,,ii #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #icc ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,march #aa 7legislative day1 ,march #aj71 #bjbe,mr4 ,cruz 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,cantwell1 ,mr4 ,moran1 ,mr4 ,peters1 ,mr4 ,schmitt1 ,mr4 ,lujn1 and ,ms4 ,duckworth7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to authorize programs for the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration for fiscal year #bjbe1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,,nasa ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjbe4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4,,title ,i--,authorization of ,appropriations,sec4 #aja4 ,authorization of ,,nasa for fiscal year #bjbe4,,title ,,ii--,exploration,sec4 #bja4 ,continuity of purpose for space exploration4,sec4 #bjb4 ,artemis program4,sec4 #bjc4 ,reaffirmation of the ,space ,launch ,system4,sec4 #bjd4 ,human-rated lunar landing capabilities4,sec4 #bje4 ,advanced spacesuit capabilities4,,title ,,iii--,space ,operations,sec4 #cja4 ,maximizing ,united ,states presence in low-,earth orbit4,sec4 #cjb4 ,commercial ,low-,earth ,orbit ,development ,program4,sec4 #cjc4 ,transition to a commercially led low-,earth orbit economy4,sec4 #cjd4 ,nongovernmental missions on the ,international ,space ,station4,sec4 #cje4 ,brief on suborbital crew missions4,sec4 #cjf4 ,lunar communications4,sec4 #cjg4 ,celestial time standardization4,,title ,,iv--,space technology,sec4 #dja4 ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate4,sec4 #djb4 ,,sbir phase ,,ii flexibility4,sec4 #djc4 ,sense of ,congress on cryogenic fluid valve technology review4,,title ,v--,aeronautics,sec4 #eja4 ,definitions4,sec4 #ejb4 ,hypersonic research4,sec4 #ejc4 ,advanced materials and manufacturing technology4,sec4 #ejd4 ,unmanned aircraft system and advanced air mobility4,sec4 #eje4 ,advanced capabilities for emergency response operations4,sec4 #ejf4 ,hydrogen aviation4,sec4 #ejg4 ,high-performance chase aircraft4,sec4 #ejh4 ,collaboration with academia4,,title ,,vi--,science,sec4 #fja4 ,maintaining a balanced science portfolio4,sec4 #fjb4 ,implementation of science mission cost caps4,sec4 #fjc4 ,reexamination of decadal surveys4,sec4 #fjd4 ,landsat4,sec4 #fje4 ,commercial satellite data4,sec4 #fjf4 ,planetary science portfolio4,sec4 #fjg4 ,planetary defense4,sec4 #fjh4 ,lunar discovery and exploration4,sec4 #fji4 ,commercial lunar payload services4,sec4 #faj4 ,planetary and lunar operations4,sec4 #faa4 ,mars sample return4,sec4 #fab4 ,heliophysics research4,sec4 #fac4 ,geospace dynamics constellation4,sec4 #fad4 ,nancy ,grace ,roman ,telescope4,sec4 #fae4 ,chandra ,x-ray ,observatory4,,title ,,vii--,,stem ,education,sec4 #gja4 ,national space grant college and fellowship program4,sec4 #gjb4 ,skilled technical workforce education outreach4,,title ,,viii--,,nasa policy,sec4 #hja4 ,,nasa advisory council4,sec4 #hjb4 ,,nasa assessment of early cost estimates4,sec4 #hjc4 ,authority for production contracts following other transaction prototype projects4,sec4 #hjd4 ,role of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration in commercial space activities4,sec4 #hje4 ,restriction on ,federal funds relating to certain ,chinese space and scientific activities4,sec4 #hjf4 ,findings relating to contract flexibility4,sec4 #hjg4 ,,gao report4,sec4 #hjh4 ,,nasa public-private talent program4,sec4 #hji4 ,mentoring4,sec4 #haj4 ,drinking water well replacement for ,chincoteague1 ,virginia4,sec4 #haa4 ,passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation4,sec4 #hab4 ,rule of construction4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 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 7#d7 ,commercial provider ,the term commercial provider means any person providing space services or space-related capabilities1 primary control of which is held by persons other than the ,federal ,government1 a ,state or local government1 or a foreign government4 7#e7 ,continuous human presence2 continuous presence ,the terms continuous human presence and continuous presence mean the maintenance by the ,united ,states of the presence1 in low-,earth orbit on #a or more space stations on a permanent1 on-going basis1 of not fewer than-- 7,a7 #a government astronaut2 or 7,b7 #a astronaut sponsored by the ,united ,states ,government4 7#f7 ,deep space ,the term deep space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit that includes cislunar space4 7#g7 ,government astronaut ,the term government astronaut has the meaning given such term in section #ejijb of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#h7 ,,iss ,the term ,,iss means the ,international ,space ,station4 7#i7 ,low-earth orbit ,the term low-,earth orbit means the area encompassing ,earth-centered orbits at an altitude not more than #a1bjj miles 7#b1jjj kilometers74 7#aj7 ,,nasa ,the term ,,nasa means the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 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 ,space launch system ,the term ,space ,launch ,system means the ,space ,launch ,system authorized under section #cjb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbb74 ,i ,authorization of ,appropriations #aja4 ,authorization of ,,nasa for fiscal year #bjbe ,for fiscal year #bjbe1 there is authorized to be appropriated to ,,nasa #be1ejg1edj1jjj as follows3 7#a7 ,for the ,exploration ,systems ,development ,mission ,directorate1 #g1fdh1bjj1jjj4 7#b7 ,for the ,space ,operations ,mission ,directorate1 #d1dgc1ejj1jjj4 7#c7 ,for the ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate1 #a1aha1hjj1jjj4 7#d7 ,for the ,science ,mission ,directorate1 #g1ege1gjj1jjj4 7#e7 ,for the ,aeronautics ,research ,mission ,directorate1 #ife1hjj1jjj4 7#f7 ,for the ,office of ,,stem ,engagement1 #adc1ejj1jjj4 7#g7 ,for ,safety1 ,security1 and ,mission ,services1 #c1jdd1ddj1jjj4 7#h7 ,for ,construction and ,environmental ,compliance and ,restoration1 #dbd1ajj1jjj4 7#i7 ,for ,inspector ,general1 #ej1ejj1jjj4 ,,ii ,exploration #bja4 ,continuity of purpose for space exploration 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,,nasa continues to make progress in developing and testing the ,space ,launch ,system1 ,orion1 and associated ground systems1 including through the successful completion of the ,artemis ,i mission in ,november #bjbb and through continued preparations for the ,artemis ,,ii crewed flight demonstration mission4 7#b7 ,the number of spacefaring countries is increasing1 and foreign countries have expanded activities for space exploration efforts1 including efforts to explore and use the ,moon through human and robotic missions4 7#c7 ,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 competitiveness4 7#d7 ,clear mission objectives that tie to concrete1 long-term programmatic goals provide a measure to ensure accountability1 enhance public support for exploration missions1 and provide a clear signal of commitment to both international and domestic partners4 7b7 ,continuity of existing capabilities and programs 7#a7 ,as part of the human exploration activities of the ,administration1 including progress on ,artemis missions and activities1 the ,administrator shall continue development of space exploration elements pursuant to section #ajhaa of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb74 7#b7 ,the ,administrator shall leverage the private sector for logistical services to the extent practical1 consistent with the ,moon to ,mars architecture requirements and in accordance with section #ejaca of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,congress reaffirms the sense of ,congress to maintain continuity of purpose as described in section #bja of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #aca ,stat4 #ba74 #bjb4 ,artemis program 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,exploration of outer space1 including exploration of the lunar surface and cislunar space1 provides benefits and economic opportunity1 including by inspiring future generations and expanding the science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics workforce needed to sustain ,united ,states leadership in science1 space1 and technology4 7#b7 ,the lunar south pole is home to shadowed craters that may contain water ice and other volatiles4 ,understanding the nature of lunar polar volatiles1 such as water ice1 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 exploration4 ,water ice lunar resources have the potential to become an enabling component of future space exploration missions throughout the solar system1 including crewed missions to ,mars4 7#c7 ,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 bases4 7#d7 ,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 destinations4 7#e7 ,it is in the national interest of the ,united ,states to hold a leadership role in discussions of future norms governing activities in space1 including those on the lunar surface and in cislunar space4 7b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out activities to enable ,artemis missions under the ,moon to ,mars ,program set forth in section #ajhaa of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 use relevant elements set forth in section #ajhaa7;b77#b77;,b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note72 7#b7 continue to ensure that the elements under paragraph 7#a7 enable the human exploration of ,mars1 consistent with section #ajhaa7;b77#b77;,c77i7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note72 7#c7 engage with international partners1 as appropriate1 in a manner that is consistent with section #ajhaa7;b77#b77;,c7 the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note71 and that increases redundancy1 efficiency1 and cost savings2 and 7#d7 leverage capabilities provided by ,united ,states commercial providers1 as appropriate and practicable4 7c7 ,united ,states commercial provider capabilities in support of lunar exploration efforts ,the ,administrator may enter into agreements with ,united ,states commercial providers or engage in public-private partnerships to procure capabilities and services to support the human exploration of the ,moon or cislunar space4 #bjc4 ,reaffirmation of the ,space ,launch ,system 7a7 ,in general ,congress reaffirms-- 7#a7 support for the full development of capabilities of the ,space ,launch ,system as set forth in section #cjb7;c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbb7;c772 and 7#b7 its commitment to the flight rate of the integrated ,space ,launch ,system and ,orion crew vehicle missions set forth in section #ajhab7;b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja note74 7b7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on ,,nasa's progress towards achieving the flight rate referred to in subsection 7a77#b7 and the expected launch of the integrated ,space ,launch ,system and ,orion crew vehicle missions after which such cadence shall be achieved4 #bjd4 ,human-rated lunar landing capabilities 7a7 ,reaffirmation ,congress reaffirms that the ,moon to ,mars program set forth in section #ajhaa of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note7 shall include human-rated lunar landing systems4 7b7 ,human-rated lunar landing capabilities 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall support the development and demonstration of1 and shall obtain1 human-rated lunar landing capabilities to further the goals of 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 note7 and the ,moon to ,mars ,program set forth in section #ajhaa of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note74 7#b7 ,relevant requirements ,the ,administrator shall ensure that such human-rated lunar landing capabilities meet all relevant requirements1 including requirements of the ,moon to ,mars program1 and for human-rating and certification4 7#c7 ,united ,states commercial provider ,any commercial provider from which the ,administrator obtains human-rated lunar landing capabilities must be a ,united ,states commercial provider4 7#d7 ,duties of ,administrator ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 the ,administrator may include uncrewed lunar landing services2 and 7,b7 the ,administrator shall1 subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose1 seek to obtain capabilities from not fewer than #b commercial providers4 #bje4 ,advanced