described in section 71521 of this title or the multipurpose 
crew vehicle described in section 71522 of this title. 
‘‘§ 71524. Launch support and infrastructure mod-
ernization program 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall carry 
out a program the primary purpose of which is to prepare 
infrastructure at the Kennedy Space Center that is needed 
to enable processing and launch of the Space Launch Sys-
tem. Vehicle interfaces and other ground processing and 
payload integration areas should be simplified to minimize 
overall costs, enhance safety, and complement the purpose 
of this section. 
‘‘(b) ELEMENTS.—The program required by this sec-
tion shall include— 
‘‘(1) investments to improve civil and national 
security operations at the Kennedy Space Center, to 
enhance the overall capabilities of the Center, and to 
reduce the long-term cost of operations and mainte-
nance; 
‘‘(2) measures to provide multi-vehicle support, 
improvements in payload processing, and partnering 
at the Kennedy Space Center; and 
‘‘(3) other measures that the Administrator 
considers appropriate, including investments to im-
prove launch infrastructure at Administration flight 
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facilities scheduled to launch cargo to the Inter-
national Space Station under the program to develop 
commercial cargo transportation capabilities. 
‘‘§ 71525. Development of technologies and in-space 
capabilities for beyond near-Earth space 
missions 
‘‘(a) DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIZED.—The Adminis-
trator may initiate activities to develop the following: 
‘‘(1) Technologies identified as necessary ele-
ments of missions beyond low-Earth orbit. 
‘‘(2) In-space capabilities such as refueling and 
storage technology, orbital transfer stages, innova-
tive in-space propulsion technology, communications, 
and data management that facilitate a broad range 
of users (including military and commercial). 
‘‘(3) Applications defining the architecture and 
design of missions beyond low-Earth orbit. 
‘‘(4) Spacesuit development and associated life 
support technology. 
‘‘(5) Flagship missions. 
‘‘(b) INVESTMENTS.—In developing technologies and 
capabilities under subsection (a), the Administrator may 
make investments in— 
‘‘(1) space technologies such as advanced pro-
pulsion, propellant depots, in situ resource utiliza-
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tion, and robotic payloads or capabilities that enable 
human missions beyond low-Earth orbit ultimately 
leading to Mars; 
‘‘(2) a space-based transfer vehicle including 
technologies described in paragraph (1) with an abil-
ity to conduct space-based operations that provide 
capabilities— 
‘‘(A) to integrate with the Space Launch 
System and other space-based systems; 
‘‘(B) to provide opportunities for in-space 
servicing of and delivery to multiple space-based 
platforms; and 
‘‘(C) to facilitate international efforts to 
expand human presence to deep space destina-
tions; 
‘‘(3) advanced life support technologies and ca-
pabilities; 
‘‘(4) technologies and capabilities relating to in- 
space power, propulsion, and energy systems; 
‘‘(5) technologies and capabilities relating to in- 
space propellant transfer and storage; 
‘‘(6) technologies and capabilities relating to in 
situ resource utilization; and 
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‘‘(7) expanded research to understand the 
greatest biological impediments to human deep space 
missions, especially the radiation challenge. 
‘‘(c) UTILIZATION OF INTERNATIONAL SPACE STA-
TION AS TESTBED.—The Administrator may utilize the 
International Space Station as a testbed for any tech-
nology or capability developed under subsection (a) in a 
manner consistent with sections 70908 through 70911 of 
this title. 
‘‘(d) COORDINATION.—The Administrator shall co-
ordinate development of technologies and capabilities 
under this section through an overall Administration tech-
nology approach consistent with the plan required by sec-
tion 905 of the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-
tration Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–267, 
124 Stat. 2836), which outlines how the Administration’s 
space technology program will meet the goal described in 
section 40903 of this title, including an explanation of how 
the plan will link to other mission-directorate technology 
efforts. 
‘‘Subchapter IV—SPACE SCIENCE 
‘‘§ 71541. Technology development 
‘‘The Administrator shall ensure that the Science 
Mission Directorate maintains a long-term technology de-
velopment program for space and Earth science. That ef-
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fort should be coordinated with an overall Administration 
technology investment approach consistent with the plan 
required by section 905 of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (Public 
Law 111–267, 124 Stat. 2836), which outlines how the 
Administration’s space technology program will meet the 
goal described in section 40903 of this title, including an 
explanation of how the plan will link to other mission-di-
rectorate technology efforts. 
