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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 5600 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 5600

     To authorize programs for the National Aeronautics and Space 
      Administration for fiscal year 2025, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

            December 18 (legislative day, December 16), 2024

   Ms. Cantwell (for herself, Mr. Cruz, Ms. Sinema, Mr. Schmitt, Mr. 
 Lujan, and Mr. Wicker) introduced the following bill; which was read 
     twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                             Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
     To authorize programs for the National Aeronautics and Space 
      Administration for fiscal year 2025, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``NASA Transition 
Authorization Act of 2024''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 101. Authorization of NASA for fiscal year 2025.
                         TITLE II--EXPLORATION

Sec. 201. Continuity of purpose for space exploration.
Sec. 202. Artemis program.
Sec. 203. Reaffirmation of the Space Launch System.
Sec. 204. Human-rated lunar landing capabilities.
Sec. 205. Advanced spacesuit capabilities.
                      TITLE III--SPACE OPERATIONS

Sec. 301. Maximizing United States presence in low-Earth orbit.
Sec. 302. Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development Program.
Sec. 303. Transition to a commercially led low-Earth orbit economy.
Sec. 304. Nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station.
Sec. 305. Brief on suborbital crew missions.
Sec. 306. Lunar communications.
Sec. 307. Celestial time standardization.
                       TITLE IV--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 401. Space Technology Mission Directorate.
Sec. 402. SBIR phase II flexibility.
Sec. 403. Sense of Congress on cryogenic fluid valve technology review.
                          TITLE V--AERONAUTICS

Sec. 501. Definitions.
Sec. 502. Hypersonic research.
Sec. 503. Advanced materials and manufacturing technology.
Sec. 504. Unmanned aircraft system and advanced air mobility.
Sec. 505. Advanced capabilities for emergency response operations.
Sec. 506. Hydrogen aviation.
Sec. 507. High-performance chase aircraft.
Sec. 508. Collaboration with academia.
                           TITLE VI--SCIENCE

Sec. 601. Maintaining a balanced science portfolio.
Sec. 602. Implementation of science mission cost caps.
Sec. 603. Reexamination of decadal surveys.
Sec. 604. Landsat.
Sec. 605. Commercial satellite data.
Sec. 606. Planetary science portfolio.
Sec. 607. Planetary defense.
Sec. 608. Lunar discovery and exploration.
Sec. 609. Commercial lunar payload services.
Sec. 610. Planetary and lunar operations.
Sec. 611. Mars sample return.
Sec. 612. Heliophysics research.
Sec. 613. Geospace dynamics constellation.
Sec. 614. Nancy Grace Roman Telescope.
Sec. 615. Chandra X-ray Observatory.
                       TITLE VII--STEM EDUCATION

Sec. 701. National space grant college and fellowship program.
Sec. 702. Skilled technical workforce education outreach.
                        TITLE VIII--NASA POLICY

Sec. 801. NASA advisory council.
Sec. 802. NASA assessment of early cost estimates.
Sec. 803. Authority for production contracts following other 
                            transaction prototype projects.
Sec. 804. Role of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 
                            commercial space activities.
Sec. 805. Restriction on Federal funds relating to certain Chinese 
                            space and scientific activities.
Sec. 806. Reports to Congress.
Sec. 807. Findings relating to contract flexibility.
Sec. 808. GAO report.
Sec. 809. NASA public-private talent program.
Sec. 810. Mentoring.
Sec. 811. Drinking water well replacement for Chincoteague, Virginia.
Sec. 812. Passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation.
Sec. 813. Rule of construction.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
        Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration.
            (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
        ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
                    (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate; and
                    (B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
                of the House of Representatives.
            (3) 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 Moon.
            (4) Commercial provider.--The term ``commercial provider'' 
        means any person providing space services or space-related 
        capabilities, primary control of which is held by persons other 
        than the Federal Government, a State or local government, or a 
        foreign government.
            (5) Continuous human presence; continuous presence.--The 
        terms ``continuous human presence'' and ``continuous presence'' 
        mean the maintenance by the United States of the presence, in 
        low-Earth orbit on 1 or more space stations on a permanent, on-
        going basis, of not fewer than--
                    (A) 1 government astronaut; or
                    (B) 1 astronaut sponsored by the United States 
                Government.
            (6) Deep space.--The term ``deep space'' means the region 
        of space beyond low-Earth orbit that includes cislunar space.
            (7) Government astronaut.--The term ``government 
        astronaut'' has the meaning given such term in section 50902 of 
        title 51, United States Code.
            (8) ISS.--The term ``ISS'' means the International Space 
        Station.
            (9) Low-earth orbit.--The term ``low-Earth orbit'' means 
        the area encompassing Earth-centered orbits at an altitude not 
        more than 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers).
            (10) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration.
            (11) Orion.--The term ``Orion'' means the multipurpose crew 
        vehicle described in section 303 of the National Aeronautics 
        and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
        18323).
            (12) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System'' 
        means the Space Launch System authorized under section 302 of 
        the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
        Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322).

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF NASA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025.

    For fiscal year 2025, there is authorized to be appropriated to 
NASA $25,477,540,000 as follows:
            (1) For the Exploration Systems Development Mission 
        Directorate, $7,648,200,000.
            (2) For the Space Operations Mission Directorate, 
        $4,473,500,000.
            (3) For the Space Technology Mission Directorate, 
        $1,181,800,000.
            (4) For the Science Mission Directorate, $7,575,700,000.
            (5) For the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, 
        $965,800,000.
            (6) For the Office of STEM Engagement, $143,500,000.
            (7) For Safety, Security, and Mission Services, 
        $3,044,440,000.
            (8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and 
        Restoration, $424,100,000.
            (9) For Inspector General, $50,500,000.

                         TITLE II--EXPLORATION

SEC. 201. CONTINUITY OF PURPOSE FOR SPACE EXPLORATION.

    (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) NASA continues to make progress in developing and 
        testing the Space Launch System, Orion, and associated ground 
        systems, including through the successful completion of the 
        Artemis I mission in November 2022 and through continued 
        preparations for the Artemis II crewed flight demonstration 
        mission.
            (2) The number of spacefaring countries is increasing, and 
        foreign countries have expanded activities for space 
        exploration efforts, including efforts to explore and use the 
        Moon through human and robotic missions.
            (3) A strong and ambitious space exploration program 
        conducted with international and commercial partners is 
        important to maintaining United States leadership in space and 
        enhancing United States international competitiveness.
            (4) Clear mission objectives that tie to concrete, long-
        term programmatic goals provide a measure to ensure 
        accountability, enhance public support for exploration 
        missions, and provide a clear signal of commitment to both 
        international and domestic partners.
    (b) Continuity of Existing Capabilities and Programs.--
            (1) As part of the human exploration activities of the 
        Administration, including progress on Artemis missions and 
        activities, the Administrator shall continue development of 
        space exploration elements pursuant to section 10811 of the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act 
        of 2022 (Public Law 117-167; 51 U.S.C. 20302).
            (2) The Administrator shall leverage the private sector for 
        logistical services to the extent practical, consistent with 
        the Moon to Mars architecture requirements and in accordance 
        with section 50131 of title 51, United States Code.
            (3) Congress reaffirms the sense of Congress to maintain 
        continuity of purpose as described in section 201 of the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition 
        Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10 (Public Law 115-
        10; 131 Stat. 21).

SEC. 202. ARTEMIS PROGRAM.

    (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) Exploration of outer space, including exploration of 
        the lunar surface and cislunar space, provides benefits and 
        economic opportunity, including by inspiring future generations 
        and expanding the science, technology, engineering, and 
        mathematics workforce needed to sustain United States 
        leadership in science, space, and technology.
            (2) The lunar south pole is home to shadowed craters that 
        may contain water ice and other volatiles. Understanding the 
        nature of lunar polar volatiles, such as water ice, would 
        advance science related to the origin and evolution of 
        volatiles in the inner solar system and could facilitate the 
        long-term future of space exploration. Water ice lunar 
        resources have the potential to become an enabling component of 
        future space exploration missions throughout the solar system, 
        including crewed missions to Mars.
            (3) Other countries have demonstrated technological 
        advances and successful robotic missions for lunar exploration 
        and have announced credible plans for long-term human 
        exploration of the Moon that include the intent to establish 
        lunar bases.
            (4) United States leadership of and measurable progress on 
        the exploration of deep space is essential for guiding 
        development of norms related to operations on and around the 
        Moon and for other space destinations.
            (5) It is in the national interest of the United States to 
        hold a leadership role in discussions of future norms governing 
        activities in space, including those on the lunar surface and 
        in cislunar space.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out activities to enable Artemis 
missions under the Moon to Mars Program set forth in section 10811 of 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
2022 (Public Law 117-167; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note), the Administrator 
shall--
            (1) use relevant elements set forth in section 
        10811(b)(2)(B) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167; 
        51 U.S.C. 20302 note);
            (2) continue to ensure that the elements under paragraph 
        (1) enable the human exploration of Mars, consistent with 
        section 10811(b)(2)(C)(i) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167; 
        51 U.S.C. 20302 note);
            (3) engage with international partners, as appropriate, in 
        a manner that is consistent with section 10811(b)(2)(C) the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act 
        of 2022 (Public Law 117-167; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note), and that 
        increases redundancy, efficiency, and cost savings; and
            (4) leverage capabilities provided by United States 
        commercial providers, as appropriate and practicable.
    (c) 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 space.

SEC. 203. REAFFIRMATION OF THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.