spacesuit capabilities 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,space suits and associated extravehicular activity 7,,eva7 technologies are critical exploration technologies that are necessary for future human deep space exploration efforts1 including crewed missions to the ,moon4 7#b7 ,the ,,nasa civil service workforce at the ,johnson ,space ,center provides unique capabilities to design1 integrate1 and validate ,space ,suits and associated ,,eva technologies4 7#c7 ,maintaining a strong ,,nasa core competency in the design1 development1 manufacture1 and operation of space suits and related technologies allows ,,nasa to be an informed purchaser of competitively awarded commercial space suits and subcomponents4 7#d7 ,according to a #bjah ,,nasa ,office of ,inspector ,general 7,,oig7 report1 current ,e,v,as space suits1 the ,extravehicular ,mobility ,units 7,e,m,us71 were developed in the late #aigjs1 are reaching the end of their useful life1 have experienced multiple maintenance issues that threaten astronaut lives1 and no longer accommodate the varying sizes of a diverse astronaut corps4 7#e7 ,the same ,,nasa ,,oig report found that manufacturers of several critical suit components1 including the very fibers of the suits1 have now gone out of business1 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 capabilities4 7#f7 ,the private sector currently is developing space suit capabilities4 7#g7 ,testing space suits and related technologies on the ,international ,space ,station could reduce risk and improve safety of such suits and technologies4 7b7 ,requirement ,the ,administrator shall obtain advanced spacesuit capabilities necessary to achieve the goals of ,,nasa's human spaceflight exploration programs4 7c7 ,eligibility ,any commercial provider from which the ,administrator obtains advanced spaceflight capabilities shall be a ,united ,states commercial provider4 7d7 ,preserving spacesuit expertise 7#a7 ,in carrying out subsection 7b71 ,,nasa shall maintain the internal expertise necessary to develop space suits for both extravehicular activity and surface operations1 including through partnerships with the private sector4 7#b7 ,the ,johnson ,space ,center shall continue to manage ,,nasa's spacesuit and extravehicular activity programs4 7e7 ,briefing 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on ,,nasa's plans for-- 7,a7 in-space testing of advanced spacesuit capabilities1 including-- 7i7 space suit tests that shall be conducted in microgravity in low-,earth orbit2 and 7ii7 space suit tests that shall be conducted on the ,international ,space ,station before decommissioning of the ,international ,space ,station2 7,b7 transitioning from existing spacesuits in use on the ,international ,space ,station to use of advanced spacesuit capabilities2 7,c7 future use of advanced spacesuit capabilities by government astronauts with any nongovernmental platform in low-,earth orbit that is certified for use by the ,administration for government astronauts2 and 7,d7 disposition of retired spacesuits used on the ,space ,shuttle or the ,international ,space ,station4 7#b7 ,elements ,the briefing required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a detailed justification of compliance with section #cjcja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7,b7 a detailed certification and justification of compliance with section #ejejc of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,,iii ,space ,operations #cja4 ,maximizing ,united ,states presence in low-,earth orbit 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 it is in the national and economic security1 foreign policy1 and scientific interests of the ,united ,states to maintain a continuous presence in low-,earth orbit2 7#b7 low-,earth orbit include a mix of crewed and uncrewed capabilities2 7#c7 low-,earth orbit should be used to advance human space exploration1 scientific discoveries1 and ,united ,states economic competitiveness and commercial participation2 and 7#d7 until the date on which a commercial low-,earth orbit destination capability achieves an initial operating capability1 it is in the national and economic security1 foreign policy1 and scientific interests of the ,united ,states to maintain and support the ,international ,space ,station in the same effective manner that has made the ,international ,space ,station successful for many years4 7b7 ,continuous human presence requirement ,the ,administrator shall maintain the capability for a continuous human presence to advance human space exploration1 scientific discoveries1 international cooperation and ,united ,states economic competitiveness and commercial participation in low-,earth orbit through and beyond the useful life of the ,international ,space ,station4 7c7 ,commercial ,low-,earth ,orbit ,development ,program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may establish1 within the ,space ,operations ,mission ,directorate1 a ,commercial ,low-,earth ,orbit ,development ,program for the purpose of procuring1 from #a or more ,united ,states commercial providers1 services to support activities described in subsection 7b7 in low-,earth orbit1 as appropriate and practicable4 7#b7 ,consolidation ,in establishing a program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator may1 as appropriate and practicable1 consolidate programs of other ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration centers that support such activities4 7d7 ,proper support 7#a7 ,in general ,to adequately maintain the effective use of the ,international ,space ,station1 the ,administrator shall1 subject to the availability of appropriations1 seek to maintain the same average number and frequency of commercial crew and cargo flights1 tempo of operations and crew size1 and research throughput until such time as #a or more commercial space stations is capable of providing services to the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#b7 ,managed transition 7,a7 ,in general ,when #a or more commercial space stations is capable of providing services to the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration1 the ,administrator shall begin the process of an orderly1 managed transition of operations from the ,international ,space ,station to commercial providers in such a way as to maintain a continuous human presence4 7,b7 ,mixed portfolio ,in transitioning operations under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,administrator shall seek to maintain the same average number and frequency of commercial crew and cargo flights to1 and tempo of operations and crew size and research throughput in1 low-,earth orbit1 managed across a portfolio that includes the ,international ,space ,station and #a or more commercial space stations4 7#c7 ,de-orbit vehicle 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall develop a de-orbit vehicle for the eventual decommissioning of the ,international ,space ,station4 7,b7 ,annual report ,not less frequently than annually until the date on which the ,,iss is decommissioned1 the ,administrator shall include1 in the budget justification materials submitted to ,congress in support of the budget of the ,president for a fiscal year pursuant to section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 a report that-- 7i7 contains a description of the annual and lifecycle costs for activities related to the de-orbit of the ,international ,space ,station2 and 7ii7 describes the manner in which such costs are shared among ,,iss partners4 7e7 ,waiver 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may waive the application of subsections 7b7 and 7d7 if the ,administrator determines that technical issues exist that prohibit the continued safe and effective operation of the ,international ,space ,station1 including issues with crew and cargo flights4 7#b7 ,notification ,the ,administrator shall notify the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives of the exercise of a waiver authority under paragraph 7#a74 #cjb4 ,commercial ,low-,earth ,orbit ,development ,program 7a7 ,continuous crew presence and activity ,the ,administrator shall use commercial low-,earth orbit destinations to ensure the continuous presence of ,united ,states ,government crew to advance human space exploration1 scientific discoveries1 and ,united ,states economic competitiveness and commercial participation in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,support and funding ,the ,administrator1 subject to the availability of appropriations1 shall support and fund the ,commercial ,low-,earth ,orbit ,development ,program to provide a commercially supported follow-on capability to the ,international ,space ,station4 7c7 ,development of commercial low-,earth orbit destinations 7#a7 ,solicitation 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall issue a solicitation using full and open competition to identify commercial entities capable of providing services to the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration on commercial destinations in low-,earth orbit4 7,b7 ,requirements ,not later than ,april #cj1 #bjbe1 the ,administrator shall release a document outlining the requirements for a commercial destination in low-,earth orbit to facilitate the development of a request for proposal for services to be provided to ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7,c7 ,final request for proposal ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbe1 the ,administrator shall make available the final request for proposal to solicit industry proposals for such services4 7#b7 ,selection 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than ,march #ca1 #bjbf1 the ,administrator shall select from among commercial entities that submit a proposal in response to the solicitation under paragraph 7#a71 subject to the availability of meritorious proposals and appropriations1 #b or more commercial low-,earth orbit destinations to be developed1 with the goal of establishing1 not later than ,december #ca1 #bjcj1 not fewer than #a such destination capable of-- 7i7 providing safe1 efficient1 and reliable operations for continuous human presence in low-,earth orbit2 and 7ii7 offering such services to the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7,b7 ,use of funds ,funds provided by the ,administrator to the ,commercial ,low-,earth ,orbit ,development ,program shall be used to support the selection described in subparagraph 7,a74 7d7 ,transition period ,the ,administrator may not de-orbit the ,international ,space ,station until the date on which a commercial low-,earth orbit destination space station has reached initial operational capability in low-,earth orbit1 in accordance with the managed transition process described in section #cja7;d77#b74 7e7 ,waiver ,the ,administrator may waive the application of subsection 7d7 if-- 7#a7 the ,administrator determines that technical issues exist that prohibit the safe and effective operation of the ,international ,space ,station2 or 7#b7 a commercial system is capable of providing safe1 efficient1 and reliable operations for ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration missions1 including not fewer than #b mission-related flights4 #cjc4 ,transition to a commercially led low-,earth orbit economy 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the transition from the ,international ,space ,station to commercial destinations to support a continuous human presence in low-,earth orbit is in the national and economic security interests of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 the ,united ,states should-- 7,a7 facilitate partnerships between the ,federal ,government1 international partners1 and the commercial space sector1 including through the purchase of commercial low-,earth orbit services1 to ensure the evolution of an ecosystem with private sector development of new technologies1 hardware1 processes1 capabilities1 and other commercial low-,earth orbit service offerings2 and 7,b7 continue to consider private sector proposals that further the development of the low-,earth orbit economy in which the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration is one of many customers4 7b7 ,authorization ,the ,administrator shall authorize activities on the ,international ,space ,station and within