‘‘§ 71542. Suborbital research activities 
‘‘(a) MANAGEMENT.—The Administrator shall des-
ignate an officer or employee of the Science Mission Direc-
torate to act as the responsible official for all Suborbital 
Research in the Science Mission Directorate. The designee 
shall be responsible for— 
‘‘(1) the development of short- and long-term 
strategic plans for maintaining, renewing, and ex-
tending suborbital facilities and capabilities; 
‘‘(2) monitoring progress toward goals in the 
plans; and 
‘‘(3) integration of suborbital activities and 
workforce development within the Administration, 
thereby ensuring the long-term recognition of their 
combined value to the Directorate, to the Adminis-
tration, and to the Nation. 
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‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT OF SUBORBITAL RESEARCH 
PROGRAM.—The Administrator shall establish a Sub-
orbital Research Program within the Science Mission Di-
rectorate that shall include the use of sounding rockets, 
aircraft, high altitude balloons, suborbital reusable launch 
vehicles, and commercial launch vehicles to advance 
science and train the next generation of scientists and en-
gineers in systems engineering and systems integration, 
which are vital to maintaining critical skills in the aero-
space workforce. The program shall integrate existing (as 
of October 11, 2010) suborbital research programs with 
orbital missions at the discretion of the designated officer 
or employee and shall emphasize the participation of un-
dergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral re-
searchers when formulating announcements of oppor-
tunity. 
‘‘(c) ANNUAL REPORT.—The Administrator shall re-
port annually to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Rep-
resentatives on the number and type of suborbital missions 
conducted in each fiscal year under this section and the 
number of undergraduate and graduate students that par-
ticipated in the missions. 
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‘‘§ 71543. In-space servicing 
‘‘The Administrator shall continue to take all nec-
essary steps to ensure that provisions are made for robotic 
or human in-space servicing and repair of all future ob-
servatory-class scientific spacecraft intended to be de-
ployed in Earth-orbit or at a Lagrangian point to the ex-
tent practicable and appropriate. The Administrator 
should ensure that Administration investments and future 
capabilities for space technology, robotics, and human 
space flight take the ability to service and repair observ-
atory-class scientific spacecraft into account, as appro-
priate, and incorporate those capabilities into design and 
operational plans. 
‘‘§ 71544. Ongoing restoration of radioisotope thermo-
electric generator material production 
‘‘The Administrator shall, in coordination with the 
Secretary of Energy, pursue a joint approach beginning 
in fiscal year 2011 toward restarting and sustaining the 
domestic production of radioisotope thermoelectric gener-
ator material for deep space and other science and explo-
ration missions. Funds authorized by the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
2010 (Public Law 111–267, 124 Stat. 2805) for the Ad-
ministration shall be made available under a reimbursable 
agreement with the Department of Energy for the purpose 
of reestablishing facilities to produce fuel required for ra-
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dioisotope thermoelectric generators to enable future mis-
sions. 
‘‘§ 71545. Coordinated approach for robotic missions 
‘‘The Administrator shall ensure that the Exploration 
Systems Mission Directorate and the Space Operations 
Mission Directorate coordinate with the Science Mission 
Directorate on an overall approach and plan for inter-
agency and international collaboration on robotic missions 
that are developed by the Administration or internation-
ally developed, including lunar, Lagrangian, near-Earth 
orbit, and Mars spacecraft, such as the International 
Lunar Network. 
‘‘§ 71546. Near-Earth object survey and policy with 
respect to threats posed 
‘‘(a) POLICY REAFFIRMATION.—Congress reaffirms 
the policy set forth in section 20102(g) of this title relat-
ing to surveying near-Earth asteroids and comets. 
‘‘(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—Consistent with section 
71103 of this title, the Director of the Office of Science 
and Technology Policy shall implement, before September 
30, 2012, a policy for notifying Federal agencies and rel-
evant emergency response institutions of an impending 
near-Earth object threat if near-term public safety is at 
risk, and assign a Federal agency or agencies to be respon-
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sible for protecting the United States and working with 
the international community on such threats.’’. 
(2) CHAPTER HEADING TYPEFACE.—The chap-
ter heading of chapter 715 of title 51, United States 
Code, as added by paragraph (1), is amended so 
that the typeface of that chapter heading conforms 
to the typeface of other chapter headings in title 51, 
United States Code. 
