in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,exception ,the ,administrator may offer a space-flight product or service relating to the ,,iss to the government of a country that is a signatory to the ,agreement ,among the ,government of ,canada1 ,governments of ,member ,states of the ,european ,space ,agency1 the ,government of ,japan1 the ,government of the ,russian ,federation1 and the ,government of the ,united ,states of ,america ,concerning ,cooperation on the ,civil ,international ,space ,station1 signed at ,washington ,january #bi1 #aiih1 and entered into force on ,march #bg1 #bjja 7,,tias #abibg74 ,this includes any foreign nationals that are sponsored by the signatories of the ,agreement4 7d7 ,short-,duration commercial missions ,to provide opportunities for additional transport of astronauts to the ,,iss and help establish a commercial market in low-,earth orbit1 the ,administrator may permit short-duration missions to the ,,iss for commercial passengers4 7e7 ,program authorization 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish a low-,earth orbit development program to encourage the fullest commercial use and development of space by private entities in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,elements ,the program established under paragraph 7#a7 shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 include activities-- 7,a7 to stimulate demand for-- 7i7 space-based commercial research1 development1 and manufacturing2 7ii7 spaceflight products and services2 and 7iii7 human spaceflight products and services in low-,earth orbit2 7,b7 to improve the capability of the ,,iss to accommodate commercial users2 and 7,c7 subject to paragraph 7#c71 to foster the development of commercial space stations and habitats4 7#c7 ,commercial space stations and habitats 7,a7 ,priority ,with respect to an activity to develop a commercial space station or habitat1 the ,administrator shall give priority to an activity for which a private entity provides a share of the cost to develop and operate the activity4 7,b7 ,limitation ,the ,administrator may not provide funding for the development of a commercial space station or habitat until after the date on which the ,administrator awards a contract for the use of a docking port on the ,,iss4 7,c7 ,report ,not later than #cj days after the date that an award or agreement is made to carry out an activity to develop a commercial space station or habitat1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the development of the commercial space station or habitat1 as applicable1 that includes-- 7i7 a business plan that describes the manner in which the project will-- 7,i7 meet the future requirements of ,,nasa for low-,earth orbit human space-flight services2 and 7,,ii7 fulfill the cost-share funding prioritization under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 a review of the viability of the operational business case1 including-- 7,i7 the level of expected ,government participation2 7,,ii7 a list of anticipated nongovernmental and international customers and associated contributions2 and 7,,iii7 an assessment of long-term sustainability for the nongovernmental customers1 including an independent assessment of the viability of the market for such commercial services or products4 #aaj4 ,maintaining a national laboratory in space 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states segment of the ,international ,space ,station 7as defined in section #gjije of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code71 which is designated as a national laboratory under section #gjije7;b7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code-- 7,a7 benefits the scientific community and promotes commerce in space2 7,b7 fosters stronger relationships among ,,nasa and other ,federal agencies1 the private sector1 and research groups and universities2 7,c7 advances science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics education through use of the unique microgravity environment2 and 7,d7 advances human knowledge and international cooperation2 7#b7 after the ,,iss is decommissioned1 the ,united ,states should maintain a national microgravity laboratory in space2 7#c7 in maintaining a national microgravity laboratory in space1 the ,united ,states should make appropriate accommodations for different types of ownership and operation arrangements for the ,,iss and future space stations2 7#d7 to the maximum extent practicable1 a national microgravity laboratory in space should be maintained in cooperation with international space partners2 and 7#e7 ,,nasa should continue to support fundamental science research on future platforms in low-,earth orbit and cislunar space1 orbital and suborbital flights1 drop towers1 and other microgravity testing environments4 7b7 ,report ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,national ,space ,council and other ,federal agencies as the ,administrator considers appropriate1 shall issue a report detailing the feasibility of establishing a microgravity national laboratory federally funded research and development