the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration that develop infrastructure1 hardware1 processes1 capabilities1 technologies1 and personnel to enable the development of commercial low-,earth orbit destinations and a ,united ,states-led low-,earth orbit economy4 7c7 ,commercial activities ,the ,administrator may permit the use of the ,international ,space ,station1 in a manner consistent with the policy and purposes of the ,administration under section #bjajb of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code-- 7#a7 to carry out the activities described in subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 to conduct-- 7,a7 science and technology research with commercial applications2 and 7,b7 marketing and sponsorship of services and products on a cost-reimbursable basis4 7d7 ,reports ,section #ejaaa of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,low-,earth orbit transition plan 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,,iss management entity 7as defined in section #b of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj771 the commercial low-,earth orbit management entity1 the commercial crew management entity1 ,international ,space ,station partners1 and the scientific user community shall develop a plan to transition from the current regime that relies heavily on ,administration sponsorship to a regime where the ,united ,states ,government is one of many customers of a low-,earth orbit nongovernmental human space flight enterprise4 7#b7 ,briefing ,not later than ,april #a1 #bjbe1 and annually thereafter until the date on which the ,international ,space ,station has de-orbited and not fewer than #a commercial destination supports a continuous presence in low-,earth orbit1 the ,administrator shall provide the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives with a briefing that includes-- 7,a7 an evaluation of the service life of the ,international ,space ,station through #bjcj1 as a unique scientific1 commercial1 and space exploration-related facility1 including-- 7i7 the cost associated with extending the service life of the ,international ,space ,station through #bjcj2 7ii7 an assessment of the technical limiting factors of the service life of the ,international ,space ,station2 and 7iii7 such other information as may be necessary to fully describe the justification for and feasibility of extending the service life of the ,international ,space ,station1 including the potential scientific or technological benefits to the ,federal ,government1 the public1 or academic or commercial entities2 7,b7 an identification of barriers to the development and commercialization of the low-,earth orbit economy1 including potential policy1 regulatory frameworks1 research security protocols1 and intellectual property and data protection laws1 that could prohibit-- 7i7 commercial research and development on the ,international ,space ,station2 or 7ii7 expansion of a userbase1 other than the ,administration1 for commercial destinations in low-,earth orbit2 7,c7 the steps the ,administration is taking to eliminate barriers described in subparagraph 7,b72 7,d7 an identification of the necessary actions and an estimate of the costs to de-orbit the ,international ,space ,station at the end of its service life2 7,e7 the status of the actions identified under subparagraph 7,d72 7,f7 the impact on the ,commercial ,low-,earth ,orbit ,development ,program1 the ,moon to ,mars program1 and any other human exploration program of extending the service life of ,international ,space ,station beyond #bjcj2 7,g7 a summary of the status of the transition from the ,international ,space ,station to commercial destinations in low-,earth orbit1 including-- 7i7 the status of the prospects for accomplishing future mission requirements1 space exploration objectives1 recommendations and schedules under the current ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine ,decadal ,survey on ,biological and ,physical ,sciences in ,space1 and other research objectives to maintain ,united ,states leadership in scientific and commercial discovery on future commercially led low-,earth orbit platforms or migration of such objectives to cis-lunar space 7as defined in section #b of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj72 7ii7 a description of the commercial low-,earth orbit destination services procurement strategy1 including status of the commercial low-,earth orbit destination procurement timeline and the schedule for attaining operational capacity of such destinations after contract awards are made2 and 7iii7 a description and schedule of major milestones and the manner in which such milestones relate to de-orbiting the ,international ,space ,station2 and 7,h7 an evaluation of the functions1 roles1 and responsibilities for management and operation of the ,commercial ,low-,earth ,orbit ,development ,program1 including an identification of-- 7i7 such functions1 roles1 and responsibilities the ,federal ,government could retain during and at the end of the transition from the ,international ,space ,station to commercial destinations2 7ii7 such functions1 roles1 and responsibilities that would be transferred to the commercial space sector2 7iii7 the metrics that would indicate the readiness and ability of the commercial space sector to assume the functions1 roles1 and responsibilities identified under clause 7ii72 and 7iv7 any legislative changes1 and any changes to any agreement or other document1 necessary to enable the mission requirements1 objectives1 steps identified under subparagraph 7,c71 and recommendations and schedules described in subparagraph 7,g77i74 7#c7 ,low-,earth orbit defined ,in this subsection1 the term low-,earth orbit means the area encompassing ,earth-centered orbits at an altitude not more than #a1bjj miles 7#b1jjj kilometers74 4 #cjd4 ,nongovernmental missions on the ,international ,space ,station 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 nongovernmental missions involving crew or spaceflight participants on the ,international ,space ,station carried out1 as appropriate1 pursuant to ,,nasa policies and procedures1 and ,federal ,government laws and regulations1 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 economy2 and 7#b7 the ,administrator should share lessons learned from nongovernmental missions on the ,international ,space ,station to advance the commercial human spaceflight industry1 to promote the safety of future commercial low-,earth orbit platforms1 and to inform the evolution of policies guiding such activities in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,nongovernmental missions on the ,,iss ,the ,administrator may enter into #a or more agreements to enable #a or more ,united ,states commercial providers to conduct nongovernmental missions on the ,international ,space ,station pursuant to ,,nasa policies and procedures1 and ,federal government laws and regulations4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the terms crew and spaceflight participant have the meanings given such terms in section #ejijb of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 #cje4 ,brief on suborbital crew missions ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on the costs1 benefits1 risks1 training requirements1 and policy or legal implications1 including liability matters1 of launching ,united ,states ,government personnel on commercial suborbital vehicles4 #cjf4 ,lunar communications 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,reliable communication and navigation capabilities are essential for sustainable human and robotic exploration of the ,moon4 7#b7 ,fostering the development of commercial capabilities can accelerate the deployment of lunar communication and navigation services4 7b7 ,authorization ,the ,administrator is authorized to develop a robust and resilient architecture for lunar communications and navigation to support the ,administration's human and robotic lunar exploration activities4 7c7 ,study and plan ,to inform the development described in subsection 7b71 the ,administrator shall conduct a study and develop a plan-- 7#a7 to enable interoperable communications and navigation services for cislunar missions2 7#b7 to work with the private sector1 other ,federal agencies1 and1 as appropriate1 international partners to establish technical standards1 consistent with section #ab7;d7 of the ,national ,technology ,transfer and ,advancement ,act of #aiie 7,public ,law #ajd-aac71 protocols1 and interface requirements for cislunar communications and navigation services and systems2 7#c7 to support ,,nasa lunar activities2 7#d7 to leverage ,,nasa's space technology research1 development1 and demonstration activities related to space communications and navigation2 and 7#e7 to evaluate the opportunities1 benefits1 feasibility1 and challenges of the potential use of commercial cislunar communication and navigation services1 as appropriate1 by ,united ,states commercial providers4 #cjg4 ,celestial time standardization 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,united ,states leadership of a sustained presence on the ,moon and in deep space exploration is important for advancing science1 exploration1 commercial growth1 and international partnership2 7#b7 the ,artemis and ,moon to ,mars program of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration will involve governmental1 commercial1 academic1 and international partners where there is a need for interoperability between systems2 7#c7 the use of ,coordinated ,universal ,time has challenges when used beyond ,earth at other celestial bodies due to relativistic effects2 7#d7 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 operations2 and 7#e7 development of such standardization will advance ,united ,states leadership in standards setting for global competitiveness1 and will benefit other spacefaring countries and entities4 7b7 ,development of celestial time standardization ,the ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy1 shall conduct the following activities3 7#a7 ,enable the development of celestial time standardization1 including by leading the study of1 and development of a definition for1 a coordinated lunar time4 7#b7 ,develop a strategy to implement a coordinated lunar time that would support future operations and infrastructure on and around the ,moon4 7#c7 ,in carrying out paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7-- 7,a7 coordinate with relevant ,federal entities1 including the ,department of ,commerce1 the ,department of ,defense1 the ,department of ,state1 and the ,department of ,transportation2 and 7,b7 consult with relevant-- 7i7 private sector entities2 7ii7 academic entities2 and 7iii7 international standards-setting bodies4 7#d7 ,incorporate the following features of a coordinated lunar time1 to the extent practicable1 in the development of the strategy developed under paragraph 7#b73 7,a7 ,traceability to ,coordinated ,universal ,time4 7,b7 ,accuracy sufficient to support precision navigation and science4 7,c7 ,resilience to loss of contact with ,earth4 7,d7 ,scalability to space environments beyond the ,earth-,moon system4 7c7 ,briefing ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives with a briefing on the strategy developed pursuant to subsection 7b77#b71 including relevant plans1 timelines1 and resources required for the implementation of a coordinated lunar time pursuant to such strategy4 ,,iv ,space technology #dja4 ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that an independent ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate is critical to ensuring continued investments in the development of technologies for missions across the portfolio of ,,nasa1 including science1 aeronautics1 and human exploration4 7b7 ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate ,the ,administrator shall maintain a ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate consistent with section #gjb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja note74 #djb4 ,,sbir phase ,,ii flexibility ,section #i of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fch7 is amended in subsection 7cc7 by striking and the ,department of ,education and inserting the ,department of ,education1 and the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 #djc4 ,sense of ,congress on cryogenic