    (a) In General.--Congress reaffirms--
            (1) support for the full development of capabilities of the 
        Space Launch System as set forth in section 302(c) of the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act 
        of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)); and
            (2) its commitment to the flight rate of the integrated 
        Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle missions set forth 
        in section 10812(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167; 
        51 U.S.C. 20301 note).
    (b) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, 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 (a)(2) and the 
expected launch of the integrated Space Launch System and Orion crew 
vehicle missions after which such cadence shall be achieved.

SEC. 204. HUMAN-RATED LUNAR LANDING CAPABILITIES.

    (a) Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms that the Moon to Mars 
program set forth in section 10811 of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167; 51 
U.S.C. 20302 note) shall include human-rated lunar landing systems.
    (b) Human-Rated Lunar Landing Capabilities.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall support the 
        development and demonstration of, and shall obtain, human-rated 
        lunar landing capabilities to further the goals of the human 
        exploration roadmap under section 432 of the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization 
        Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note) and the 
        Moon to Mars Program set forth in section 10811 of the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 
        (Public Law 117-167; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note).
            (2) Relevant requirements.--The Administrator shall ensure 
        that such human-rated lunar landing capabilities meet all 
        relevant requirements, including requirements of the Moon to 
        Mars program, and for human-rating and certification.
            (3) United states commercial provider.--Any commercial 
        provider from which the Administrator obtains human-rated lunar 
        landing capabilities must be a United States commercial 
        provider.
            (4) Duties of administrator.--In carrying out paragraph 
        (1)--
                    (A) the Administrator may include uncrewed lunar 
                landing services; and
                    (B) the Administrator shall, subject to the 
                availability of appropriations for such purpose, seek 
                to obtain capabilities from not fewer than 2 commercial 
                providers.

SEC. 205. ADVANCED SPACESUIT CAPABILITIES.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Space suits and associated extravehicular activity 
        (EVA) technologies are critical exploration technologies that 
        are necessary for future human deep space exploration efforts, 
        including crewed missions to the Moon.
            (2) The NASA civil service workforce at the Johnson Space 
        Center provides unique capabilities to design, integrate, and 
        validate Space Suits and associated EVA technologies.
            (3) Maintaining a strong NASA core competency in the 
        design, development, manufacture, and operation of space suits 
        and related technologies allows NASA to be an informed 
        purchaser of competitively awarded commercial space suits and 
        subcomponents.
            (4) According to a 2018 NASA Office of Inspector General 
        (OIG) report, current EVAs space suits, the Extravehicular 
        Mobility Units (EMUs), were developed in the late 1970s, are 
        reaching the end of their useful life, have experienced 
        multiple maintenance issues that threaten astronaut lives, and 
        no longer accommodate the varying sizes of a diverse astronaut 
        corps.
            (5) The same NASA OIG report found that ``manufacturers of 
        several critical suit components, including the very fibers of 
        the suits, have now gone out of business'', which further 
        reinforces the importance of NASA's role in maintaining a space 
        suit core competency and limiting the risk posed by outsourcing 
        key national capabilities.
            (6) The private sector currently is developing space suit 
        capabilities.
            (7) Testing space suits and related technologies on the 
        International Space Station could reduce risk and improve 
        safety of such suits and technologies.
    (b) Requirement.--The Administrator shall obtain advanced spacesuit 
capabilities necessary to achieve the goals of NASA's human spaceflight 
exploration programs.
    (c) Eligibility.--Any commercial provider from which the 
Administrator obtains advanced spaceflight capabilities shall be a 
United States commercial provider.
    (d) Preserving Spacesuit Expertise.--
            (1) In carrying out subsection (b), NASA shall maintain the 
        internal expertise necessary to develop space suits for both 
        extravehicular activity and surface operations, including 
        through partnerships with the private sector.
            (2) The Johnson Space Center shall continue to manage 
        NASA's spacesuit and extravehicular activity programs.
    (e) Briefing.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the 
        appropriate committees of Congress with a briefing on NASA's 
        plans for--
                    (A) in-space testing of advanced spacesuit 
                capabilities, including--
                            (i) space suit tests that shall be 
                        conducted in microgravity in low-Earth orbit; 
                        and
                            (ii) space suit tests that shall be 
                        conducted on the International Space Station 
                        before decommissioning of the International 
                        Space Station;
                    (B) transitioning from existing spacesuits in use 
                on the International Space Station to use of advanced 
                spacesuit capabilities;
                    (C) 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 astronauts; and
                    (D) disposition of retired spacesuits used on the 
                Space Shuttle or the International Space Station.
            (2) Elements.--The briefing required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include--
                    (A) a detailed justification of compliance with 
                section 30301 of title 51, United States Code; and
                    (B) a detailed certification and justification of 
                compliance with section 50503 of title 51, United 
                States Code.

                      TITLE III--SPACE OPERATIONS

SEC. 301. MAXIMIZING UNITED STATES PRESENCE IN LOW-EARTH ORBIT.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) it is in the national and economic security, foreign 
        policy, and scientific interests of the United States to 
        maintain a continuous presence in low-Earth orbit;
            (2) low-Earth orbit include a mix of crewed and uncrewed 
        capabilities;
            (3) low-Earth orbit should be used to advance human space 
        exploration, scientific discoveries, and United States economic 
        competitiveness and commercial participation; and
            (4) until the date on which a commercial low-Earth orbit 
        destination capability achieves an initial operating 
        capability, it is in the national and economic security, 
        foreign policy, 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 years.
    (b) Continuous Human Presence Requirement.--The Administrator shall 
maintain the capability for a continuous human presence to advance 
human space exploration, scientific discoveries, international 
cooperation and United States economic competitiveness and commercial 
participation in low-Earth orbit through and beyond the useful life of 
the International Space Station.
    (c) Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development Program.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator may establish, within 
        the Space Operations Mission Directorate, a Commercial Low-
        Earth Orbit Development Program for the purpose of procuring, 
        from 1 or more United States commercial providers, services to 
        support activities described in subsection (b) in low-Earth 
        orbit, as appropriate and practicable.
            (2) Consolidation.--In establishing a program under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator may, as appropriate and 
        practicable, consolidate programs of other National Aeronautics 
        and Space Administration centers that support such activities.
    (d) Proper Support.--
            (1) In general.--To adequately maintain the effective use 
        of the International Space Station, the Administrator shall, 
        subject to the availability of appropriations, seek to maintain 
        the same average number and frequency of commercial crew and 
        cargo flights, tempo of operations and crew size, and research 
        throughput until such time as 1 or more commercial space 
        stations is capable of providing services to the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration.
            (2) Managed transition.--
                    (A) In general.--When 1 or more commercial space 
                stations is capable of providing services to the 
                National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the 
                Administrator shall begin the process of an orderly, 
                managed transition of operations from the International 
                Space Station to commercial providers in such a way as 
                to maintain a continuous human presence.
                    (B) Mixed portfolio.--In transitioning operations 
                under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall seek to 
                maintain the same average number and frequency of 
                commercial crew and cargo flights to, and tempo of 
                operations and crew size and research throughput in, 
                low-Earth orbit, managed across a portfolio that 
                includes the International Space Station and 1 or more 
                commercial space stations.
            (3) De-orbit vehicle.--
                    (A) In general.--The Administrator shall develop a 
                de-orbit vehicle for the eventual decommissioning of 
                the International Space Station.
                    (B) Annual report.--Not less frequently than 
                annually until the date on which the ISS is 
                decommissioned, the Administrator shall include, in the 
                budget justification materials submitted to Congress in 
                support of the budget of the President for a fiscal 
                year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United 
                States Code, a report that--
                            (i) contains a description of the annual 
                        and lifecycle costs for activities related to 
                        the de-orbit of the International Space 
                        Station; and
                            (ii) describes the manner in which such 
                        costs are shared among ISS partners.
    (e) Waiver.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator may waive the 
        application of subsections (b) and (d) if the Administrator 
        determines that technical issues exist that prohibit the 
        continued safe and effective operation of the International 
        Space Station, including issues with crew and cargo flights.
            (2) Notification.--The Administrator shall notify the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
        the House of Representatives of the exercise of a waiver 
        authority under paragraph (1).

SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL LOW-EARTH ORBIT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

    (a) 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 
exploration, scientific discoveries, and United States economic 
competitiveness and commercial participation in low-Earth orbit.
    (b) Support and Funding.--The Administrator, subject to the 
availability of appropriations, shall support and fund the Commercial 
Low-Earth Orbit Development Program to provide a commercially supported 
follow-on capability to the International Space Station.
    (c) Development of Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Destinations.--
            (1) Solicitation.--
                    (A) 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 
                orbit.
                    (B) Requirements.--Not later than March 31, 2025, 
                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 Administration.
                    (C) Final request for proposal.--Not later than 
                September 30, 2025, the Administrator shall make 
                available the final request for proposal to solicit 
                industry proposals for such services.
            (2) Selection.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than March 31, 2026, the 
                Administrator shall select from among commercial 
                entities that submit a proposal in response to the 
                solicitation under paragraph (1), subject to the 
                availability of meritorious proposals and 
                appropriations, 2 or more commercial low-Earth orbit 
                destinations to be developed, with the goal of 
                establishing, not later than December 31, 2030, not 
                fewer than 1 such destination capable of--
                            (i) providing safe, efficient, and reliable 
                        operations for continuous human presence in 
                        low-Earth orbit; and
                            (ii) offering such services to the National 
                        Aeronautics and Space Administration.
                    (B) 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 (A).
    (d) 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 orbit, in accordance with the managed 
transition process described in section 301(d)(2).
    (e) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive the application of 
subsection (d) if--
            (1) the Administrator determines that technical issues 
        exist that prohibit the safe and effective operation of the 
        International Space Station; or
            (2) a commercial system is capable of providing safe, 
        efficient, and reliable operations for National Aeronautics and 
        Space Administration missions, including not fewer than 2 
        mission-related flights.