(3) CHAPTER
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
TYPE-
FACE.—The chapter table of contents of chapter 715 
of title 51, United States Code, as added by para-
graph (1), is amended so that the typeface of the 
subchapter headings and the typeface of the sub-
chapter items conform to those appearing in other 
chapter table of contents of title 51. 
(4) SUBCHAPTER
HEADING
TYPEFACE.—The 
subchapter headings for subchapters I through IV of 
chapter 715 of title 51, United States Code, as 
added by paragraph (1), are amended so that the 
typeface of those subchapter headings conforms to 
the typeface of subchapter headings in other chap-
ters of title 51, United States Code. 
(z) ENACTMENT OF CHAPTER 717.—Title 51, United 
States Code, is amended as follows: 
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(1) CONTENT.—Title 51, United States Code, 
as amended by subsection (y), is amended by adding 
after chapter 715 the following: 
‘‘Chapter 717—ADVANCING 
HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘71701. Definitions. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—ADVANCING HUMAN DEEP SPACE 
EXPLORATION 
‘‘Part A—Assuring Core Capabilities for Explo-
ration 
‘‘71711. Space launch system, Orion, and exploration ground systems. 
‘‘Part B—Journey to Mars 
‘‘71721. Human exploration roadmap. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—ADVANCING SPACE SCIENCE 
‘‘71731. Policy on maintaining balanced space science portfolio. 
‘‘71732. Mission priorities for planetary science. 
‘‘71733. Extrasolar planet exploration strategy. 
‘‘71734. Astrobiology strategy. 
‘‘71735. Collaboration. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—SPACE TECHNOLOGY 
‘‘71741. Space technology infusion. 
‘‘71742. Space technology program. 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER V—MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY 
‘‘Part A—Administration Information Technology 
and Cybersecurity 
‘‘71751. Information technology governance. 
‘‘71752. Information technology strategic plan. 
‘‘71753. Information security plan for cybersecurity. 
‘‘Part B—Collaboration Among Mission Direc-
torates and Other Matters 
‘‘71761. Collaboration among mission directorates. 
‘‘71762. Administration launch capabilities collaboration. 
‘‘71763. Education and outreach. 
‘‘71764. Leveraging commercial satellite servicing capabilities across mission di-
rectorates. 
‘‘71765. Flight opportunities. 
‘‘71766. Space Act Agreements. 
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‘‘Subchapter I—GENERAL 
PROVISIONS 
‘‘§ 71701. Definitions 
‘‘In this chapter: 
‘‘(1) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEES
OF
CON-
GRESS.—The term ‘appropriate committees of Con-
gress’ 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 Representa-
tives. 
‘‘(2) CIS-LUNAR
SPACE.—The term ‘cis-lunar 
space’ means the region of space from the Earth out 
to and including the region around the surface of 
the Moon. 
‘‘(3) DEEP
SPACE.—The term ‘deep space’ 
means the region of space beyond low-Earth orbit, 
to include cis-lunar space. 
‘‘(4) ORION.—The term ‘Orion’ means the mul-
tipurpose crew vehicle described under section 71522 
of this title. 
‘‘(5) SPACE
LAUNCH
SYSTEM.—The term 
‘Space Launch System’ has the meaning given the 
term in section 71501 of this title. 
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‘‘Subchapter 
II—ADVANCING 
HUMAN DEEP SPACE EXPLO-
RATION 
‘‘Part A—Assuring Core 
Capabilities for Exploration 
‘‘§ 71711. Space launch system, Orion, and explo-
ration ground systems 
‘‘(a) REAFFIRMATION.—Congress reaffirms the pol-
icy and minimum capability requirements for the Space 
Launch System under section 71521 of this title. 
‘‘(b) CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF FULLY INTE-
GRATED SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.—The Administrator 
shall continue the development of the fully integrated 
Space Launch System, including an upper stage needed 
to go beyond low-Earth orbit, in order to safely enable 
human space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond 
over the course of the next century as required in section 
71521(c) of this title. 
‘‘(c) EXPLORATION MISSIONS.—The Administrator 
shall continue development of— 
‘‘(1) an uncrewed exploration mission to dem-
onstrate the capability of both the Space Launch 
System and Orion as an integrated system by 2018; 
‘‘(2) subject to applicable human rating proc-
esses and requirements, a crewed exploration mis-
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sion to demonstrate the Space Launch System, in-
cluding the Core Stage and Exploration Upper 
Stages, by 2021; 
‘‘(3) 
subsequent 
missions 
beginning 
with 
Artemis III at operational flight rate sufficient to 
maintain safety and operational readiness using the 
Space Launch System and Orion to extend into cis- 
lunar space and eventually to Mars; and 
‘‘(4) a deep space habitat as a key element in 
a deep space exploration architecture along with the 
Space Launch System and Orion. 