fluid valve technology review ,it is the sense of ,congress that advancing cryogenic fluid valve technology would support the ,administration's efforts to improve cryogenic fluid management and improve space vehicle reliability and efficiency4 ,v ,aeronautics #eja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,advanced air mobility2 ,,aam ,the terms advanced air mobility and ,,aam mean a transportation system that is comprised of urban air mobility and regional air mobility using manned or unmanned aircraft4 7#b7 ,regional air mobility ,the term regional air mobility means the movement of passengers or property by air between #b points using an airworthy aircraft that-- 7,a7 has advanced technologies1 such as distributed propulsion1 vertical takeoff and landing1 powered lift1 nontraditional power systems1 or autonomous technologies2 7,b7 has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than #a1cbj pounds2 and 7,c7 is not urban air mobility4 7#c7 ,unmanned aircraft system ,the term unmanned aircraft system has the meanings given such term in section #ddhja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#d7 ,urban air mobility ,the term urban air mobility means the movement of passengers or property by air between #b points in different cities or #b points within the same city using an airworthy aircraft that-- 7,a7 has advanced technologies1 such as distributed propulsion1 vertical takeoff and landing1 powered lift1 nontraditional power systems1 or autonomous technologies2 and 7,b7 has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than #a1cbj pounds4 #ejb4 ,hypersonic research 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 basic and applied hypersonic research-- 7,a7 is critical for enabling the development of advanced high-speed aeronautical and space systems2 and 7,b7 can improve understanding of technical challenges related to high-speed and reusable vehicle technologies1 including those related to propulsion1 noise1 advanced materials1 and entry1 descent1 and landing operations2 7#b7 investments in hypersonic research are critical to sustaining ,united ,states global leadership in space and aeronautics2 and 7#c7 ,,nasa efforts to study hypersonic research-- 7,a7 should not duplicate1 and may complement1 research supported by the ,department of ,defense2 and 7,b7 should be conducted in partnership with universities and industry1 as appropriate4 7b7 ,hypersonic research ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,federal ,aviation ,administration and the ,secretary of ,defense1 as appropriate1 and in consultation with industry and academia1 shall continue to carry out basic and applied hypersonic research4 7c7 ,hypersonic research roadmap 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,administrator of the ,federal ,aviation ,administration1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 industry1 and academic institutions1 shall update the hypersonic research roadmap required under section #fjc of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #aca ,stat4 #ee74 7#b7 ,considerations ,in updating the research roadmap1 the ,administrator may consider-- 7,a7 advancements in-- 7i7 system level design1 analysis1 and validation of hypersonic aircraft technologies2 7ii7 propulsion capabilities and technologies2 7iii7 vehicle technologies1 including vehicle flow physics and vehicle thermal management associated with aerodynamic heating2 7iv7 7,i7 advanced materials1 including materials capable of withstanding high temperatures2 7,,ii7 demonstrating durable materials2 and 7,,iii7 efforts to apply such materials2 and 7v7 other areas of hypersonic research as determined appropriate by the ,administrator2 and 7,b7 data trends regarding sonic boom overpressures associated with hypersonic aircraft4 7d7 ,report and briefing ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress the updated research roadmap under subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on the research conducted under subsection 7b71 including with respect to the manner in which such research aligns with such updated research roadmap4 #ejc4 ,advanced materials and manufacturing technology 7a7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the status of ,,nasa activities relating to subsections 7e7 and 7f7 of section #ajhca of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #djajb note74 7b7 ,update and briefing ,not later than #b years after the date on which the report required by subsection 7a7 is submitted1 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress an update to the findings contained in such report2 and 7#b7 provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on such update4 #ejd4 ,unmanned aircraft system and advanced air mobility ,the ,administrator shall continue research1 as appropriate and necessary1 in collaboration with the ,administrator of ,federal ,aviation ,administration1 the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 and appropriate representatives of academia and industry1 on unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility4 #eje4 ,advanced capabilities for emergency response operations 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may continue to conduct research and development activities under the ,advanced ,capabilities for ,emergency ,response ,operations 7,,acero7 project1 or appropriate successor project or projects1 to improve aerial responses to wildfires4 7b7 ,briefing 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on ongoing research and development activities related to improving aerial responses to wildfires4 7#b7 ,elements ,the briefing required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an identification of any topic related to improvement of aerial responses to wildfires that could benefit from further research4 7,b7 ,a description of collaboration with other relevant ,federal agencies4 7,c7 ,a description of any continuing efforts under this section4 7,d7 ,any other information the ,administrator considers appropriate4 #ejf4 ,hydrogen aviation 7a7 ,in general ,subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose1 the ,administrator may carry out research on emerging technologies related to hydrogen aviation4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on the ongoing research under subsection 7a7 that includes-- 7#a7 an identification of any agency with which ,,nasa has partnered on such research2 and 7#b7 a description of anticipated further actions and activities related to the topic of hydrogen aviation4 #ejg4 ,high-performance chase aircraft 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa programs benefit from and rely upon high-performance chase aircraft for providing research and mission support2 and 7#b7 ,,nasa currently faces maintenance challenges related to its aging high-performance aircraft fleet1 which is resulting in increased program costs4 7b7 ,briefing ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and biannually thereafter1 the ,administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on the strategy of ,,nasa relating to the following3 7#a7 ,collaboration with the ,department of ,defense on efforts for research and flight asset sharing to support ,,nasa's research mission support and pilot training requirements4 7#b7 ,efforts to seek aircraft parts and engines to keep ,,nasa's current fleet of chase aircraft operational1 including potential use of #c;,d additive manufactured parts4 7#c7 ,strategies for acquiring or using through loan1 sharing1 or other agreements1 as appropriate1 ,department of ,defense aircraft to support ,,nasa's research and mission support activities1 as required4 #ejh4 ,collaboration with academia ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 colleges and universities are hubs of research and innovation1 with expertise in various fields of science and aeronautics2 7#b7 collaborating with academia allows ,,nasa to access cutting-edge research and expertise that can further enable advancements in aeronautics research and technology and address complex aeronautical challenges2 7#c7 a cutting-edge civil aeronautics research and development program can inspire the next generation to pursue education and careers in science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics1 including aeronautics2 and 7#d7 opportunities for students to participate in ,,nasa-supported academic research and development projects1 such as the ,university ,leadership ,initiative1 the ,university ,students ,research ,challenge1 the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,project1 and related aeronautic projects and competitions1 contributes to training the next generation and developing the aeronautics workforce to support continued ,united ,states leadership and economic growth in civil aeronautics and aviation4 ,,vi ,science #fja4 ,maintaining a balanced science portfolio 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,congress reaffirms the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 a balanced and adequately funded set of activities consisting of research and analysis grant programs1 technology development1 suborbital research activities1 and small1 medium1 and large space missions1 contributes to a robust and productive science program and serves as a catalyst for innovation and discovery2 and 7#b7 the ,administrator should set science priorities by following the recommendations and guidance provided by the scientific community through the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine decadal surveys4 7b7 ,policy reaffirmation ,congress reaffirms the policy of the ,united ,states set forth in section #eja7;c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note71 which states1 ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states to ensure1 to the extent practicable1 a steady cadence of large1 medium1 and small science missions4 #fjb4 ,implementation of science mission cost caps 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa science missions address compelling scientific questions prioritized by the ,national ,academies decadal surveys1 and often such missions exceed expectations in terms of performance1 longevity1 and scientific impact2 7#b7 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 ,divisions2 7#c7 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 unreliable1 and the cost of a mission typically is not well-understood until the project is further along in the development process2 7#d7 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 portfolio1 including through delays to future mission solicitations2 and 7#e7 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 forward4 7b7 ,requirement ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,administrator shall ensure that1 unless overwhelmingly necessary to do otherwise1 ,,nasa-- 7#a7 minimizes changes to requirements1 capabilities1 and mission objectives under to fixed-price contracts with commercial providers2 and 7#b7 otherwise adheres to the requirements1 capabilities1 and mission objectives of such contracts4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report of ,,nasa practices related to the establishment of and compliance with cost caps of competitively selected1 principal investigator-led science missions4 7#b7 ,elements ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 assess current cost cap values and determine whether existing cost cap amounts are appropriate for different classes of missions2 7,b7 consider the effectiveness of cost caps in maintaining a varied and balanced portfolio of mission types within the ,science ,mission ,directorate2 7,c7 describe the information ,,nasa requires as part of a proposal submission related to project cost estimates and proposal compliance with cost caps1 and assess whether such required information provides sufficient insight or confidence in the estimates2 7,d7 consider ,,nasa processes for assessing proposed cost estimates and the accuracy of such assessments for past competitively selected1 principal investigator-led science missions2 and 7,e7 for the period starting on ,january #a1 #bjjj and ending on the date of the enactment of this ,act-- 7i7 a list of-- 7,i7 competitively selected1 principal investigator-led science missions for which costs have exceeded the associated cost cap2 and 7,,ii7 reason the mission