SEC. 303. TRANSITION TO A COMMERCIALLY LED LOW-EARTH ORBIT ECONOMY.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) 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 States; and
            (2) the United States should--
                    (A) facilitate partnerships between the Federal 
                Government, international partners, and the commercial 
                space sector, including through the purchase of 
                commercial low-Earth orbit services, to ensure the 
                evolution of an ecosystem with private sector 
                development of new technologies, hardware, processes, 
                capabilities, and other commercial low-Earth orbit 
                service offerings; and
                    (B) 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 customers.
    (b) Authorization.--The Administrator shall authorize activities on 
the International Space Station and within the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration that develop infrastructure, hardware, processes, 
capabilities, technologies, and personnel to enable the development of 
commercial low-Earth orbit destinations and a United States-led low-
Earth orbit economy.
    (c) Commercial Activities.--The Administrator may permit the use of 
the International Space Station, in a manner consistent with the policy 
and purposes of the Administration under section 20102 of title 51, 
United States Code--
            (1) to carry out the activities described in subsection 
        (b); and
            (2) to conduct--
                    (A) science and technology research with commercial 
                applications; and
                    (B) marketing and sponsorship of services and 
                products on a cost-reimbursable basis.
    (d) Reports.--Section 50111 of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
    ``(c) Low-Earth Orbit Transition Plan.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
        the ISS management entity (as defined in section 2 of the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition 
        Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10)), the commercial 
        low-Earth orbit management entity, the commercial crew 
        management entity, International Space Station partners, 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 enterprise.
            ``(2) Briefing.--Not later than April 1, 2025, and annually 
        thereafter until the date on which the International Space 
        Station has de-orbited and not fewer than 1 commercial 
        destination supports a continuous presence in low-Earth orbit, 
        the Administrator shall provide the Committee on Commerce, 
        Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
        Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
        with a briefing that includes--
                    ``(A) an evaluation of the service life of the 
                International Space Station through 2030, as a unique 
                scientific, commercial, and space exploration-related 
                facility, including--
                            ``(i) the cost associated with extending 
                        the service life of the International Space 
                        Station through 2030;
                            ``(ii) an assessment of the technical 
                        limiting factors of the service life of the 
                        International Space Station; and
                            ``(iii) such other information as may be 
                        necessary to fully describe the justification 
                        for and feasibility of extending the service 
                        life of the International Space Station, 
                        including the potential scientific or 
                        technological benefits to the Federal 
                        Government, the public, or academic or 
                        commercial entities;
                    ``(B) an identification of barriers to the 
                development and commercialization of the low-Earth 
                orbit economy, including potential policy, regulatory 
                frameworks, research security protocols, and 
                intellectual property and data protection laws, that 
                could prohibit--
                            ``(i) commercial research and development 
                        on the International Space Station; or
                            ``(ii) expansion of a userbase, other than 
                        the Administration, for commercial destinations 
                        in low-Earth orbit;
                    ``(C) the steps the Administration is taking to 
                eliminate barriers described in subparagraph (B);
                    ``(D) 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 
                life;
                    ``(E) the status of the actions identified under 
                subparagraph (D);
                    ``(F) the impact on the Commercial Low-Earth Orbit 
                Development Program, the Moon to Mars program, and any 
                other human exploration program of extending the 
                service life of International Space Station beyond 
                2030;
                    ``(G) a summary of the status of the transition 
                from the International Space Station to commercial 
                destinations in low-Earth orbit, including--
                            ``(i) the status of the prospects for 
                        accomplishing future mission requirements, 
                        space exploration objectives, recommendations 
                        and schedules under the current National 
                        Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
                        Medicine Decadal Survey on Biological and 
                        Physical Sciences in Space, 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 (as defined in section 2 of the 
                        National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
                        Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Public 
                        Law 115-10);
                            ``(ii) a description of the commercial low-
                        Earth orbit destination services procurement 
                        strategy, 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 made; and
                            ``(iii) a description and schedule of major 
                        milestones and the manner in which such 
                        milestones relate to de-orbiting the 
                        International Space Station; and
                    ``(H) an evaluation of the functions, roles, and 
                responsibilities for management and operation of the 
                Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development Program, 
                including an identification of--
                            ``(i) such functions, roles, and 
                        responsibilities the Federal Government could 
                        retain during and at the end of the transition 
                        from the International Space Station to 
                        commercial destinations;
                            ``(ii) such functions, roles, and 
                        responsibilities that would be transferred to 
                        the commercial space sector;
                            ``(iii) the metrics that would indicate the 
                        readiness and ability of the commercial space 
                        sector to assume the functions, roles, and 
                        responsibilities identified under clause (ii); 
                        and
                            ``(iv) any legislative changes, and any 
                        changes to any agreement or other document, 
                        necessary to enable the mission requirements, 
                        objectives, steps identified under subparagraph 
                        (C), and recommendations and schedules 
                        described in subparagraph (G)(i).
            ``(3) Low-earth orbit defined.--In this subsection, the 
        term `low-Earth orbit' means the area encompassing Earth-
        centered orbits at an altitude not more than 1,200 miles (2,000 
        kilometers).''.

SEC. 304. NONGOVERNMENTAL MISSIONS ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) nongovernmental missions involving crew or spaceflight 
        participants on the International Space Station carried out, as 
        appropriate, pursuant to NASA policies and procedures, and 
        Federal Government laws and regulations, can provide lessons 
        and learning experiences for both government and nongovernment 
        entities to inform the development of future commercial low-
        Earth orbit platforms and a low-Earth orbit economy; and
            (2) the Administrator should share lessons learned from 
        nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station to 
        advance the commercial human spaceflight industry, to promote 
        the safety of future commercial low-Earth orbit platforms, and 
        to inform the evolution of policies guiding such activities in 
        low-Earth orbit.
    (b) Nongovernmental Missions on the ISS.--The Administrator may 
enter into 1 or more agreements to enable 1 or more United States 
commercial providers to conduct nongovernmental missions on the 
International Space Station pursuant to NASA policies and procedures, 
and Federal government laws and regulations.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``crew'' and 
``spaceflight participant'' have the meanings given such terms in 
section 50902 of title 51, United States Code.

SEC. 305. BRIEF ON SUBORBITAL CREW MISSIONS.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of 
Congress with a briefing on the costs, benefits, risks, training 
requirements, and policy or legal implications, including liability 
matters, of launching United States Government personnel on commercial 
suborbital vehicles.

SEC. 306. LUNAR COMMUNICATIONS.

    (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) Reliable communication and navigation capabilities are 
        essential for sustainable human and robotic exploration of the 
        Moon.
            (2) Fostering the development of commercial capabilities 
        can accelerate the deployment of lunar communication and 
        navigation services.
    (b) 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 activities.
    (c) Study and Plan.--To inform the development described in 
subsection (b), the Administrator shall conduct a study and develop a 
plan--
            (1) to enable interoperable communications and navigation 
        services for cislunar missions;
            (2) to work with the private sector, other Federal 
        agencies, and, as appropriate, international partners to 
        establish technical standards, consistent with section 12(d) of 
        the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 
        (Public Law 104-113), protocols, and interface requirements for 
        cislunar communications and navigation services and systems;
            (3) to support NASA lunar activities;
            (4) to leverage NASA's space technology research, 
        development, and demonstration activities related to space 
        communications and navigation; and
            (5) to evaluate the opportunities, benefits, feasibility, 
        and challenges of the potential use of commercial cislunar 
        communication and navigation services, as appropriate, by 
        United States commercial providers.

SEC. 307. CELESTIAL TIME STANDARDIZATION.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) United States leadership of a sustained presence on the 
        Moon and in deep space exploration is important for advancing 
        science, exploration, commercial growth, and international 
        partnership;
            (2) the Artemis and Moon to Mars program of the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration will involve governmental, 
        commercial, academic, and international partners where there is 
        a need for interoperability between systems;
            (3) the use of Coordinated Universal Time has challenges 
        when used beyond Earth at other celestial bodies due to 
        relativistic effects;
            (4) the United States should lead in developing time 
        standardization for the Moon and other celestial bodies other 
        than Earth to support interoperability and safe and sustainable 
        operations; and
            (5) development of such standardization will advance United 
        States leadership in standards setting for global 
        competitiveness, and will benefit other spacefaring countries 
        and entities.
    (b) Development of Celestial Time Standardization.--The 
Administrator, in consultation with the Director of the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy, shall conduct the following activities:
            (1) Enable the development of celestial time 
        standardization, including by leading the study of, and 
        development of a definition for, a coordinated lunar time.
            (2) Develop a strategy to implement a coordinated lunar 
        time that would support future operations and infrastructure on 
        and around the Moon.
            (3) In carrying out paragraphs (1) and (2)--
                    (A) coordinate with relevant Federal entities, 
                including the Department of Commerce, the Department of 
                Defense, the Department of State, and the Department of 
                Transportation; and
                    (B) consult with relevant--
                            (i) private sector entities;
                            (ii) academic entities; and
                            (iii) international standards-setting 
                        bodies.
            (4) Incorporate the following features of a coordinated 
        lunar time, to the extent practicable, in the development of 
        the strategy developed under paragraph (2):
                    (A) Traceability to Coordinated Universal Time.
                    (B) Accuracy sufficient to support precision 
                navigation and science.
                    (C) Resilience to loss of contact with Earth.
                    (D) Scalability to space environments beyond the 
                Earth-Moon system.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives with 
a briefing on the strategy developed pursuant to subsection (b)(2), 
including relevant plans, timelines, and resources required for the 
implementation of a coordinated lunar time pursuant to such strategy.