‘‘(d) OTHER USES.—The Administrator shall assess 
the utility of the Space Launch System for use by the 
science community and for other Federal Government 
launch needs, including consideration of overall cost and 
schedule savings from reduced transit times and increased 
science returns enabled by the unique capabilities of the 
Space Launch System. 
‘‘Part B—Journey to Mars 
‘‘§ 71721. Human exploration roadmap 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall develop 
a human exploration roadmap, including a critical decision 
plan, to expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit 
to the surface of Mars and beyond, considering potential 
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interim destinations such as cis-lunar space and the moons 
of Mars. 
‘‘(b) SCOPE.—The human exploration roadmap shall 
include— 
‘‘(1) an integrated set of exploration, science, 
and other goals and objectives of a United States 
human space exploration program to achieve the 
long-term goal of human missions near or on the 
surface of Mars in the 2030s; 
‘‘(2) opportunities for international, academic, 
and industry partnerships for exploration-related 
systems, services, research, and technology if those 
opportunities provide cost-savings, accelerate pro-
gram schedules, or otherwise benefit the goals and 
objectives developed under paragraph (1); 
‘‘(3) sets and sequences of precursor missions 
in cis-lunar space and other missions or activities 
necessary— 
‘‘(A) to demonstrate the proficiency of the 
capabilities and technologies identified under 
paragraph (4); and 
‘‘(B) to meet the goals and objectives de-
veloped under paragraph (1), including antici-
pated timelines and missions for the Space 
Launch System and Orion; 
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‘‘(4) an identification of the specific capabilities 
and technologies, including the Space Launch Sys-
tem, Orion, a deep space habitat, and other capabili-
ties, that facilitate the goals and objectives developed 
under paragraph (1); 
‘‘(5) a description of how cis-lunar elements, 
objectives, and activities advance the human explo-
ration of Mars; 
‘‘(6) an assessment of potential human health 
and other risks, including radiation exposure; 
‘‘(7) mitigation plans, whenever possible, to ad-
dress the risks identified in paragraph (6); 
‘‘(8) a description of those technologies already 
under development across the Federal Government 
or by other entities that facilitate the goals and ob-
jectives developed under paragraph (1); 
‘‘(9) a specific process for the evolution of the 
capabilities of the fully integrated Orion with the 
Space Launch System and a description of how 
these systems facilitate the goals and objectives de-
veloped under paragraph (1) and demonstrate the 
capabilities and technologies described in paragraph 
(4); 
‘‘(10) a description of the capabilities and tech-
nologies that need to be demonstrated or research 
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data that could be gained through the utilization of 
the International Space Station and the status of 
the development of such capabilities and tech-
nologies; 
‘‘(11) a framework for international cooperation 
in the development of all capabilities and tech-
nologies identified under this section, including an 
assessment of the risks posed by relying on inter-
national partners for capabilities and technologies on 
the critical path of development; 
‘‘(12) a process for partnering with nongovern-
mental entities using Space Act Agreements or other 
acquisition instruments for future human space ex-
ploration; and 
‘‘(13) information on the phasing of planned in-
termediate destinations, Mars mission risk areas and 
potential risk mitigation approaches, technology re-
quirements and phasing of required technology de-
velopment activities, the management strategy to be 
followed, related International Space Station activi-
ties, planned international collaborative activities, 
potential commercial contributions, and other activi-
ties relevant to the achievement of the goal estab-
lished in this section. 