costs exceeded the cost cap2 7ii7 an assessment of ,,nasa's role in predicting1 preventing1 or managing competitively-selected1 principal investigator-led science mission cost increases2 and 7iii7 a description of the impact of increased competitively-selected1 principal investigator-led science mission costs beyond the cost caps on-- 7,i7 the missions for which the cost cap has been breached2 and 7,,ii7 other missions within the applicable division and within the ,science ,mission ,directorate4 #fjc4 ,reexamination of decadal surveys ,section #bjcje7;c7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting 1 significant changes to the ,,nasa budget1 after growth4 #fjd4 ,landsat ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report describing-- 7#a7 the ,administrator's efforts to comply with section #fjacd of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#b7 aspects of ,landsat ,,next or any other ,landsat observations that-- 7,a7 could be provided by private sector data-buys or service procurements2 and 7,b7 could-- 7i7 meet associated science requirements while maintaining or exceeding the quality1 integrity1 and continuity of the ,landsat observational capabilities and performance1 including requirements necessary to ensure high-quality calibrated data continuity and traceability with the #ej-year ,landsat data record2 and 7ii7 comply with nondiscriminatory availability of unenhanced data and public archiving of data pursuant to section #fjada and #fjadb of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 and all other relevant ,federal laws1 regulations1 and policies related to open science and data accessibility2 7#c7 any potential tradeoffs or other impacts of the requirements described in clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 of paragraph 7#b77;,b7 that could reduce the benefit of ,landsat data for scientific and applied uses or reduce the ,federal ,government's ability to make such data available for the widest possible use2 and 7#d7 recommendations and opportunities for the ,federal ,government to mitigate potential tradeoffs or impacts identified under paragraph 7#c7 or to otherwise facilitate private sector data-buys or service procurements4 #fje4 ,commercial satellite data 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,section #fjeja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 states that the goal for the ,earth ,science program of ,,nasa shall be to pursue a program of ,earth observations1 research1 and applications activities to better understand the ,earth1 how it supports life1 and how human activities affect its ability to do so in the future4 7#b7 ,section #ejaae of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 states that the ,administrator of ,,nasa shall1 to the extent possible and while satisfying the scientific requirements of ,,nasa1 and where appropriate1 of other ,federal agencies and scientific researchers1 acquire1 where cost effective1 space-based commercial ,earth remote sensing data1 services1 distribution1 and applications from a commercial provider4 7#c7 ,the ,administrator of ,,nasa established the ,commercial ,small,sat ,data ,acquisition ,pilot ,program in #bjag to identify1 validate1 and acquire from commercial sources data that support the ,earth science research and application goals4 7#d7 ,the ,administrator of ,,nasa has-- 7,a7 determined that the pilot program described in paragraph 7#c7 has been a success1 as described in the final evaluation entitled ,commercial ,small,sat ,data ,acquisition ,program ,pilot ,evaluation ,report issued in #bjbj2 7,b7 established a formal process for evaluating and onboarding new commercial vendors in such pilot program2 7,c7 increased the number of commercial vendors and commercial data products available through such pilot program2 and 7,d7 expanded procurement arrangements with commercial vendors to broaden user access to provide commercial ,earth remote sensing data and imagery to federally funded researchers4 7b7 ,commercial satellite data acquisition program 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #fjc of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #fjcjg4 ,commercial satellite data acquisition program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 acting through the ,earth ,science ,division of the ,science ,mission ,directorate1 shall continue to acquire and disseminate cost effective and appropriate commercial ,earth remote sensing data and imagery in order to satisfy the operational and scientific requirements of the ,administration1 and as appropriate1 the scientific requirements of other ,federal agencies and scientific researchers to augment or complement the suite of ,earth observations acquired by the ,administration1 other ,united ,states ,government agencies1 and international partners4 7b7 ,data publication and transparency ,the terms and conditions of commercial ,earth remote sensing data and imagery acquisitions under the program described in subsection 7a7 shall take into consideration-- 7#a7 the publication of commercial data or imagery for scientific purposes2 or 7#b7 the publication of information that is derived from1 incorporates1 or enhances the original commercial data or imagery of a vendor4 7c7 ,authorization ,in carrying out the program under this section1 the ,administrator may-- 7#a7 procure the commercial ,earth remote sensing data and imagery from commercial vendors to advance scientific research and applications in accordance with subsection 7a72 and 7#b7 establish or modify end-use license terms and conditions to allow for the widest-possible use of procured commercial ,earth remote sensing data and imagery by individuals other than ,,nasa-funded users1 consistent with the goals of the program4 7d7 ,united ,states vendors ,commercial ,earth remote sensing data and imagery referred to in subsections 7a7 and 7c7 shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 be procured from ,united ,states vendors4 7e7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this section1 and annually thereafter1 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives a report that includes the following information regarding the agreements1 vendors1 license terms1 and uses of commercial ,earth remote sensing data and imagery under this section3 7#a7 7,a7 ,in the case of the initial report1 a list of all agreements that are providing commercial ,earth remote sensing data and imagery to ,,nasa as of the date of the report4 7,b7 ,for each subsequent report1 a list of all agreements that have provided commercial ,earth remote sensing data and imagery to ,,nasa during the reporting period4 7#b7 ,a description of the end-use license terms and conditions for each such vendor4 7#c7 ,a description of the manner in which each such agreement is advancing scientific research and applications1 including priorities recommended by the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine decadal surveys4 7#d7 ,information specifying whether the ,administrator has entered into an agreement with a commercial vendor or a ,federal agency that permits the use of data and imagery by ,federal ,government employees1 contractors1 or non-,federal users4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents for chapter #fjc of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #fjcjg4 ,commercial ,satellite ,data ,acquisition ,program4 4 #fjf4 ,planetary science portfolio 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 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 engineering2 and 7#b7 the ,discovery1 ,new ,frontiers1 and ,flagship programs allow ,,nasa to fund a range of missions that vary in size1 cost1 and complexity1 and maintaining balance across these mission classes allows for a broad scope of discoveries and scientific advances4 7b7 ,mission priorities reaffirmation ,congress reaffirms the direction in section #ejb7;b77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja note7 that-- 7#a7 in accordance with the priorities established in the most recent ,planetary ,science ,decadal ,survey1 the ,administrator shall ensure1 to the greatest extent practicable1 the completion of a balanced set of ,discovery1 ,new ,frontiers1 and ,flagship missions at the cadence recommended by the most recent ,planetary ,science ,decadal ,survey2 and 7#b7 consistent with the missions described in paragraph 7#a71 and while maintaining the continuity of scientific data and steady development of capabilities and technologies1 the ,administrator may seek1 if necessary1 adjustments to mission priorities1 schedule1 and scope in light of changing budget projections4 #fjg4 ,planetary defense 7a7 ,near-,earth object survey and policy ,section #hjh of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahchg71 is amended in subsection 7b7 by striking implement1 before ,september #cj1 #bjab1 and inserting 1 in coordination with the ,,nasa ,administrator1 maintain and regularly update4 7b7 ,policy on near-,earth objects and responsible ,federal agency ,section #gaajc of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #gaajc4 ,policy on near-,earth objects and responsible ,federal agency ,the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy1 in coordination with the ,administrator1 shall maintain and regularly update policy for notifying ,federal agencies and relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-,earth object threat1 if near-term public safety is at risk1 and provide recommendations for a ,federal agency or agencies to be responsible for-- 7#a7 protecting the ,united ,states from a near-,earth object that is expected to collide with ,earth2 and 7#b7 implementing a deflection campaign1 in consultation with international bodies1 should one be necessary4 4 7c7 ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office ,chapter #gaa of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #gaaje4 ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office 7a7 ,office ,as directed in section #ajhbe of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg71 the ,administrator shall maintain an office within the ,planetary ,science ,division of the ,science ,mission ,directorate to be known as the ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office4 7b7 ,responsibilities ,consistent with the direction in section #ajhbe of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg7 the ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 plan1 develop1 and implement a program to survey threats posed by near-,earth objects equal to or greater than #adj meters in diameter1 as required by section #cba7;d77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb72 7#b7 identify1 track1 and characterize potentially hazardous near-,earth objects1 issue warnings of the effects of potential impacts of such objects1 and investigate strategies and technologies for mitigating the potential impacts of such objects2 and 7#c7 assist in coordinating government planning for a response to a potential impact of a near-,earth objects4 4 7d7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of contents for chapter #gaa of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking the item relating to section #gaajc and inserting the following3 #gaajc4 ,policy on near-,earth objects and responsible ,federal agency4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 #gaaje4 ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office4 4 #fjh4 ,lunar discovery and exploration 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may carry out1 within the ,science ,mission ,directorate1 a program to accomplish science objectives for the ,moon1 with an organizational structure that aligns responsibility1 authority1 and accountability1 as recommended by the most recent decadal survey for planetary science and astrobiology4 7b7 ,objectives and requirements ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall direct the ,science ,mission ,directorate1 in consultation with the ,exploration ,systems ,development ,mission ,directorate and the ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate1 to define high-priority lunar science objectives1 informed by decadal and other scientific consensus recommendations1 and related requirements of an integrated ,artemis science strategy for human and robotic missions to the ,moon4 7c7 ,instrumentation ,the program under subsection 7a7 shall assess the need for and facilitate the development of instrumentation to support the scientific exploration of the ,moon4 #fji4 ,commercial lunar payload services 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,administrator's encouragement and support for commercial services for lunar surface delivery capabilities and other related services serves the national interest2 and 7#b7 commercial providers benefit from an approach that places low-cost1 noncritical instruments on initial deliveries using small- and medium-size landers before proceeding to larger landers for more complex payloads4 7b7 ,commercial lunar payload services ,the ,administrator is authorized to continue the ,commercial ,lunar ,payload ,services program for the purpose of procuring1 from #a or more ,united ,states commercial providers1 services for delivery of ,,nasa science payloads1 and the payloads of other ,,nasa mission directorates1 as appropriate and practicable1 to the lunar surface4 7c7 ,relationship to other mission directorates ,a ,mission ,directorate that seeks to obtain commercial lunar payload services under the program referred to in subsection 7b7 shall provide funding for-- 7#a7 any payload1 instrument1 or other item sponsored by the ,mission ,directorate for delivery through the program2 and 7#b7 the cost of the commercial lunar payload services obtained on behalf of the ,mission ,directorate4 7d7 ,implementation ,in implementing any such activities under subsection 7b71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 conduct updated market research on the commercial lunar economy and identify any changes since the last market analysis2 7#b7 assess ,,nasa's needs from and role in and contribution to the commercial lunar delivery market2 7#c7 based on the needs identified under paragraph 7#b71 assess the effectiveness of the task order approach in advancing commercial development of lunar delivery services1 including an assessment of the appropriate number of providers necessary to support ,,nasa commercial lunar delivery needs1 and identify any challenges and recommendations for improvement2 and 7#d7 strengthen procedures related to the selection1 manifesting1 interfaces1 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 awards4 7e7 ,coordination ,the ,administrator shall ensure coordination between ,mission ,directorates and the ,moon to ,mars ,program on the administration of the program referred to in subsection 7b7 so as to ensure the alignment of goals for lunar delivery services4 #faj4 ,planetary and lunar operations 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 existing ,,nasa lunar and ,martian orbital missions are operating well beyond their planned mission lifespans2 7#b7 ,,nasa relies on such aging infrastructure for observations1 communications relay1 and other operations to support critical ,,nasa missions2 and 7#c7 the ,united ,states plans to increase its activities on and around both the ,moon and ,mars in coming years4 7b7 ,plan ,the ,administrator shall develop a plan to ensure continuity of operations and sufficient observational and operational capabilities on and around the ,moon and ,mars necessary to continue to enable a robust science program and human exploration program for the ,moon and ,mars well into the future4 ,such plan shall consider opportunities to engage both private and international partners in future operations4 #faa4 ,mars sample return 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall1 subject to the availability of appropriations1 lead a ,mars ,sample ,return program to enable the return to ,earth of scientifically selected samples from the surface of ,mars for study in terrestrial laboratories1 consistent with the recommendations of the ,national ,academies decadal surveys for planetary science4 7b7 ,approach ,the ,administrator shall pursue the program described in subsection 7a7 on a timeline and in a manner necessary to-- 7#a7 sustain ,united ,states leadership in the scientific exploration of ,mars2 7#b7 capitalize on ,united ,states industry and ,,nasa capabilities to land and operate robotic spacecraft on the surface of ,mars2 and 7#c7 maintain a balanced and robust planetary science division portfolio without requiring significant increases to the ,,nasa budget4 7c7 ,implementation plan ,as soon as practicable and not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall do the following3 7#a7 ,transmit to the appropriate committees of ,congress an acquisition plan and timeline for the implementation of a ,mars ,sample ,return program pursuant to this section1 with the goal of enabling the highest scientific return for the resources invested1 which plan shall-- 7,a7 include a design and mission architecture2 and 7,b7 establish realistic cost and schedule estimates to enable such goal4 7#b7 ,determine a path forward for the ,mars ,sample ,return that-- 7,a7 is aligned with ,,nasa's ,mars ,sample ,return ,strategy ,review ,team's findings2 7,b7 considers alternative mission concepts and lower cost sample return methods2 and 7,c7 enables an earlier return of samples to ,earth4 7#c7 ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall enter into firm fixed-price agreements with #a or more ,united ,states industry partners to carry out this section4 #fab4 ,heliophysics research 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa heliophysics research advances the scientific understanding of the ,sun1 its impact on the ,earth and near-,earth environment1 and the ,sun's interactions with other bodies in the solar system1 the interplanetary medium1 and the interstellar medium2 7#b7 fundamental science supported by the ,heliophysics division is critical to improving space weather observations forecasting capabilities1 which contribute to-- 7,a7 fortifying national security and other critically important space-based and ground-based assets2 7,b7 improving the resilience of the energy infrastructure of the ,united ,states2 and 7,c7 protecting human health in space2 and 7#c7 the ,heliophysics ,division should continue to maximize the scientific return on investment of its portfolio through maintaining a balanced portfolio that includes research and analysis1 including multidisciplinary research initiatives1 technology development1 space-based missions1 and suborbital flight projects that include both directed and strategic missions and principal investigator-led1 competitively solicited missions1 informed by the science priorities and guidance of the most recent decadal survey in solar and space physics4 7b7 ,program management ,the ,administrator shall seek-- 7#a7 to maintain a regular ,explorer ,announcement of ,opportunity cadence and alternate between small and mid-sized missions2 and 7#b7 to enable a regular selection of ,missions of ,opportunity4 #fac4 ,geospace dynamics constellation 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,geospace ,dynamics ,constellation mission could enable scientific discoveries that will transform understanding of the processes that govern the dynamics of the ,earth's upper atmospheric envelope that surrounds and protects the planet2 and 7#b7 seeking commercial partnerships to provide the technology to understand the phenomena and to use the scientific knowledge gained by such mission could assist in identifying solutions that could benefit ,united ,states industry and citizens4 7b7 ,assessment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report regarding the schedule and budget profile to launch the ,geospace ,dynamics ,constellation mission by the end of the decade to fulfill the recommendations of the heliophysics decadal survey4 #fad4 ,nancy ,grace ,roman ,telescope ,the ,administrator shall continue development of the ,nancy ,grace ,roman ,space ,telescope as directed in subsection #ajhbc7;b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #acf ,stat4 #agda74 #fae4 ,chandra ,x-ray ,observatory ,the ,administrator shall1 to the greatest extent practicable1 take no action to reduce or otherwise preclude continuation of the science operations of the ,chandra ,x-ray ,telescope before the completion and consideration of the next triennial review of mission extensions for the astrophysics division conducted pursuant to section #cjejd of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 and ,,nasa's ongoing operations paradigm change review4 ,,vii ,,stem ,education #gja4 ,national space grant college and fellowship program 7a7 ,amendments ,title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #djcjc1 by striking subsections 7d7 and 7e72 and 7#b7 in section #djcjd-- 7,a7 by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,solicitations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall issue a solicitation to space grant consortia for the award of grants or contracts under this section at the conclusion of the award cycle for fiscal ,year #bjbj to #bjbd4 ,the ,administrator shall implement the allocation guidance under subsection 7e7 during each fiscal year covered by the award cycle4 7#b7 ,proposals ,a lead institution of a space grant consortium that seeks a grant or contract under this section shall submit1 on behalf of such space grant consortium1 an application to the ,administrator at such time and in such manner and accompanied by such information as the ,administrator may require4 7#c7 ,awards ,the ,administrator shall award #a or more multi-year grants or contracts1 disbursed in annual installments1 to the lead institution of an eligible space grant consortium of-- 7,a7 each of the #ej ,states of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 and 7,c7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico4 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,allocation of funding 7#a7 ,program implementation ,to carry out the purposes set forth in section #djcja1 each fiscal year1 the ,administrator shall allocate the funds appropriated for the program under this section for the fiscal year to each space grant consortium awarded a grant or contract under subsection 7c77#c7 in an equal amount4 7#b7 ,program administration 7,a7 ,in general ,each fiscal year1 of the funds made available for the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program1 the ,administrator shall allocate not more than #aj percent for the administration of the program4 7,b7 ,costs covered ,the funds allocated under paragraph 7#a7 shall cover all costs of the ,administration associated with the administration of the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program1 including-- 7i7 direct costs to the program1 including costs relating to support services and civil service salaries and benefits2 7ii7 indirect general and administrative costs of centers and facilities of the ,administration2 and 7iii7 indirect general and administrative costs of the ,administration headquarters4 7#c7 ,special opportunities ,each fiscal year1 of the funds made available for the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship program1 the ,administrator shall allocate not more than #e percent to lead institutions of ,space ,grant ,consortia for grants to carry out innovative approaches and programs to further science and education relating to the missions of the ,administration pursuant to subsection 7b74 4 7b7 ,review ,the ,administrator shall make arrangements for the conduct of a multi-year analysis of the independent external reviews currently under development in the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program-- 7#a7 to evaluate its management1 accomplishments1 approach to funding allocation as described in section #djcjc7;e7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 and responsiveness to the purposes and goals defined in chapter #djc of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#b7 to consider the benefits partnerships with local education agencies1 including those in underserved and rural areas1 may provide2 and 7#c7 to propose any statutory updates that may be needed to implement recommendations of the review4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the independent external review of the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program described in subsection 7a74 #gjb4 ,skilled technical workforce education outreach 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may