                       TITLE IV--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

SEC. 401. SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATE.

    (a) 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 NASA, including science, aeronautics, 
and human exploration.
    (b) Space Technology Mission Directorate.--The Administrator shall 
maintain a Space Technology Mission Directorate consistent with section 
702 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition 
Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 51 U.S.C. 20301 note).

SEC. 402. SBIR PHASE II FLEXIBILITY.

    Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638) is amended in 
subsection (cc) by striking ``and the Department of Education'' and 
inserting ``the Department of Education, and the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration''.

SEC. 403. 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 
efficiency.

                          TITLE V--AERONAUTICS

SEC. 501. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Advanced air mobility; 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 aircraft.
            (2) Regional air mobility.--The term ``regional air 
        mobility'' means the movement of passengers or property by air 
        between 2 points using an airworthy aircraft that--
                    (A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
                propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, 
                nontraditional power systems, or autonomous 
                technologies;
                    (B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 
                1,320 pounds; and
                    (C) is not urban air mobility.
            (3) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft 
        system'' has the meanings given such term in section 44801 of 
        title 49, United States Code.
            (4) Urban air mobility.--The term ``urban air mobility'' 
        means the movement of passengers or property by air between 2 
        points in different cities or 2 points within the same city 
        using an airworthy aircraft that--
                    (A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
                propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, 
                nontraditional power systems, or autonomous 
                technologies; and
                    (B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 
                1,320 pounds.

SEC. 502. HYPERSONIC RESEARCH.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) basic and applied hypersonic research--
                    (A) is critical for enabling the development of 
                advanced high-speed aeronautical and space systems; and
                    (B) can improve understanding of technical 
                challenges related to high-speed and reusable vehicle 
                technologies, including those related to propulsion, 
                noise, advanced materials, and entry, descent, and 
                landing operations;
            (2) investments in hypersonic research are critical to 
        sustaining United States global leadership in space and 
        aeronautics; and
            (3) NASA efforts to study hypersonic research--
                    (A) should not duplicate, and may complement, 
                research supported by the Department of Defense; and
                    (B) should be conducted in partnership with 
                universities and industry, as appropriate.
    (b) Hypersonic Research.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the 
Secretary of Defense, as appropriate, and in consultation with industry 
and academia, shall continue to carry out basic and applied hypersonic 
research.
    (c) Hypersonic Research Roadmap.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation 
        with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, 
        the Secretary of Defense, industry, and academic institutions, 
        shall update the hypersonic research roadmap required under 
        section 603 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 
        115-10; 131 Stat. 55).
            (2) Considerations.--In updating the research roadmap, the 
        Administrator may consider--
                    (A) advancements in--
                            (i) system level design, analysis, and 
                        validation of hypersonic aircraft technologies;
                            (ii) propulsion capabilities and 
                        technologies;
                            (iii) vehicle technologies, including 
                        vehicle flow physics and vehicle thermal 
                        management associated with aerodynamic heating;
                            (iv)(I) advanced materials, including 
                        materials capable of withstanding high 
                        temperatures;
                            (II) demonstrating durable materials; and
                            (III) efforts to apply such materials; and
                            (v) other areas of hypersonic research as 
                        determined appropriate by the Administrator; 
                        and
                    (B) data trends regarding sonic boom overpressures 
                associated with hypersonic aircraft.
    (d) Report and Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
            (1) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the 
        updated research roadmap under subsection (c); and
            (2) provide the appropriate committees of Congress with a 
        briefing on the research conducted under subsection (b), 
        including with respect to the manner in which such research 
        aligns with such updated research roadmap.

SEC. 503. ADVANCED MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the status of NASA 
activities relating to subsections (e) and (f) of section 10831 of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 
(Public Law 117-167; 51 U.S.C. 40102 note).
    (b) Update and Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
which the report required by subsection (a) is submitted, the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an 
        update to the findings contained in such report; and
            (2) provide the appropriate committees of Congress with a 
        briefing on such update.

SEC. 504. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY.

    The Administrator shall continue research, as appropriate and 
necessary, in collaboration with the Administrator of Federal Aviation 
Administration, the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, and 
appropriate representatives of academia and industry, on unmanned 
aircraft systems and advanced air mobility.

SEC. 505. ADVANCED CAPABILITIES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE OPERATIONS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator may continue to conduct research 
and development activities under the Advanced Capabilities for 
Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project, or appropriate successor 
project or projects, to improve aerial responses to wildfires.
    (b) Briefing.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the 
        appropriate committees of Congress with a briefing on ongoing 
        research and development activities related to improving aerial 
        responses to wildfires.
            (2) Elements.--The briefing required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) An identification of any topic related to 
                improvement of aerial responses to wildfires that could 
                benefit from further research.
                    (B) A description of collaboration with other 
                relevant Federal agencies.
                    (C) A description of any continuing efforts under 
                this section.
                    (D) Any other information the Administrator 
                considers appropriate.

SEC. 506. HYDROGEN AVIATION.

    (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations for 
such purpose, the Administrator may carry out research on emerging 
technologies related to hydrogen aviation.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the appropriate 
committees of Congress with a briefing on the ongoing research under 
subsection (a) that includes--
            (1) an identification of any agency with which NASA has 
        partnered on such research; and
            (2) a description of anticipated further actions and 
        activities related to the topic of hydrogen aviation.

SEC. 507. HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHASE AIRCRAFT.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) NASA programs benefit from and rely upon high-
        performance chase aircraft for providing research and mission 
        support; and
            (2) NASA currently faces maintenance challenges related to 
        its aging high-performance aircraft fleet, which is resulting 
        in increased program costs.
    (b) Briefing.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, and biannually thereafter, the Administrator 
shall provide the appropriate committees of Congress with a briefing on 
the strategy of NASA relating to the following:
            (1) Collaboration with the Department of Defense on efforts 
        for research and flight asset sharing to support NASA's 
        research mission support and pilot training requirements.
            (2) Efforts to seek aircraft parts and engines to keep 
        NASA's current fleet of chase aircraft operational, including 
        potential use of 3D additive manufactured parts.
            (3) Strategies for acquiring or using through loan, 
        sharing, or other agreements, as appropriate, Department of 
        Defense aircraft to support NASA's research and mission support 
        activities, as required.

SEC. 508. COLLABORATION WITH ACADEMIA.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) colleges and universities are hubs of research and 
        innovation, with expertise in various fields of science and 
        aeronautics;
            (2) 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 challenges;
            (3) a cutting-edge civil aeronautics research and 
        development program can inspire the next generation to pursue 
        education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and 
        mathematics, including aeronautics; and
            (4) opportunities for students to participate in NASA-
        supported academic research and development projects, such as 
        the University Leadership Initiative, the University Students 
        Research Challenge, the National Space Grant College and 
        Fellowship Project, and related aeronautic projects and 
        competitions, contributes to training the next generation and 
        developing the aeronautics workforce to support continued 
        United States leadership and economic growth in civil 
        aeronautics and aviation.

                           TITLE VI--SCIENCE

SEC. 601. MAINTAINING A BALANCED SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--Congress reaffirms the sense of Congress 
that--
            (1) a balanced and adequately funded set of activities 
        consisting of research and analysis grant programs, technology 
        development, suborbital research activities, and small, medium, 
        and large space missions, contributes to a robust and 
        productive science program and serves as a catalyst for 
        innovation and discovery; and
            (2) the Administrator should set science priorities by 
        following the recommendations and guidance provided by the 
        scientific community through the National Academies of 
        Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine decadal surveys.
    (b) Policy Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms the policy of the 
United States set forth in section 501(c) of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Public 
Law 115-10; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note), which states, ``It is the policy of 
the United States to ensure, to the extent practicable, a steady 
cadence of large, medium, and small science missions''.

SEC. 602. IMPLEMENTATION OF SCIENCE MISSION COST CAPS.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) NASA science missions address compelling scientific 
        questions prioritized by the National Academies decadal 
        surveys, and often such missions exceed expectations in terms 
        of performance, longevity, and scientific impact;
            (2) the Administrator should continue to pursue an 
        ambitious science program while also seeking to avoid excessive 
        cost growth that has the potential to affect the balance across 
        the Science portfolio and within the Science Divisions;
            (3) audits by the NASA Inspector General and the Government 
        Accountability Office have reported that early cost estimates 
        for missions in the preliminary phases of conception and 
        development are immature and unreliable, and the cost of a 
        mission typically is not well-understood until the project is 
        further along in the development process;
            (4) cost growth of a mission beyond its early cost 
        estimates is a challenge for budget planning and has the 
        potential to affect other missions in the Science Mission 
        Directorate portfolio, including through delays to future 
        mission solicitations; and
            (5) relying on early cost estimates made prior to 
        preliminary design review for science missions which then 
        experience such cost growth may disincentivize program and cost 
        discipline moving forward.
    (b) Requirement.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
Administrator shall ensure that, unless overwhelmingly necessary to do 
otherwise, NASA--
            (1) minimizes changes to requirements, capabilities, and 
        mission objectives under to fixed-price contracts with 
        commercial providers; and
            (2) otherwise adheres to the requirements, capabilities, 
        and mission objectives of such contracts.
    (c) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, 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 
        selected, principal investigator-led science missions.
            (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall--
                    (A) assess current cost cap values and determine 
                whether existing cost cap amounts are appropriate for 
                different classes of missions;
                    (B) consider the effectiveness of cost caps in 
                maintaining a varied and balanced portfolio of mission 
                types within the Science Mission Directorate;
                    (C) describe the information NASA requires as part 
                of a proposal submission related to project cost 
                estimates and proposal compliance with cost caps, and 
                assess whether such required information provides 
                sufficient insight or confidence in the estimates;
                    (D) consider NASA processes for assessing proposed 
                cost estimates and the accuracy of such assessments for 
                past competitively selected, principal investigator-led 
                science missions; and
                    (E) for the period starting on January 1, 2000 and 
                ending on the date of the enactment of this Act--
                            (i) a list of--
                                    (I) competitively selected, 
                                principal investigator-led science 
                                missions for which costs have exceeded 
                                the associated cost cap; and
                                    (II) reason the mission costs 
                                exceeded the cost cap;
                            (ii) an assessment of NASA's role in 
                        predicting, preventing, or managing 
                        competitively-selected, principal investigator-
                        led science mission cost increases; and
                            (iii) a description of the impact of 
                        increased competitively-selected, principal 
                        investigator-led science mission costs beyond 
                        the cost caps on--
                                    (I) the missions for which the cost 
                                cap has been breached; and
                                    (II) other missions within the 
                                applicable division and within the 
                                Science Mission Directorate.