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‘‘(c) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing the human ex-
ploration roadmap, the Administrator shall consider— 
‘‘(1) using key exploration capabilities, namely 
the Space Launch System and Orion; 
‘‘(2) using existing commercially available tech-
nologies and capabilities or those technologies and 
capabilities being developed by industry for commer-
cial purposes; 
‘‘(3) establishing an organizational approach to 
ensure collaboration and coordination among the Ad-
ministration’s mission directorates under section 
71761 of this title, when appropriate, including to 
collect and return to Earth a sample from the Mar-
tian surface; 
‘‘(4) building upon the initial uncrewed mission, 
Artemis I, and first crewed mission, Artemis II, of 
the Space Launch System and Orion to establish a 
sustainable cadence of missions extending human ex-
ploration missions into cis-lunar space, including an-
ticipated timelines and milestones; 
‘‘(5) developing the robotic and precursor mis-
sions and activities that will demonstrate, test, and 
develop key technologies and capabilities essential 
for achieving human missions to Mars, including 
long-duration human operations beyond low-Earth 
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orbit, space suits, solar electric propulsion, deep 
space habitats, environmental control life support 
systems, Mars lander and ascent vehicle, entry, de-
scent, landing, ascent, Mars surface systems, and in- 
situ resource utilization; 
‘‘(6) demonstrating and testing 1 or more habi-
tat modules in cis-lunar space to prepare for Mars 
missions; 
‘‘(7) using public-private, firm fixed-price part-
nerships, where practicable; 
‘‘(8) collaborating with international, academic, 
and industry partners, when appropriate; 
‘‘(9) any risks to human health and sensitive 
onboard technologies, including radiation exposure; 
‘‘(10) any risks identified through research out-
comes under the Administration Human Research 
Program’s Behavioral Health Element; and 
‘‘(11) the recommendations and ideas of several 
independently developed reports or concepts that de-
scribe potential Mars architectures or concepts and 
identify Mars as the long-term goal for human space 
exploration, including the reports described under 
section 431 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Transition Authorization Act of 
2017 (Public Law 115–10, 131 Stat. 38). 
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‘‘(d) CRITICAL DECISION PLAN ON HUMAN SPACE 
EXPLORATION.—As part of the human exploration road-
map, the Administrator shall include a critical decision 
plan— 
‘‘(1) identifying and defining key decisions 
guiding human space exploration priorities and plans 
that need to be made before June 30, 2020, includ-
ing decisions that may guide human space explo-
ration capability development, precursor missions, 
long-term missions, and activities; 
‘‘(2) defining decisions needed to maximize effi-
ciencies and resources for reaching the near-, inter-
mediate-, and long-term goals and objectives of 
human space exploration; and 
‘‘(3) identifying and defining timelines and 
milestones for a sustainable cadence of missions be-
ginning with Artemis III for the Space Launch Sys-
tem and Orion to extend human exploration from 
cis-lunar space to the surface of Mars. 
‘‘(e) REPORTS.— 
‘‘(1) INITIAL
HUMAN
EXPLORATION
ROAD-
MAP.—The Administrator shall submit to the appro-
priate committees of Congress— 
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100 
‘‘(A) an initial human exploration road-
map, including a critical decision plan, before 
December 1, 2017; and 
‘‘(B) an updated human exploration road-
map periodically as the Administrator considers 
necessary but not less than biennially. 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—Each human exploration 
roadmap under this subsection shall include a de-
scription of— 
‘‘(A) the achievements and goals accom-
plished in the process of developing capabilities 
and technologies described in this section dur-
ing the 2-year period prior to the submission of 
the human exploration roadmap; and 
‘‘(B) the expected goals and achievements 
in the following 2-year period. 
‘‘(3) SUBMISSION WITH BUDGET.—Each human 
exploration roadmap under this section shall be in-
cluded in the budget for that fiscal year transmitted 
to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31. 
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101 
‘‘Subchapter III—ADVANCING 
SPACE SCIENCE 
‘‘§ 71731. Policy on maintaining balanced space 
science portfolio 
‘‘It is the policy of the United States to ensure, to 
the extent practicable, a steady cadence of large, medium, 
and small science missions. 
‘‘§ 71732. Mission priorities for planetary science 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with the priorities 
established in the most recent Planetary Science Decadal 
Survey, the Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest ex-
tent practicable, the completion of a balanced set of Dis-
covery, New Frontiers, and Flagship missions at the ca-
dence recommended by the most recent Planetary Science 
Decadal Survey. 
‘‘(b) MISSION PRIORITY ADJUSTMENTS.—Consistent 
with the set of missions described in subsection (a), and 
while maintaining the continuity of scientific data and 
steady development of capabilities and technologies, the 
Administrator may seek, if necessary, adjustments to mis-
sion priorities, schedule, and scope in light of changing 
budget projections. 