center to carry out activities relating to the study and use of in-space conditions4 ,,ii ,,safety ,,and ,,transparency #bja4 ,crew transportation safety 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ensuring the safety of ,american astronauts is the top priority of ,,nasa's human spaceflight program2 7#b7 in efforts to meet deadlines to return humans to the ,moon1 ,,nasa should take all steps necessary to mitigate any and all risk to crew2 and 7#c7 it is the role of ,congress to exercise prudence in the use of taxpayer dollars and ensure transparency to the taxpayer to the greatest extent possible4 7b7 ,in general ,to ensure that ,,nasa's human exploration systems comply with the direction in this ,act to have a shared safety standard that is consistent across all elements of the architecture1 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 implement a program to ensure that best practices1 lessons learned and other information is shared across all elements of the human exploration program1 including public-private partnerships and commercial service procurement2 7#b7 require that any entity receiving funding for the development or operation of a human spaceflight element or activity make all necessary information available to ,,nasa and the appropriate government oversight entities1 including the ,,nasa ,advisory ,committee and its subcommittees1 the ,aerospace ,safety ,advisory ,committee and the relevant committees of ,congress2 and 7#c7 produce a public report twice a year detailing progress towards meeting or sustaining the shared safety standards and identifying areas1 programs1 or services where these standards have not been met or maintained1 and the associated corrective action to address these issues4 7c7 ,report ,within #abj days of enactment1 the ,administrator shall provide a report to the ,committees on the implementation of this direction and how it plans to ensure these comparable safety standards are met throughout the development1 test and operation of such systems4 7d7 ,congressional notice 7#a7 ,should any element of human exploration system architecture1 whether owned and operated by ,,nasa1 developed and operated as a public-private partnership or procured as a commercial service1 fails to meet the common safety standards established1 ,congress shall be notified and receive a report on corrective actions and options available to improve safety and resiliency of such system7s7 within #cj days4 ,,iii ,u4,s4 national security #cja4 ,cybersecurity 7a7 ,in general ,section #bjcja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,cybersecurity ,the ,administrator shall update and improve the cybersecurity of ,,nasa space assets and supporting infrastructure4 4 7b7 ,security operations center 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall maintain a ,security ,operations ,center1 to identify and respond to cybersecurity threats to ,,nasa information technology systems1 including institutional systems and mission systems4 7#b7 ,inspector general recommendations ,the ,administrator shall implement1 to the maximum extent practicable1 each of the recommendations contained in the report of the ,inspector ,general of ,,nasa entitled ,audit of ,,nasa's ,security ,operations ,center1 issued on ,may #bc1 #bjah4 7c7 ,cyber threat hunt 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 may implement a cyber threat hunt capability to proactively search ,,nasa information systems for advanced cyber threats that otherwise evade existing security tools4 7#b7 ,threat-hunting process ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall develop and document a threat-hunting process1 including the roles and responsibilities of individuals conducting a cyber threat hunt4 7d7 ,,gao priority recommendations ,the ,administrator shall implement1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the recommendations for ,,nasa contained in the report of the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states entitled ,information ,security3 ,agencies ,need to ,improve ,controls over ,selected ,high-,impact ,systems1 issued ,may #ah1 #bjaf1 including-- 7#a7 re-evaluating security control assessments2 and 7#b7 specifying metrics for the continuous monitoring strategy of the ,administration4 #cjb4 ,exemption from the ,iran1 ,north ,korea1 and ,syria ,nonproliferation ,act ,section #g7a7 of the ,iran1 ,north ,korea1 and ,syria ,nonproliferation ,act 7,public ,law #ajf-agh2 #ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note7 is amended1 in the undesignated matter following subparagraph 7,b71 by striking ,december #ca1 #bjbj and inserting ,december #ca1 #bjcj4 #cjc4 ,limitation on cooperation with the ,people's ,republic of ,china 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided by subsection 7b71 the ,administrator1 the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy1 and the ,chair of the ,national ,space ,council1 shall not-- 7#a7 develop1 design1 plan1 promulgate1 implement1 or execute a bilateral policy1 program1 order1 or contract of any kind to participate1 collaborate1 