SEC. 603. REEXAMINATION OF DECADAL SURVEYS.

    Section 20305(c) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``, significant changes to the NASA budget,'' after 
``growth''.

SEC. 604. LANDSAT.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report describing--
            (1) the Administrator's efforts to comply with section 
        60134 of title 51, United States Code;
            (2) aspects of Landsat NEXT or any other Landsat 
        observations that--
                    (A) could be provided by private sector data-buys 
                or service procurements; and
                    (B) could--
                            (i) meet associated science requirements 
                        while maintaining or exceeding the quality, 
                        integrity, and continuity of the Landsat 
                        observational capabilities and performance, 
                        including requirements necessary to ensure 
                        high-quality calibrated data continuity and 
                        traceability with the 50-year Landsat data 
                        record; and
                            (ii) comply with nondiscriminatory 
                        availability of unenhanced data and public 
                        archiving of data pursuant to section 60141 and 
                        60142 of title 51, United States Code, and all 
                        other relevant Federal laws, regulations, and 
                        policies related to open science and data 
                        accessibility;
            (3) any potential tradeoffs or other impacts of the 
        requirements described in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph 
        (2)(B) 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 
        use; and
            (4) recommendations and opportunities for the Federal 
        Government to mitigate potential tradeoffs or impacts 
        identified under paragraph (3) or to otherwise facilitate 
        private sector data-buys or service procurements.

SEC. 605. COMMERCIAL SATELLITE DATA.

    (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) Section 60501 of title 51, United States Code, states 
        that the goal for the Earth Science program of NASA shall be to 
        pursue a program of Earth observations, research, and 
        applications activities to better understand the Earth, how it 
        supports life, and how human activities affect its ability to 
        do so in the future.
            (2) Section 50115 of title 51, United States Code, states 
        that the Administrator of NASA shall, to the extent possible 
        and while satisfying the scientific requirements of NASA, and 
        where appropriate, of other Federal agencies and scientific 
        researchers, acquire, where cost effective, space-based 
        commercial Earth remote sensing data, services, distribution, 
        and applications from a commercial provider.
            (3) The Administrator of NASA established the Commercial 
        SmallSat Data Acquisition Pilot Program in 2017 to identify, 
        validate, and acquire from commercial sources data that support 
        the Earth science research and application goals.
            (4) The Administrator of NASA has--
                    (A) determined that the pilot program described in 
                paragraph (3) has been a success, as described in the 
                final evaluation entitled ``Commercial SmallSat Data 
                Acquisition Program Pilot Evaluation Report'' issued in 
                2020;
                    (B) established a formal process for evaluating and 
                onboarding new commercial vendors in such pilot 
                program;
                    (C) increased the number of commercial vendors and 
                commercial data products available through such pilot 
                program; and
                    (D) expanded procurement arrangements with 
                commercial vendors to broaden user access to provide 
                commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery to 
                federally funded researchers.
    (b) Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 603 of title 51, United States 
        Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 60307. Commercial satellite data acquisition program
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator, acting through the Earth 
Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate, 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 Administration, and as appropriate, the 
scientific requirements of other Federal agencies and scientific 
researchers to augment or complement the suite of Earth observations 
acquired by the Administration, other United States Government 
agencies, and international partners.
    ``(b) Data Publication and Transparency.--The terms and conditions 
of commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery acquisitions under 
the program described in subsection (a) shall take into consideration--
            ``(1) the publication of commercial data or imagery for 
        scientific purposes; or
            ``(2) the publication of information that is derived from, 
        incorporates, or enhances the original commercial data or 
        imagery of a vendor.
    ``(c) Authorization.--In carrying out the program under this 
section, the Administrator may--
            ``(1) procure the commercial Earth remote sensing data and 
        imagery from commercial vendors to advance scientific research 
        and applications in accordance with subsection (a); and
            ``(2) 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 users, consistent with the goals of the 
        program.
    ``(d) United States Vendors.--Commercial Earth remote sensing data 
and imagery referred to in subsections (a) and (c) shall, to the 
maximum extent practicable, be procured from United States vendors.
    ``(e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Administrator 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
the House of Representatives a report that includes the following 
information regarding the agreements, vendors, license terms, and uses 
of commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery under this section:
            ``(1)(A) In the case of the initial report, a list of all 
        agreements that are providing commercial Earth remote sensing 
        data and imagery to NASA as of the date of the report.
            ``(B) For each subsequent report, a list of all agreements 
        that have provided commercial Earth remote sensing data and 
        imagery to NASA during the reporting period.
            ``(2) A description of the end-use license terms and 
        conditions for each such vendor.
            ``(3) A description of the manner in which each such 
        agreement is advancing scientific research and applications, 
        including priorities recommended by the National Academies of 
        Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine decadal surveys.
            ``(4) 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 employees, contractors, or non-Federal users.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 
        603 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at 
        the end the following:

``60307. Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program.''.

SEC. 606. PLANETARY SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) planetary science missions advance the scientific 
        understanding of the solar system and the place of humans in it 
        while also advancing the design and operations of spacecraft 
        and robotic engineering; and
            (2) the Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship programs 
        allow NASA to fund a range of missions that vary in size, cost, 
        and complexity, and maintaining balance across these mission 
        classes allows for a broad scope of discoveries and scientific 
        advances.
    (b) Mission Priorities Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms the 
direction in section 502(b)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 
51 U.S.C. 20301 note) that--
            (1) in accordance with the priorities established in the 
        most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey, the Administrator 
        shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, the 
        completion of a balanced set of Discovery, New Frontiers, and 
        Flagship missions at the cadence recommended by the most recent 
        Planetary Science Decadal Survey; and
            (2) consistent with the missions described in paragraph 
        (1), and while maintaining the continuity of scientific data 
        and steady development of capabilities and technologies, the 
        Administrator may seek, if necessary, adjustments to mission 
        priorities, schedule, and scope in light of changing budget 
        projections.

SEC. 607. PLANETARY DEFENSE.

    (a) Near-Earth Object Survey and Policy.--Section 808 of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(42 U.S.C. 18387), is amended in subsection (b) by striking 
``implement, before September 30, 2012,'' and inserting ``, in 
coordination with the NASA Administrator, maintain and regularly 
update''.
    (b) Policy on Near-Earth Objects and Responsible Federal Agency.--
Section 71103 of title 51, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:
``Sec. 71103. Policy on near-Earth objects and responsible Federal 
              agency
    ``The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in 
coordination with the Administrator, shall maintain and regularly 
update policy for notifying Federal agencies and relevant emergency 
response institutions of an impending near-Earth object threat, if 
near-term public safety is at risk, and provide recommendations for a 
Federal agency or agencies to be responsible for--
            ``(1) protecting the United States from a near-Earth object 
        that is expected to collide with Earth; and
            ``(2) implementing a deflection campaign, in consultation 
        with international bodies, should one be necessary.''.
    (c) Planetary Defense Coordination Office.--Chapter 711 of title 
51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 71105. Planetary Defense Coordination Office
    ``(a) Office.--As directed in section 10825 of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public 
Law 117-167), the Administrator shall maintain an office within the 
Planetary Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate to be 
known as the `Planetary Defense Coordination Office'.
    ``(b) Responsibilities.--Consistent with the direction in section 
10825 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167) the Planetary Defense 
Coordination Office under subsection (a) shall--
            ``(1) plan, develop, and implement a program to survey 
        threats posed by near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 
        140 meters in diameter, as required by section 321(d)(1) of the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act 
        of 2005 (Public Law 109-155; 119 Stat. 2922);
            ``(2) identify, track, and characterize potentially 
        hazardous near-Earth objects, issue warnings of the effects of 
        potential impacts of such objects, and investigate strategies 
        and technologies for mitigating the potential impacts of such 
        objects; and
            ``(3) assist in coordinating government planning for a 
        response to a potential impact of a near-Earth objects.''.
    (d) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 711 of 
title 51, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking the item relating to section 71103 and 
        inserting the following:

``71103. Policy on near-Earth objects and responsible Federal 
                            agency.''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:

``71105. Planetary Defense Coordination Office.''.