conduct or support ,,stem engagement activities that focus on expanding opportunities for students to pursue skilled technical workforce occupations in space and aeronautics4 7b7 ,leveraging existing programs ,the ,administrator1 in conducting activities pursuant to subsection 7a71 shall leverage1 as appropriate1 existing programs of ,,nasa and may consider leveraging other ,federal programs and interagency initiatives1 such as the ,manufacturing ,,usa program under section #cd of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #bghs74 7c7 ,inclusion ,activities under subsection 7a7 may include outreach activities that-- 7#a7 engage secondary and post-secondary students1 including students at institutions of higher education1 #b-year colleges1 and high schools and students in vocational or career and technical education programs2 7#b7 expose students to careers that require career and technical education2 7#c7 encourage students to pursue careers that require career and technical education2 and 7#d7 provide students hands-on learning opportunities to view the manufacturing1 assembly1 and testing of ,,nasa-funded space and aeronautical systems1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate and with consideration of relevant factors such as workplace safety1 mission needs1 and the protection of sensitive and proprietary technologies4 7d7 ,briefing ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on ,,nasa's activities1 and any planned activities1 conducted under this section4 7e7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja7;a774 7#b7 ,skilled technical workforce ,the term skilled technical workforce has the meaning given the term in section #d7;b77#c7 of the ,innovations in ,mentoring1 ,training1 and ,apprenticeships ,act 7,public ,law #aae-djb2 #db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahfbp note74 ,,viii ,,nasa policy #hja4 ,,nasa advisory council 7a7 ,consultation and advice ,section #bjaac7;g7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding and ,congress after advice to the ,administration4 7b7 ,sunset ,effective ,september #cj1 #bjbh1 section #bjaac7;g7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking and ,congress4 #hjb4 ,,nasa assessment of early cost estimates ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall transmit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a review of the development1 application1 and assessment of early cost estimates made prior to preliminary design review for ,,nasa missions4 ,the review shall include-- 7#a7 an assessment of ,,nasa processes related to the formation and evaluation of proposed and early-stage cost estimates2 7#b7 an evaluation of ,,nasa's monitoring and management of cost estimates throughout mission development1 in accordance with section #ajhfa7;b77#d7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjbb 7,public ,law #aag-afg2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaac note72 and 7#c7 any such recommendations as the ,comptroller ,general determines appropriate4 #hjc4 ,authority for production contracts following other transaction prototype projects ,subsection 7e7 of section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,in the performance of its functions and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,in the performance of its functions 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,other transactions ,in the case of other transactions to carry out prototype projects1 a follow-on production or service contract may be awarded to participants in the prototype transaction without the use of competitive procedures1 notwithstanding the requirements of section #bcjd of title #aj1 if-- 7,a7 competitive procedures were used for the selection of parties for participation in the prototype transaction2 and 7,b7 the participants in the transaction performed successfully during the prototype project4 7#c7 ,treatment ,transactions under this authority shall be treated as an agency procurement for purposes of chapter #ba of title #da1 with regard to procurement ethics4 4 #hjd4 ,role of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration in commercial space activities 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration and the commercial space sector complement each other in maintaining the leadership role of the ,united ,states in outer space activities2 7#b7 as more outer space activities are conducted by private industry1 it is vital to define the appropriate role of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration2 and 7#c7 the expertise and experience of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration in human space flight is especially important as commercial human space flight activities extend into ,earth's orbit1 to the lunar surface1 and beyond4 7b7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a brief on-- 7#a7 the current activities of ,,nasa1 including the detail of any ,,nasa personnel1 to assist the ,secretary of ,commerce1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 the ,federal ,communications ,commission1 or any other relevant ,federal agency with the regulation of the ,united ,states commercial space enterprise2 7#b7 a general breakdown of which ,,nasa expertise1 including scientific1 technical1 and engineering expertise1 is being most used in support of other ,federal agencies2 and 7#c7 expected future growth in the workload of ,,nasa as it relates to the support described in paragraph 7#a74 #hje4 ,restriction on ,federal funds relating to certain ,chinese space and scientific activities 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 no ,federal funds authorized in this ,act may be obligated or expended-- 7#a7 for the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration 7,,nasa71 the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy 7,,ostp71 or the ,national ,space ,council 7,n,sp,c7 to 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 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 ,act2 or 7#b7 to effectuate the hosting of official ,chinese visitors at facilities belonging to or utilized by ,,nasa4 7b7 ,exception ,the restrictions described in subsection 7a7 shall not apply to activities with respect to which ,,nasa1 ,,ostp1 or ,n,sp,c1 after consultation with the ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation1 have certified-- 7#a7 pose no risk of resulting in the transfer of technology1 data1 or other information with national security or economic security implications to ,china or a ,chinese-owned company2 and 7#b7 will not involve knowing interactions with officials who have been determined by the ,united ,states to have direct involvement with violations of human rights4 7c7 ,submission ,any certification made under subsection 7b7 shall be submitted to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation1 not later than #cj days prior to the activity in question4 ,any such certification shall include a description of the purpose of such activity1 its agenda1 its major participants1 and its location and timing4 #hjf4 ,findings relating to contract flexibility ,congress finds that ,,nasa ,,far ,supplement 7,,nfs7 #aheb4bdb-gb1 ,denied ,access to ,,nasa ,facilities instructs that1 for the period that ,,nasa facilities were not accessible to contractor employees1 the contracting officer may adjust the contract performance or delivery schedule1 forego the work1 reschedule the work1 or consider requests for equitable adjustment to the contract4 #hjg4 ,,gao report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on fire and emergency services at ,,nasa launch and reentry facilities that assesses the following3 7#a7 ,current capabilities and projected demands for ,,nasa-provided fire and emergency services4 7#b7 ,the manner in which demand for ,,nasa-provided fire and emergency services have been impacted by the following3 7,a7 ,an increased rate of launch and reentry operations4 7,b7 ,an increased number of leases with commercial launch and reentry service providers for use of ,,nasa property4 7#c7 ,current fire and emergency services provided by commercial providers to support launch and reentry operations that are conducted-- 7,a7 to fulfill a contractual obligation with ,,nasa2 or 7,b7 for non-,,nasa purposes using ,,nasa-leased property4 7#d7 ,whether ,,nasa-provided and commercially-provided fire and emergency services are able to meet current and projected demands and support all fire response areas on ,,nasa property4 #hjh4 ,,nasa public-private talent program ,section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7o7 ,public-,private talent program 7#a7 ,assignment authority ,under policies and procedures prescribed by the ,administration1 the ,administrator may1 with the agreement of a private sector entity and the consent of an employee of the ,administration or of such entity1 arrange for the temporary assignment of such employee of the ,administration to such private sector entity1 or of such employee of such entity to the ,administration1 as the case may be4 7#b7 ,agreements 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall provide for a written agreement among the ,administration1 the private sector entity1 and the employee concerned regarding the terms and conditions of the employee's assignment under this subsection4 ,the agreement shall-- 7i7 require that the employee of the ,administration1 upon completion of the assignment1 will serve in the ,administration1 or elsewhere in the civil service if approved by the ,administrator1 for a period equal to twice the length of the assignment2 7ii7 provide that if the employee of the ,administration or of the private sector entity 7as the case may be7 fails to carry out the agreement1 such employee shall be liable to the ,united ,states for payment of all expenses of the assignment1 unless such failure was for good and sufficient reason1 as determined by the ,administrator2 and 7iii7 contain language ensuring that such employee of the ,administration or of the private sector entity 7as the case may be7 does not improperly use predecisional or draft deliberative information that such employee may be privy to or aware of related to ,administration programing1 budgeting1 resourcing1 acquisition1 or procurement for the benefit or advantage of the private sector entity4 7,b7 ,treatment ,an amount for which an employee is liable under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be treated as a debt due the ,united ,states4 7,c7 ,waiver ,the ,administrator may waive1 in whole or in part1 collection of a debt described in subparagraph 7,b7 based on a determination that the collection would be against equity and good conscience and not in the best interests of the ,united ,states1 after taking into account any indication of fraud1 misrepresentation1 fault1 or lack of good faith on the part of the employee concerned4 7#c7 ,termination ,an assignment under this subsection may1 at any time and for any reason1 be terminated by the ,administration or the private-sector entity concerned1 as the case may be4 7#d7 ,duration 7,a7 ,in general ,an assignment under this subsection shall be for a period of not less than #ij days and not more than #b years1 renewable up to a total of three years4 ,an employee of the ,administration may not be assigned under this subsection for more than a total of #c years inclusive of all such assignments4 7,b7 ,extension ,an assignment under this subsection may be for a period in excess of #b years1 but not more than #c years1 if the ,administrator determines that such assignment is necessary to meet critical mission or program requirements4 7#e7 ,policies and procedures 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish policies and procedures relating to assignments under this subsection4 7,b7 ,elements ,policies and procedures established pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 shall address the following3 7i7 ,the nature and elements of written agreements with participants in assignments under this subsection4 7ii7 ,criteria for making such assignments1 including the needs of the ,administration relating thereto4 7iii7 ,the manner in which the ,administration will oversee such assignments1 in particular with respect to paragraphs 7#b77;,a77iii71 7#g77;,c71 and 7#g77;,d74 7iv7 ,criteria for issuing waivers4 7v7 ,the manner in which expenses under paragraph 7#b77;,a77ii7 would be determined4 7vi7 ,guidance for participants in such assignments4 7vii7 ,mission ,directorate1 ,office1 and organizational structure to implement and manage such assignments4 7viii7 ,any other necessary policies1 procedures1 or guidelines to ensure such assignments comply with all relevant statutory authorities and ethics rules1 and effectively contribute to one or more of the ,administration's missions4 7,c7 ,inherently governmental activities ,assignments made under this subsection shall not have responsibilities or perform duties or decision making regarding ,administration activities that are inherently governmental1 pursuant to section #g4ejj of title #dh1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 and ,office of ,management and ,budget review4 7#f7 ,status of ,federal employees assigned to private sector entities 7,a7 ,in general ,an employee of the ,administration who is assigned to a private sector entity under this subsection shall be considered1 during the period of such assignment1 to be on detail to a regular work assignment in the ,administration for all purposes4 ,the written agreement established under paragraph 7#b77;,a7 shall address the specific terms and conditions related to such employee's continued status as a ,federal employee4 7,b7 ,certification ,in establishing a temporary assignment of an employee of the ,administration to a private sector entity1 the ,administrator shall certify that such temporary assignment shall not have an adverse or negative impact on the mission of the ,administration or organizational capabilities associated with such assignment4 7#g7 ,terms and conditions for private sector employees ,an employee of a private sector entity who is assigned to the ,administration under this subsection-- 7,a7 shall continue to receive pay and benefits from the private sector entity from which such employee is assigned and shall not receive pay or benefits from the ,administration1 except as provided in subparagraph 7,b72 7,b7 is deemed to be an employee of the ,administration for the purposes of-- 7i7 chapters #gc and #ha of title #e2 7ii7 sections #bja1 #bjc1 #bje1 #bjg1 #bjh1 #bji1 #fjc1 #fjf1 #fjg1 #fdc1 #fed1 #aije1 and #aiac of title #ah1 except that such section #bji does not apply to any salary1 or contribution or supplementation of salary made pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 of this paragraph2 7iii7 sections #acdc1 #acdd1 and #acdi7;b7 of title #ca2 7iv7 chapter #aga of title #bh 7commonly known as the ,federal ,tort ,claims ,act7 and any other ,federal tort liability statute2 7v7 the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh2 and 7vi7 chapter #ba of title #da2 7,c7 shall not have access to any trade secrets or any other nonpublic information which is of commercial value to the private sector entity from which such employee is assigned2 7,d7 may not perform work that is considered inherently governmental in nature1 in accordance with paragraph 7#e77;,c72 and 7,e7 may not be used to circumvent-- 7i7 section #agaj of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7ii7 any limitation or restriction on the size of the ,administration's civil servant workforce4 7#h7 ,additional requirements ,the ,administrator shall ensure that-- 7,a7 the normal duties and functions of an employee of the ,administration who is assigned to a private sector entity under this subsection can be reasonably performed by other employees of the ,administration without the permanent transfer or reassignment of other personnel of the ,administration2 7,b7 normal duties and functions of such other employees of the ,administration are not1 as a result of and during the course of such temporary assignment1 performed or augmented by contractor personnel in violation of section #agaj of title #da2 and 7,c7 not more than #b percent of the ,administration's civil servant workforce may participate in an assignment under this subsection at the same time4 7#i7 ,conflicts of interest ,the ,administrator shall implement a system to identify1 mitigate1 and manage any conflicts of interests that may arise as a result of an employee's assignment under this subsection4 7#aj7 ,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 ,government1 as direct or indirect costs under a ,federal contract1 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 concerned4 7#aa7 ,considerations ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,administrator shall take into consideration-- 7,a7 the question of the manner in which assignments under this subsection might best be used to help meet the needs of the ,administration with respect to the training of employees2 and 7,b7 as applicable1 areas of particular private sector expertise1 such as cybersecurity4 7#ab7 ,,nasa reporting 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than ,april #cj of each year1 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report summarizing the implementation of this subsection4 7,b7 ,contents ,each report under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include1 with respect to the annual period to which such report relates1 the following3 7i7 ,information relating to the total number of employees of private sector entities assigned to the ,administration1 and the total number of employees of the ,administration assigned to private sector entities4 7ii7 ,a brief description and assessment of the talent management benefits evidenced from such assignments1 as well as any identified strategic human capital and operational challenges1 including the following3 7,i7 ,an identification of the names of the private sector entities to and from which employees were assigned4 7,,ii7 ,a complete listing of positions such employees were assigned to and from4 7,,iii7 ,an identification of assigned roles and objectives of such assignments4 7,,iv7 ,information relating to the durations of such assignments4 7,v7 ,information relating to associated pay grades and levels4 7iii7 ,an assessment of impacts of such assignments on the ,administration workforce and workforce culture4 7iv7 ,an identification of the number of ,administration staff and budgetary resources required to implement this subsection4 7#ac7 ,federal ethics ,nothing in this subsection shall affect existing ,federal ethics rules applicable to ,federal personnel4 7#ad7 ,,gao reporting 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this subsection1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report summarizing the implementation of this subsection4 7,b7 ,contents ,the report under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include the following3 7i7 ,a review of the implementation of this subsection1 according to law and the ,administration policies and procedures established for assignments under this subsection4 7ii7 ,information relating to the extent to which such assignments adhere to best practices relating to public-private talent exchange programs4 7iii7 ,a determination as to whether there should be limitations on the number of individuals participating in such assignments4 7iv7 ,information relating to the extent to which the ,administration complies with statutory requirements and ethics rules1 and appropriately handles potential conflicts of interest and access to nonpublic information with respect to such assignments4 7v7 ,information relating to the extent to which such assignments effectively contribute to #a or more of the ,administration's missions4 7vi7 ,information relating to ,administration resources1 including employee time1 dedicated to administering such assignments1 and whether such resources are sufficient for such administration4 4 #hji4 ,mentoring 7a7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of ,congress with a briefing on existing ,,nasa-wide mentoring programs that are focused in whole or in part on ensuring a robust pipeline for ,,nasa's civil servant workforce1 for early-career1 mid-level1 and senior-level employees at all ,,nasa ,centers and ,,nasa ,headquarters4 7b7 ,considerations ,as part of the briefing required by subsection 7a71 the ,administrator may consider the merits of consolidating existing1 disparate programs into a single1 unified employee development program4 #haj4 ,drinking water well replacement for ,chincoteague1 ,virginia 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,administrator may enter into an agreement1 as appropriate1 with the ,town of ,chincoteague1 ,virginia1 for a period of up to #e years1 for reimbursement of the ,town of ,chincoteague's costs directly associated with the development of a plan for removal of drinking water wells currently situated on ,,nasa-administered property and the establishment of alternative drinking water wells which are located on property under the administrative control1 either through lease1 ownership1 or easement1 of the ,town of ,chincoteague4 ,such agreement shall1 to the extent practicable1 include the three remaining wells to be removed and relocated1 the location of the site to which such wells would be relocated or are planned to be relocated1 and a current estimated cost of the relocation1 including for the purchase1 lease1 or use of additional property1 engineering1 design1 permitting1 and construction4 7b7 ,submission to ,congress ,not later than #ah months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator1 in coordination with the heads or other appropriate representatives of relevant entities1 shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress the agreement under subsection 7a74 #haa4 ,passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bjaej4 ,passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,government astronaut2 international partner astronaut2 space flight participant2 space support vehicle ,the terms government astronaut1 international partner astronaut1 space flight participant1 and space support vehicle have the meanings given such terms in section #ejijb4 7#b7 ,mission ,the term mission means an assignment to a space support vehicle of #a or more-- 7,a7 government astronauts in the course of their employment2 or 7,b7 space flight participants4 7#c7 ,official purpose ,with respect to transportation1 the term official purpose means transportation necessary for post-mission activities1 including medical research1 monitoring1 diagnosis1 and treatment of a government astronaut or space flight participant before receiving post-mission medical clearance to operate a motor vehicle4 7#d7 ,passenger carrier ,the term passenger carrier means a passenger motor vehicle1 aircraft1 boat1 vessel1 or other similar means of transportation that is owned or leased by the ,united ,states ,government4 7b7 ,authority 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may authorize the use of a passenger carrier to transport a government astronaut or space flight participant between the residence of the individual and various locations if-- 7,a7 such transportation is provided for an official purpose2 and 7,b7 the ,chief of the ,astronaut ,office has approved1 in writing1 post-mission transportation of government astronauts and space flight participants under this section4 7#b7 ,maintenance1 operation1 and repair ,the ,administrator may maintain1 operate1 and repair #a or more passenger carriers for the purpose of providing transportation pursuant to the authority provided in paragraph 7#a74 7c7 ,reimbursement ,transportation under subsection 7b77#a7 of an international partner astronaut or a space flight participant who is not an employee of the ,united ,states ,government shall be subject to reimbursement to the ,treasury4 7d7 ,regulations ,the ,administrator shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section4 7e7 ,applicability of section #acdd of title #ca ,in carrying out subsection 7b71 the ,administrator may expend funds available to the ,administration1 by appropriation or otherwise1 notwithstanding section #acdd7;a7 of title #ca4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents for chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjadi the following3 #bjaej4 ,passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation4 4 #hab4 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act may be construed to alter or limit ,,nasa's scientific integrity policies4