‘‘§ 71733. Extrasolar planet exploration strategy 
‘‘(a) STRATEGY.— 
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102 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator shall 
enter into an arrangement with the National Acad-
emies to develop a science strategy for the study and 
exploration of extrasolar planets, including the use 
of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, the 
James Webb Space Telescope, a potential Wide- 
Field Infrared Survey Telescope mission, or any 
other telescope, spacecraft, or instrument, as appro-
priate. 
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The strategy shall— 
‘‘(A) outline key scientific questions; 
‘‘(B) identify the most promising research 
in the field; 
‘‘(C) indicate the extent to which the mis-
sion priorities in existing decadal surveys ad-
dress the key extrasolar planet research and ex-
ploration goals; 
‘‘(D) identify opportunities for coordina-
tion with international partners, commercial 
partners, and not-for-profit partners; and 
‘‘(E) make recommendations regarding the 
activities under subparagraphs (A) through 
(D), as appropriate. 
‘‘(b) USE OF STRATEGY.—The Administrator shall 
use the strategy— 
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‘‘(1) to inform roadmaps, strategic plans, and 
other activities of the Administration as they relate 
to extrasolar planet research and exploration; and 
‘‘(2) to provide a foundation for future activi-
ties and initiatives related to extrasolar planet re-
search and exploration. 
‘‘(c) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 18 
months after March 21, 2017, the National Academies 
shall submit to the Administrator and to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the strategy 
developed under subsection (a). 
‘‘§ 71734. Astrobiology strategy 
‘‘(a) STRATEGY.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator shall 
enter into an arrangement with the National Acad-
emies to develop a science strategy for astrobiology 
that would outline key scientific questions, identify 
the most promising research in the field, and indi-
cate the extent to which the mission priorities in ex-
isting decadal surveys address the search for life’s 
origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the uni-
verse. 
‘‘(2) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The strategy shall 
include recommendations for coordination with inter-
national partners. 
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‘‘(b) USE OF STRATEGY.—The Administrator shall 
use the strategy developed under subsection (a) in plan-
ning and funding research and other activities and initia-
tives in the field of astrobiology. 
‘‘(c) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 18 
months after March 21, 2017, the National Academies 
shall submit to the Administrator and to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the strategy 
developed under subsection (a). 
‘‘§ 71735. Collaboration 
‘‘The Administration shall continue to develop first- 
of-a-kind 
instruments 
that, 
once 
proved, 
can 
be 
transitioned to other agencies for operations. Whenever re-
sponsibilities for the development of sensors or for meas-
urements are transferred to the Administration from an-
other agency, the Administration shall seek, to the extent 
possible, to be reimbursed for the assumption of such re-
sponsibilities. 
‘‘Subchapter IV—SPACE 
TECHNOLOGY 
‘‘§ 71741. Space technology infusion 
‘‘(a) POLICY.—It is the policy of the United States 
that the Administrator shall develop technologies to sup-
port the Administration’s core missions, as described in 
section 2(3) of the National Aeronautics and Space Ad-
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ministration Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111– 
267, 124 Stat. 2807), and support sustained investments 
in early stage innovation, fundamental research, and tech-
nologies to expand the boundaries of the national aero-
space enterprise. 
‘‘(b) PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES.—A goal of pro-
pulsion technologies developed under subsection (a) shall 
be to significantly reduce human travel time to Mars. 
‘‘§ 71742. Space technology program 
‘‘(a) SPACE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.— 
The Administrator shall conduct a space technology pro-
gram (referred to in this section as the ‘Program’) to re-
search and develop advanced space technologies that could 
deliver innovative solutions across the Administration’s 
space exploration and science missions. 
‘‘(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the Program, 
the Administrator shall consider— 
‘‘(1) the recommendations of the National 
Academies’ review of the Administration’s Space 
Technology roadmaps and priorities; and 
‘‘(2) the applicable enabling aspects of the step-
ping stone approach to exploration under section 
70504 of this title. 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS.—In conducting the Program, 
the Administrator shall— 
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‘‘(1) to the extent practicable, use a competitive 
process to select research and development projects; 
‘‘(2) to the extent practicable and appropriate, 
use small satellites and the Administration’s sub-
orbital and ground-based platforms to demonstrate 
space technology concepts and developments; and 
‘‘(3) as appropriate, partner with other Federal 
agencies, universities, private industry, and foreign 
countries. 
‘‘(d) SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS.—The Adminis-
trator shall organize and manage the Administration’s 
Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small 
Business Technology Transfer Program within the Pro-
gram. 