SEC. 608. LUNAR DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator may carry out, within the 
Science Mission Directorate, a program to accomplish science objectives 
for the Moon, with an organizational structure that aligns 
responsibility, authority, and accountability, as recommended by the 
most recent decadal survey for planetary science and astrobiology.
    (b) Objectives and Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall direct the Science Mission 
Directorate, in consultation with the Exploration Systems Development 
Mission Directorate and the Space Technology Mission Directorate, to 
define high-priority lunar science objectives, informed by decadal and 
other scientific consensus recommendations, and related requirements of 
an integrated Artemis science strategy for human and robotic missions 
to the Moon.
    (c) Instrumentation.--The program under subsection (a) shall assess 
the need for and facilitate the development of instrumentation to 
support the scientific exploration of the Moon.

SEC. 609. COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the Administrator's encouragement and support for 
        commercial services for lunar surface delivery capabilities and 
        other related services serves the national interest; and
            (2) commercial providers benefit from an approach that 
        places low-cost, noncritical instruments on initial deliveries 
        using small- and medium-size landers before proceeding to 
        larger landers for more complex payloads.
    (b) Commercial Lunar Payload Services.--The Administrator is 
authorized to continue the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program 
for the purpose of procuring, from 1 or more United States commercial 
providers, services for delivery of NASA science payloads, and the 
payloads of other NASA mission directorates, as appropriate and 
practicable, to the lunar surface.
    (c) Relationship to Other Mission Directorates.--A Mission 
Directorate that seeks to obtain commercial lunar payload services 
under the program referred to in subsection (b) shall provide funding 
for--
            (1) any payload, instrument, or other item sponsored by the 
        Mission Directorate for delivery through the program; and
            (2) the cost of the commercial lunar payload services 
        obtained on behalf of the Mission Directorate.
    (d) Implementation.--In implementing any such activities under 
subsection (b), the Administrator shall--
            (1) conduct updated market research on the commercial lunar 
        economy and identify any changes since the last market 
        analysis;
            (2) assess NASA's needs from and role in and contribution 
        to the commercial lunar delivery market;
            (3) based on the needs identified under paragraph (2), 
        assess the effectiveness of the task order approach in 
        advancing commercial development of lunar delivery services, 
        including an assessment of the appropriate number of providers 
        necessary to support NASA commercial lunar delivery needs, and 
        identify any challenges and recommendations for improvement; 
        and
            (4) strengthen procedures related to the selection, 
        manifesting, interfaces, and requirements of payloads and other 
        relevant factors that could contribute to minimizing future 
        NASA-directed changes to projects following commercial lunar 
        payload service contract awards.
    (e) 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 (b) so as to 
ensure the alignment of goals for lunar delivery services.

SEC. 610. PLANETARY AND LUNAR OPERATIONS.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) existing NASA lunar and Martian orbital missions are 
        operating well beyond their planned mission lifespans;
            (2) NASA relies on such aging infrastructure for 
        observations, communications relay, and other operations to 
        support critical NASA missions; and
            (3) the United States plans to increase its activities on 
        and around both the Moon and Mars in coming years.
    (b) 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 future. Such plan shall consider 
opportunities to engage both private and international partners in 
future operations.

SEC. 611. MARS SAMPLE RETURN.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall, subject to the 
availability of appropriations, 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 laboratories, consistent with 
the recommendations of the National Academies decadal surveys for 
planetary science.
    (b) Approach.--The Administrator shall pursue the program described 
in subsection (a) on a timeline and in a manner necessary to--
            (1) sustain United States leadership in the scientific 
        exploration of Mars;
            (2) capitalize on United States industry and NASA 
        capabilities to land and operate robotic spacecraft on the 
        surface of Mars; and
            (3) maintain a balanced and robust planetary science 
        division portfolio without requiring significant increases to 
        the NASA budget.
    (c) Implementation Plan.--As soon as practicable and not later than 
90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall do the following:
            (1) Transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress an 
        acquisition plan and timeline for the implementation of a Mars 
        Sample Return program pursuant to this section, with the goal 
        of enabling the highest scientific return for the resources 
        invested, which plan shall--
                    (A) include a design and mission architecture; and
                    (B) establish realistic cost and schedule estimates 
                to enable such goal.
            (2) Determine a path forward for the Mars Sample Return 
        that--
                    (A) is aligned with NASA's Mars Sample Return 
                Strategy Review Team's findings;
                    (B) considers alternative mission concepts and 
                lower cost sample return methods; and
                    (C) enables an earlier return of samples to Earth.
            (3) Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment 
        of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into firm fixed-
        price agreements with 1 or more United States industry partners 
        to carry out this section.

SEC. 612. HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) NASA heliophysics research advances the scientific 
        understanding of the Sun, its impact on the Earth and near-
        Earth environment, and the Sun's interactions with other bodies 
        in the solar system, the interplanetary medium, and the 
        interstellar medium;
            (2) fundamental science supported by the Heliophysics 
        division is critical to improving space weather observations 
        forecasting capabilities, which contribute to--
                    (A) fortifying national security and other 
                critically important space-based and ground-based 
                assets;
                    (B) improving the resilience of the energy 
                infrastructure of the United States; and
                    (C) protecting human health in space; and
            (3) the Heliophysics Division should continue to maximize 
        the scientific return on investment of its portfolio through 
        maintaining a balanced portfolio that includes research and 
        analysis, including multidisciplinary research initiatives, 
        technology development, space-based missions, and suborbital 
        flight projects that include both directed and strategic 
        missions and principal investigator-led, competitively 
        solicited missions, informed by the science priorities and 
        guidance of the most recent decadal survey in solar and space 
        physics.
    (b) Program Management.--The Administrator shall seek--
            (1) to maintain a regular Explorer Announcement of 
        Opportunity cadence and alternate between small and mid-sized 
        missions; and
            (2) to enable a regular selection of Missions of 
        Opportunity.

SEC. 613. GEOSPACE DYNAMICS CONSTELLATION.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) 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 planet; 
        and
            (2) 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 citizens.
    (b) Assessment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, 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 survey.

SEC. 614. NANCY GRACE ROMAN TELESCOPE.

    The Administrator shall continue development of the Nancy Grace 
Roman Space Telescope as directed in subsection 10823(b) of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 
(Public Law 117-167; 136 Stat. 1741).

SEC. 615. CHANDRA X-RAY OBSERVATORY.

    The Administrator shall, to the greatest extent practicable, 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 30504 of title 
51, United States Code, and NASA's ongoing operations paradigm change 
review.

                       TITLE VII--STEM EDUCATION

SEC. 701. NATIONAL SPACE GRANT COLLEGE AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

    (a) Amendments.--Title 51, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in section 40303, by striking subsections (d) and (e);
            (2) in section 40304--
                    (A) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the 
                following:
    ``(c) Solicitations.--
            ``(1) 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 2020 to 2024. The Administrator shall 
        implement the allocation guidance under subsection (e) during 
        each fiscal year covered by the award cycle.
            ``(2) Proposals.--A lead institution of a space grant 
        consortium that seeks a grant or contract under this section 
        shall submit, on behalf of such space grant consortium, an 
        application to the Administrator at such time and in such 
        manner and accompanied by such information as the Administrator 
        may require.
            ``(3) Awards.--The Administrator shall award 1 or more 
        multi-year grants or contracts, disbursed in annual 
        installments, to the lead institution of an eligible space 
        grant consortium of--
                    ``(A) each of the 50 States of the United States;
                    ``(B) the District of Columbia; and
                    ``(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Allocation of Funding.--
            ``(1) Program implementation.--To carry out the purposes 
        set forth in section 40301, each fiscal year, 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 (c)(3) in an equal 
        amount.
            ``(2) Program administration.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Each fiscal year, of the funds 
                made available for the National Space Grant College and 
                Fellowship Program, the Administrator shall allocate 
                not more than 10 percent for the administration of the 
                program.
                    ``(B) Costs covered.--The funds allocated under 
                paragraph (1) shall cover all costs of the 
                Administration associated with the administration of 
                the National Space Grant College and Fellowship 
                Program, including--
                            ``(i) direct costs to the program, 
                        including costs relating to support services 
                        and civil service salaries and benefits;
                            ``(ii) indirect general and administrative 
                        costs of centers and facilities of the 
                        Administration; and
                            ``(iii) indirect general and administrative 
                        costs of the Administration headquarters.
            ``(3) Special opportunities.--Each fiscal year, of the 
        funds made available for the National Space Grant College and 
        Fellowship program, the Administrator shall allocate not more 
        than 5 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 (b).''.
    (b) 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--
            (1) to evaluate its management, accomplishments, approach 
        to funding allocation as described in section 40303(e) of title 
        51, United States Code, and responsiveness to the purposes and 
        goals defined in chapter 403 of title 51, United States Code;
            (2) to consider the benefits partnerships with local 
        education agencies, including those in underserved and rural 
        areas, may provide; and
            (3) to propose any statutory updates that may be needed to 
        implement recommendations of the review.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Science, Space, 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 (a).

SEC. 702. SKILLED TECHNICAL WORKFORCE EDUCATION OUTREACH.

    (a) 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 
aeronautics.
    (b) Leveraging Existing Programs.--The Administrator, in conducting 
activities pursuant to subsection (a), shall leverage, as appropriate, 
existing programs of NASA and may consider leveraging other Federal 
programs and interagency initiatives, such as the Manufacturing USA 
program under section 34 of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278s).
    (c) Inclusion.--Activities under subsection (a) may include 
outreach activities that--
            (1) engage secondary and post-secondary students, including 
        students at institutions of higher education, 2-year colleges, 
        and high schools and students in vocational or career and 
        technical education programs;
            (2) expose students to careers that require career and 
        technical education;
            (3) encourage students to pursue careers that require 
        career and technical education; and
            (4) provide students hands-on learning opportunities to 
        view the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of NASA-funded 
        space and aeronautical systems, as the Administrator considers 
        appropriate and with consideration of relevant factors such as 
        workplace safety, mission needs, and the protection of 
        sensitive and proprietary technologies.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the appropriate 
committees of Congress with a briefing on NASA's activities, and any 
planned activities, conducted under this section.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001(a)).
            (2) Skilled technical workforce.--The term ``skilled 
        technical workforce'' has the meaning given the term in section 
        4(b)(3) of the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and 
        Apprenticeships Act (Public Law 115-402; 42 U.S.C. 1862p note).