or coordinate bilaterally in any manner with-- 7,a7 the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7,b7 any company-- 7i7 owned by the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7ii7 incorporated under the laws of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 and 7#b7 host official visitors from the ,people's ,republic of ,china at a facility belonging to or used by ,,nasa4 7b7 ,waiver 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 the ,director1 or the ,chair may waive the limitation under subsection 7a7 with respect to an activity described in that subsection only if the ,administrator1 the ,director1 or the ,chair1 as applicable1 makes a determination that the activity-- 7,a7 does not pose a risk of a transfer of technology1 data1 or other information with national security or economic security implications to an entity described in paragraph 7#a7 of such subsection2 and 7,b7 does not involve knowing interactions with officials who have been determined by the ,united ,states to have direct involvement with violations of human rights4 7#b7 ,certification to ,congress ,not later than #cj days after the date on which a waiver is granted under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator1 the ,director1 or the ,chair1 as applicable1 shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives a written certification that the activity complies with the requirements in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of that paragraph4 #cjd4 ,countering ,chinese threats to ,u4,s4 activities in space 7a7 ,findings 7#a7 ,the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china maintains1 as a national priority1 a global program of theft and other misappropriation of intellectual property1 and unacceptable technology transfer requirements1 particularly in fields of high technology4 7#b7 ,china is taking steps to establish a commanding position in the commercial launch and satellite sectors relying in part on aggressive state-backed financing that market-driven companies cannot match4 7#c7 ,china has engaged in an aggressive campaign to dominate sensitive markets such as germanium wafer production1 used for nearly all specialized satellite solar panels1 allowing ,china ownership of over #gj percent of global germanium mining1 refining1 and production4 7#d7 ,china has begun focusing on the lunar surface and cislunar space as priorities in its space program1 which is indistinguishable from its armed forces4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment1 the ,executive ,secretary of the ,national ,space ,council shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that includes3 7#a7 ,how ,china is harming the ,u4,s4 commercial space industry's competitiveness and threatening ,u4,s4 national security4 ,specifically1 the ,executive ,secretary shall investigate-- 7,a7 theft of intellectual property through technology transfer requirements or otherwise2 7,b7 ,chinese efforts to seize control over critical elements of the space industry supply chain2 7,c7 ,chinese efforts to seize control over space industry companies1 sister companies with shared leadership1 or supply chain2 and 7,d7 ,u4,s4 cybersecurity weaknesses4 7#b7 ,current steps the ,united ,states is taking to protect its domestic space industry from ,chinese influence4 7#c7 ,recommendations to ,congress on legislative action necessary to address ,chinese threats to the ,u4,s4 domestic commercial launch and satellite industries and improve ,u4,s4 efforts to counter threats to ,u4,s4 activities in space4 7#d7 ,recommendations on how the ,u4,s4 ,government can best utilize existing ,federal entities to investigate and act against potentially harmful ,chinese investment into the ,u4,s4 commercial space industry1 and how the ,u4,s4 ,government can bolster domestic investment in critical ,u4,s4 space industry technologies4 #cje4 ,consideration of issues related to contracting with entities receiving assistance from or affiliated with the ,people's ,republic of ,china ,in considering any response to a request for a proposal1 request for information1 broad area announcement1 or any other form of request or solicitation1 and in considering or undertaking any negotiation or conclusion of any contract1 agreement1 or other transaction with any commercial or non-commercial entity1 the ,administrator shall1 in consultation with appropriate ,federal departments and agencies1 take into account the implications of any benefit received by such commercial or non-commercial entity 7or any other commercial or non-commercial entity related through ownership1 control1 or other affiliation to such entity7 as a result of a significant loan or other financial assistance provided by-- 7#a7 any governmental organization of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7#b7 any other entity that is-- 7,a7 majority owned or controlled by1 or otherwise affiliated with1 any governmental organization of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7,b7 organized under1 or otherwise subject to1 the laws of the ,people's ,republic of ,china4