‘‘(e) NONDUPLICATION CERTIFICATION.—The Ad-
ministrator shall submit a budget for each fiscal year, as 
transmitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, 
that avoids duplication of projects, programs, or missions 
conducted by the Program with other projects, programs, 
or missions conducted by another office or directorate of 
the Administration. 
‘‘(f) COLLABORATION, COORDINATION, AND ALIGN-
MENT.—The Administrator shall— 
‘‘(1) ensure that the Administration’s projects, 
programs, and activities in support of technology re-
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search and development of advanced space tech-
nologies are fully coordinated and aligned; 
‘‘(2) ensure that the results of the projects, pro-
grams, and activities under paragraph (1) are 
shared and leveraged within the Administration; and 
‘‘(3) ensure that the organizational responsi-
bility for research and development activities in sup-
port of human space exploration not initiated as of 
March 21, 2017, is established on the basis of a 
sound rationale. 
‘‘(g) ANNUAL REPORT.—The Administrator shall in-
clude in the Administration’s annual budget request for 
each fiscal year the rationale for assigning organizational 
responsibility for, in the year prior to the budget fiscal 
year, each initiated project, program, and mission focused 
on research and development of advanced technologies for 
human space exploration. 
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‘‘Subchapter V—MAXIMIZING 
EFFICIENCY 
‘‘Part A—Administration Informa-
tion Technology and Cybersecu-
rity 
‘‘§ 71751. Information technology governance 
‘‘The Administrator shall, in a manner that reflects 
the unique nature of the Administration’s mission and ex-
pertise— 
‘‘(1) ensure the Administration Chief Informa-
tion Officer, mission directorates, and centers have 
appropriate roles in the management, governance, 
and oversight processes related to information tech-
nology operations and investments and information 
security programs for the protection of Administra-
tion systems; 
‘‘(2) ensure the Administration Chief Informa-
tion Officer has the appropriate resources and in-
sight to oversee Administration information tech-
nology and information security operations and in-
vestments; 
‘‘(3) provide an information technology program 
management framework to increase the efficiency 
and effectiveness of information technology invest-
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ments, including relying on metrics for identifying 
and reducing potential duplication, waste, and cost; 
‘‘(4) improve the operational linkage between 
the Administration Chief Information Officer and 
each Administration mission directorate, center, and 
mission support office to ensure both Administration 
and mission needs are considered in Administration- 
wide information technology and information secu-
rity management and oversight; 
‘‘(5) review the portfolio of information tech-
nology investments and spending, including informa-
tion technology-related investments included as part 
of activities within Administration mission direc-
torates that may not be considered information tech-
nology, to ensure investments are recognized and re-
ported appropriately based on guidance from the Of-
fice of Management and Budget; 
‘‘(6) consider appropriate revisions to the char-
ters of information technology boards and councils 
that inform information technology investment and 
operation decisions; and 
‘‘(7) consider whether the Administration Chief 
Information Officer should have a seat on any 
boards or councils described in paragraph (6). 
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‘‘§ 71752. Information technology strategic plan 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subsection (b), the 
Administrator shall develop an information technology 
strategic plan to guide Administration information tech-
nology management and strategic objectives. 
‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.—In developing the strategic 
plan, the Administrator shall ensure that the strategic 
plan addresses— 
‘‘(1) the deadline under section 306(a) of title 
5; and 
‘‘(2) the requirements under section 3506 of 
title 44. 
‘‘(c) CONTENTS.—The strategic plan shall address, 
in a manner that reflects the unique nature of the Admin-
istration’s mission and expertise— 
‘‘(1) near- and long-term goals and objectives 
for leveraging information technology; 
‘‘(2) a plan for how the Administration will 
submit to Congress a list of information technology 
projects, including completion dates and risk levels 
in accordance with guidance from the Office of Man-
agement and Budget; 
‘‘(3) an implementation overview for an Admin-
istration-wide approach to information technology 
investments and operations, including reducing bar-
riers to cross-center collaboration; 
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‘‘(4) coordination by the Administration Chief 
Information Officer with centers and mission direc-
torates to ensure that information technology poli-
cies are effectively and efficiently implemented 
across the Administration; 
‘‘(5) a plan to increase the efficiency and effec-
tiveness of information technology investments, in-
cluding a description of how unnecessarily duplica-
tive, wasteful, legacy, or outdated information tech-
nology across the Administration will be identified 
and eliminated, and a schedule for the identification 
and elimination of such information technology; 
‘‘(6) a plan for improving the information secu-
rity of Administration information and Administra-
tion information systems, including improving secu-
rity control assessments and role-based security 
training of employees; and 
‘‘(7) submission by the Administration to Con-
gress of information regarding high risk projects and 
cybersecurity risks. 