                        TITLE VIII--NASA POLICY

SEC. 801. NASA ADVISORY COUNCIL.

    (a) Consultation and Advice.--Section 20113(g) of title 51, United 
States Code, is amended by adding ``and Congress'' after ``advice to 
the Administration''.
    (b) Sunset.--Effective September 30, 2028, section 20113(g) of 
title 51, United States Code, is amended by striking ``and Congress''.

SEC. 802. NASA ASSESSMENT OF EARLY COST ESTIMATES.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Comptroller General of the United States shall transmit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a review of the development, 
application, and assessment of early cost estimates made prior to 
preliminary design review for NASA missions. The review shall include--
            (1) an assessment of NASA processes related to the 
        formation and evaluation of proposed and early-stage cost 
        estimates;
            (2) an evaluation of NASA's monitoring and management of 
        cost estimates throughout mission development, in accordance 
        with section 10861(b)(4) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167; 
        51 U.S.C. 20113 note); and
            (3) any such recommendations as the Comptroller General 
        determines appropriate.

SEC. 803. AUTHORITY FOR PRODUCTION CONTRACTS FOLLOWING OTHER 
              TRANSACTION PROTOTYPE PROJECTS.

    Subsection (e) of section 20113 of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) by striking ``In the performance of its functions'' and 
        inserting the following:
            ``(1) In general.--In the performance of its functions''; 
        and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) Other transactions.--In the case of other 
        transactions to carry out prototype projects, a follow-on 
        production or service contract may be awarded to participants 
        in the prototype transaction without the use of competitive 
        procedures, notwithstanding the requirements of section 2304 of 
        title 10, if--
                    ``(A) competitive procedures were used for the 
                selection of parties for participation in the prototype 
                transaction; and
                    ``(B) the participants in the transaction performed 
                successfully during the prototype project.
            ``(3) Treatment.--Transactions under this authority shall 
        be treated as an agency procurement for purposes of chapter 21 
        of title 41, with regard to procurement ethics.''.

SEC. 804. ROLE OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION IN 
              COMMERCIAL SPACE ACTIVITIES.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) 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 activities;
            (2) as more outer space activities are conducted by private 
        industry, it is vital to define the appropriate role of the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and
            (3) 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 orbit, to the lunar surface, and 
        beyond.
    (b) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the appropriate 
committees of Congress with a brief on--
            (1) the current activities of NASA, including the detail of 
        any NASA personnel, to assist the Secretary of Commerce, the 
        Secretary of Transportation, the Federal Communications 
        Commission, or any other relevant Federal agency with the 
        regulation of the United States commercial space enterprise;
            (2) a general breakdown of which NASA expertise, including 
        scientific, technical, and engineering expertise, is being most 
        used in support of other Federal agencies; and
            (3) expected future growth in the workload of NASA as it 
        relates to the support described in paragraph (1).

SEC. 805. RESTRICTION ON FEDERAL FUNDS RELATING TO CERTAIN CHINESE 
              SPACE AND SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES.

    (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no Federal 
funds authorized in this Act may be obligated or expended--
            (1) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
        (NASA), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), or 
        the National Space Council (NSpC) to develop, design, plan, 
        promulgate, implement, or execute a bilateral policy, program, 
        order, or contract of any kind to participate, collaborate, or 
        coordinate bilaterally in any way with China or any Chinese-
        owned company unless such activities are specifically 
        authorized by a law enacted after the date of the enactment of 
        this Act; or
            (2) to effectuate the hosting of official Chinese visitors 
        at facilities belonging to or utilized by NASA.
    (b) Exception.--The restrictions described in subsection (a) shall 
not apply to activities with respect to which NASA, OSTP, or NSpC, 
after consultation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have 
certified--
            (1) pose no risk of resulting in the transfer of 
        technology, data, or other information with national security 
        or economic security implications to China or a Chinese-owned 
        company; and
            (2) will not involve knowing interactions with officials 
        who have been determined by the United States to have direct 
        involvement with violations of human rights.
    (c) Submission.--Any certification made under subsection (b) shall 
be submitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Appropriations of 
the House of Representatives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 
not later than 30 days prior to the activity in question. Any such 
certification shall include a description of the purpose of such 
activity, its agenda, its major participants, and its location and 
timing.

SEC. 806. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.

    (a) Congressional Reports and Notices.--Any report or notice 
provided to Congress by NASA, shall be provided to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, 
concurrently with its delivery to any other Committee or office.
    (b) Reports on International Agreements.--If NASA becomes a 
signatory to an international agreement concerning outer space 
activities, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report 
containing a copy of such agreement.

SEC. 807. FINDINGS RELATING TO CONTRACT FLEXIBILITY.

    Congress finds that NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) 1852.242-72, Denied 
Access to NASA Facilities instructs that, for the period that NASA 
facilities were not accessible to contractor employees, the contracting 
officer may adjust the contract performance or delivery schedule, 
forego the work, reschedule the work, or consider requests for 
equitable adjustment to the contract.

SEC. 808. GAO REPORT.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
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 
following:
            (1) Current capabilities and projected demands for NASA-
        provided fire and emergency services.
            (2) The manner in which demand for NASA-provided fire and 
        emergency services have been impacted by the following:
                    (A) An increased rate of launch and reentry 
                operations.
                    (B) An increased number of leases with commercial 
                launch and reentry service providers for use of NASA 
                property.
            (3) Current fire and emergency services provided by 
        commercial providers to support launch and reentry operations 
        that are conducted--
                    (A) to fulfill a contractual obligation with NASA; 
                or
                    (B) for non-NASA purposes using NASA-leased 
                property.
            (4) Whether NASA-provided and commerciallyprovided fire and 
        emergency services are able to meet current and projected 
        demands and support all fire response areas on NASA property.

SEC. 809. NASA PUBLIC-PRIVATE TALENT PROGRAM.