‘‘(d) CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT.—The Adminis-
trator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Con-
gress the strategic plan under subsection (a) and any up-
dates to the strategic plan. 
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‘‘§ 71753. Information security plan for cybersecurity 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after 
March 21, 2017, the Administrator shall implement the 
information security plan developed under subsection (b) 
and take such further actions as the Administrator con-
siders necessary to improve the information security sys-
tem in accordance with this section. 
‘‘(b) INFORMATION SECURITY PLAN.—Subject to 
subsections (c) and (d), the Administrator shall develop 
an Administration-wide information security plan to en-
hance information security for Administration information 
and information infrastructure. 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS.—In developing the plan under 
subsection (b), the Administrator shall ensure that the 
plan— 
‘‘(1) reflects the unique nature of the Adminis-
tration’s mission and expertise; 
‘‘(2) is informed by policies, standards, guide-
lines, and directives on information security required 
for Federal agencies; 
‘‘(3) is consistent with the standards and guide-
lines under section 11331 of title 40; and 
‘‘(4) meets applicable National Institute of 
Standards and Technology information security 
standards and guidelines. 
‘‘(d) CONTENTS.—The plan shall address— 
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‘‘(1) an overview of the requirements of the in-
formation security system; 
‘‘(2) an Administration-wide risk management 
framework for information security; 
‘‘(3) a description of the information security 
system management controls and common controls 
that are necessary to ensure compliance with infor-
mation security-related requirements; 
‘‘(4) an identification and assignment of roles, 
responsibilities, and management commitment for 
information security at the Administration; 
‘‘(5) coordination among organizational entities, 
including between each center, facility, mission di-
rectorate, and mission support office, and among 
Administration entities responsible for different as-
pects of information security; 
‘‘(6) the need to protect the information secu-
rity of mission-critical systems and activities and 
high-impact and moderate-impact information sys-
tems; and 
‘‘(7) a schedule of frequent reviews and up-
dates, as necessary, of the plan. 
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‘‘Part B—Collaboration Among Mis-
sion 
Directorates 
and 
Other 
Matters 
‘‘§ 71761. Collaboration among mission directorates 
‘‘The Administrator shall encourage an interdiscipli-
nary approach among all Administration mission direc-
torates and divisions, whenever appropriate, for projects 
or missions— 
‘‘(1) to improve coordination, and encourage 
collaboration and early planning on scope; 
‘‘(2) to determine areas of overlap or alignment; 
‘‘(3) to find ways to leverage across divisional 
perspectives to maximize outcomes; and 
‘‘(4) to be more efficient with resources and 
funds. 
‘‘§ 71762. Administration launch capabilities collabo-
ration 
‘‘The Administrator shall pursue a strategy for acqui-
sition of crewed transportation services and non-crewed 
launch services that continues to enhance communication, 
collaboration, and coordination between the Launch Serv-
ices Program and the Commercial Crew Program. 
‘‘§ 71763. Education and outreach 
‘‘The Administrator shall continue engagement with 
the public and education opportunities for students via all 
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the Administration’s mission directorates to the maximum 
extent practicable. 
‘‘§ 71764. Leveraging commercial satellite servicing 
capabilities across mission directorates 
‘‘The Administrator shall— 
‘‘(1) identify orbital assets in both the Science 
Mission Directorate and the Human Exploration 
and Operations Mission Directorate that could ben-
efit from satellite servicing-related technologies; and 
‘‘(2) work across all Administration mission di-
rectorates to evaluate opportunities for the private 
sector to perform such services or advance technical 
capabilities by leveraging the technologies and tech-
niques developed by Administration programs and 
other industry programs. 
‘‘§ 71765. Flight opportunities 
‘‘(a) DEVELOPMENT OF PAYLOADS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In order to conduct nec-
essary research, the Administrator shall continue 
and, as the Administrator considers appropriate, ex-
pand the development of technology payloads for— 
‘‘(A) scientific research; and 
‘‘(B) investigating new or improved capa-
bilities. 
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