    Section 20113 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(o) Public-Private Talent Program.--
            ``(1) Assignment authority.--Under policies and procedures 
        prescribed by the Administration, the Administrator may, with 
        the agreement of a private sector entity and the consent of an 
        employee of the Administration or of such entity, arrange for 
        the temporary assignment of such employee of the Administration 
        to such private sector entity, or of such employee of such 
        entity to the Administration, as the case may be.
            ``(2) Agreements.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall provide 
                for a written agreement among the Administration, the 
                private sector entity, and the employee concerned 
                regarding the terms and conditions of the employee's 
                assignment under this subsection. The agreement shall--
                            ``(i) require that the employee of the 
                        Administration, upon completion of the 
                        assignment, will serve in the Administration, 
                        or elsewhere in the civil service if approved 
                        by the Administrator, for a period equal to 
                        twice the length of the assignment;
                            ``(ii) provide that if the employee of the 
                        Administration or of the private sector entity 
                        (as the case may be) fails to carry out the 
                        agreement, such employee shall be liable to the 
                        United States for payment of all expenses of 
                        the assignment, unless such failure was for 
                        good and sufficient reason, as determined by 
                        the Administrator; and
                            ``(iii) contain language ensuring that such 
                        employee of the Administration or of the 
                        private sector entity (as the case may be) does 
                        not improperly use predecisional or draft 
                        deliberative information that such employee may 
                        be privy to or aware of related to 
                        Administration programing, budgeting, 
                        resourcing, acquisition, or procurement for the 
                        benefit or advantage of the private sector 
                        entity.
                    ``(B) Treatment.--An amount for which an employee 
                is liable under subparagraph (A) shall be treated as a 
                debt due the United States.
                    ``(C) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive, in 
                whole or in part, collection of a debt described in 
                subparagraph (B) based on a determination that the 
                collection would be against equity and good conscience 
                and not in the best interests of the United States, 
                after taking into account any indication of fraud, 
                misrepresentation, fault, or lack of good faith on the 
                part of the employee concerned.
            ``(3) Termination.--An assignment under this subsection 
        may, at any time and for any reason, be terminated by the 
        Administration or the private-sector entity concerned, as the 
        case may be.
            ``(4) Duration.--
                    ``(A) In general.--An assignment under this 
                subsection shall be for a period of not less than 90 
                days and not more than 2 years, renewable up to a total 
                of three years. An employee of the Administration may 
                not be assigned under this subsection for more than a 
                total of 3 years inclusive of all such assignments.
                    ``(B) Extension.--An assignment under this 
                subsection may be for a period in excess of 2 years, 
                but not more than 3 years, if the Administrator 
                determines that such assignment is necessary to meet 
                critical mission or program requirements.
            ``(5) Policies and procedures.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall 
                establish policies and procedures relating to 
                assignments under this subsection.
                    ``(B) Elements.--Policies and procedures 
                established pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall address 
                the following:
                            ``(i) The nature and elements of written 
                        agreements with participants in assignments 
                        under this subsection.
                            ``(ii) Criteria for making such 
                        assignments, including the needs of the 
                        Administration relating thereto.
                            ``(iii) The manner in which the 
                        Administration will oversee such assignments, 
                        in particular with respect to paragraphs 
                        (2)(A)(iii), (7)(C), and (7)(D).
                            ``(iv) Criteria for issuing waivers.
                            ``(v) The manner in which expenses under 
                        paragraph (2)(A)(ii) would be determined.
                            ``(vi) Guidance for participants in such 
                        assignments.
                            ``(vii) Mission Directorate, Office, and 
                        organizational structure to implement and 
                        manage such assignments.
                            ``(viii) Any other necessary policies, 
                        procedures, or guidelines to ensure such 
                        assignments comply with all relevant statutory 
                        authorities and ethics rules, and effectively 
                        contribute to one or more of the 
                        Administration's missions.
                    ``(C) Inherently governmental activities.--
                Assignments made under this subsection shall not have 
                responsibilities or perform duties or decision making 
                regarding Administration activities that are inherently 
                governmental, pursuant to section 7.500 of title 48, 
                Code of Federal Regulations, and Office of Management 
                and Budget review.
            ``(6) Status of federal employees assigned to private 
        sector entities.--
                    ``(A) In general.--An employee of the 
                Administration who is assigned to a private sector 
                entity under this subsection shall be considered, 
                during the period of such assignment, to be on detail 
                to a regular work assignment in the Administration for 
                all purposes. The written agreement established under 
                paragraph (2)(A) shall address the specific terms and 
                conditions related to such employee's continued status 
                as a Federal employee.
                    ``(B) Certification.--In establishing a temporary 
                assignment of an employee of the Administration to a 
                private sector entity, 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 assignment.
            ``(7) Terms and conditions for private sector employees.--
        An employee of a private sector entity who is assigned to the 
        Administration under this subsection--
                    ``(A) 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 Administration, except as provided in subparagraph 
                (B);
                    ``(B) is deemed to be an employee of the 
                Administration for the purposes of--
                            ``(i) chapters 73 and 81 of title 5;
                            ``(ii) sections 201, 203, 205, 207, 208, 
                        209, 603, 606, 607, 643, 654, 1905, and 1913 of 
                        title 18, except that such section 209 does not 
                        apply to any salary, or contribution or 
                        supplementation of salary made pursuant to 
                        subparagraph (A) of this paragraph;
                            ``(iii) sections 1343, 1344, and 1349(b) of 
                        title 31;
                            ``(iv) chapter 171 of title 28 (commonly 
                        known as the `Federal Tort Claims Act') and any 
                        other Federal tort liability statute;
                            ``(v) the Ethics in Government Act of 1978; 
                        and
                            ``(vi) chapter 21 of title 41;
                    ``(C) 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 assigned;
                    ``(D) may not perform work that is considered 
                inherently governmental in nature, in accordance with 
                paragraph (5)(C); and
                    ``(E) may not be used to circumvent--
                            ``(i) section 1710 of title 41, United 
                        States Code; or
                            ``(ii) any limitation or restriction on the 
                        size of the Administration's civil servant 
                        workforce.
            ``(8) Additional requirements.--The Administrator shall 
        ensure that--
                    ``(A) 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 Administration;
                    ``(B) normal duties and functions of such other 
                employees of the Administration are not, as a result of 
                and during the course of such temporary assignment, 
                performed or augmented by contractor personnel in 
                violation of section 1710 of title 41; and
                    ``(C) not more than 2 percent of the 
                Administration's civil servant workforce may 
                participate in an assignment under this subsection at 
                the same time.
            ``(9) Conflicts of interest.--The Administrator shall 
        implement a system to identify, mitigate, and manage any 
        conflicts of interests that may arise as a result of an 
        employee's assignment under this subsection.
            ``(10) Prohibition against charging certain costs to the 
        federal government.--A private-sector entity may not charge the 
        Administration or any other agency of the Federal Government, 
        as direct or indirect costs under a Federal contract, the costs 
        of pay or benefits paid by the entity to an employee assigned 
        to the Administration under this subsection for the period of 
        the assignment concerned.
            ``(11) Considerations.--In carrying out this subsection, 
        the Administrator shall take into consideration--
                    ``(A) 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 employees; and
                    ``(B) as applicable, areas of particular private 
                sector expertise, such as cybersecurity.
            ``(12) NASA reporting.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than April 30 of each 
                year, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee 
                on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
                Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
                and Transportation of the Senate a report summarizing 
                the implementation of this subsection.
                    ``(B) Contents.--Each report under subparagraph (A) 
                shall include, with respect to the annual period to 
                which such report relates, the following:
                            ``(i) Information relating to the total 
                        number of employees of private sector entities 
                        assigned to the Administration, and the total 
                        number of employees of the Administration 
                        assigned to private sector entities.
                            ``(ii) A brief description and assessment 
                        of the talent management benefits evidenced 
                        from such assignments, as well as any 
                        identified strategic human capital and 
                        operational challenges, including the 
                        following:
                                    ``(I) An identification of the 
                                names of the private sector entities to 
                                and from which employees were assigned.
                                    ``(II) A complete listing of 
                                positions such employees were assigned 
                                to and from.
                                    ``(III) An identification of 
                                assigned roles and objectives of such 
                                assignments.
                                    ``(IV) Information relating to the 
                                durations of such assignments.
                                    ``(V) Information relating to 
                                associated pay grades and levels.
                            ``(iii) An assessment of impacts of such 
                        assignments on the Administration workforce and 
                        workforce culture.
                            ``(iv) An identification of the number of 
                        Administration staff and budgetary resources 
                        required to implement this subsection.
            ``(13) Federal ethics.--Nothing in this subsection shall 
        affect existing Federal ethics rules applicable to Federal 
        personnel.
            ``(14) GAO reporting.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the 
                date of the enactment of this subsection, the 
                Comptroller General of the United States shall submit 
                to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
                the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
                Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
                report summarizing the implementation of this 
                subsection.
                    ``(B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) 
                shall include the following:
                            ``(i) A review of the implementation of 
                        this subsection, according to law and the 
                        Administration policies and procedures 
                        established for assignments under this 
                        subsection.
                            ``(ii) Information relating to the extent 
                        to which such assignments adhere to best 
                        practices relating to public-private talent 
                        exchange programs.
                            ``(iii) A determination as to whether there 
                        should be limitations on the number of 
                        individuals participating in such assignments.
                            ``(iv) Information relating to the extent 
                        to which the Administration complies with 
                        statutory requirements and ethics rules, and 
                        appropriately handles potential conflicts of 
                        interest and access to nonpublic information 
                        with respect to such assignments.
                            ``(v) Information relating to the extent to 
                        which such assignments effectively contribute 
                        to 1 or more of the Administration's missions.
                            ``(vi) Information relating to 
                        Administration resources, including employee 
                        time, dedicated to administering such 
                        assignments, and whether such resources are 
                        sufficient for such administration.''.

SEC. 810. MENTORING.

    (a) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, 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 workforce, for early-career, mid-
level, and senior-level employees at all NASA Centers and NASA 
Headquarters.
    (b) Considerations.--As part of the briefing required by subsection 
(a), the Administrator may consider the merits of consolidating 
existing, disparate programs into a single, unified employee 
development program.

SEC. 811. DRINKING WATER WELL REPLACEMENT FOR CHINCOTEAGUE, VIRGINIA.

    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
Administrator may enter into an agreement, as appropriate, with the 
Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, for a period of up to 5 years, 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 control, either through lease, ownership, or 
easement, of the Town of Chincoteague. Such agreement shall, to the 
extent practicable, include the three remaining wells to be removed and 
relocated, the location of the site to which such wells would be 
relocated or are planned to be relocated, and a current estimated cost 
of the relocation, including for the purchase, lease, or use of 
additional property, engineering, design, permitting, and construction.
    (b) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination 
with the heads or other appropriate representatives of relevant 
entities, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the 
agreement under subsection (a).

SEC. 812. PASSENGER CARRIER USE FOR ASTRONAUT TRANSPORTATION.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 20150. Passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation
    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Government astronaut; international partner 
        astronaut; space flight participant; space support vehicle.--
        The terms `government astronaut', `international partner 
        astronaut', `space flight participant', and `space support 
        vehicle' have the meanings given such terms in section 50902.
            ``(2) Mission.--The term `mission' means an assignment to a 
        space support vehicle of 1 or more--
                    ``(A) government astronauts in the course of their 
                employment; or
                    ``(B) space flight participants.
            ``(3) Official purpose.--With respect to transportation, 
        the term `official purpose' means transportation necessary for 
        post-mission activities, including medical research, 
        monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of a government astronaut 
        or space flight participant before receiving post-mission 
        medical clearance to operate a motor vehicle.
            ``(4) Passenger carrier.--The term `passenger carrier' 
        means a passenger motor vehicle, aircraft, boat, vessel, or 
        other similar means of transportation that is owned or leased 
        by the United States Government.
    ``(b) Authority.--
            ``(1) 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--
                    ``(A) such transportation is provided for an 
                official purpose; and
                    ``(B) the Chief of the Astronaut Office has 
                approved, in writing, post-mission transportation of 
                government astronauts and space flight participants 
                under this section.
            ``(2) Maintenance, operation, and repair.--The 
        Administrator may maintain, operate, and repair 1 or more 
        passenger carriers for the purpose of providing transportation 
        pursuant to the authority provided in paragraph (1).
    ``(c) Reimbursement.--Transportation under subsection (b)(1) 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 Treasury.
    ``(d) Regulations.--The Administrator shall promulgate such 
regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
    ``(e) Applicability of Section 1344 of Title 31.--In carrying out 
subsection (b), the Administrator may expend funds available to the 
Administration, by appropriation or otherwise, notwithstanding section 
1344(a) of title 31.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 201 of 
title 51, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 20149 the following:

``20150. Passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation.''.

SEC. 813. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

    Nothing in this Act may be construed to alter or limit NASA's 
scientific integrity policies.
                                 <all>
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