I 
115TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 5503 
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 13, 2018 
Mr. BABIN (for himself, Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. BROOKS of Alabama, Mr. 
ROHRABACHER, Mr. KNIGHT, Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana, and Mr. NOR-
MAN) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee 
on Science, Space, and Technology 
A BILL 
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives 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 
‘‘National Aeronautics and Space Administration Author-
ization Act of 2018’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is the following: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
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Sec. 2. Definitions. 
TITLE I—AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS 
Sec. 101. Fiscal year 2018. 
Sec. 102. Fiscal year 2019. 
TITLE II—HUMAN EXPLORATION 
Sec. 201. Space facilities beyond low-Earth orbit. 
Sec. 202. ISS transition. 
Sec. 203. Human spaceflight research. 
Sec. 204. Critical path redundancy for human spaceflight. 
Sec. 205. Space suits. 
TITLE III—SCIENCE 
Subtitle A—Earth Science 
Sec. 301. Reimbursable basis for development of sensors and instruments. 
Sec. 302. Earth observations study. 
Sec. 303. Land imaging. 
Sec. 304. Landsat data policy. 
Sec. 305. Earth science missions. 
Sec. 306. Goddard Institute for Space Studies Inspector General report. 
Subtitle B—Astronomy and Astrophysics 
Sec. 311. Search for the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the 
universe. 
Sec. 312. Wide-Field Infrared Space Telescope. 
Subtitle C—Planetary Science 
Sec. 321. Near-Earth Object Survey. 
Sec. 322. Space nuclear power. 
TITLE IV—AERONAUTICS 
Sec. 401. Supersonic research. 
Sec. 402. Unmanned aircraft systems research. 
Sec. 403. 21st Century Aeronautics Research Capabilities Initiative. 
Sec. 404. Experimental plane program. 
Sec. 405. Hypersonic Technology project. 
TITLE V—COMMERCIAL 
Sec. 501. Commercial supply of space products. 
Sec. 502. Commercial provision of services. 
Sec. 503. Commercial in-space infrastructure. 
Sec. 504. Preference for launch vehicles manufactured in the United States. 
Sec. 505. Studies on industrial base. 
Sec. 506. Spectrum coordination. 
Sec. 507. Enhanced-use leasing. 
Sec. 508. Satellite servicing technologies. 
TITLE VI—POLICY 
Sec. 601. NASA-funded institutes. 
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Sec. 602. Baseline and cost controls. 
Sec. 603. Reports to Congress. 
Sec. 604. International technical and operational standards. 
Sec. 605. NASA contractor responsibility watch list. 
Sec. 606. Human space exploration risk. 
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Adminis-
trator’’ means the Administrator of NASA. 
(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) ISS.—The term ‘‘ISS’’ means the Inter-
national Space Station. 
(4) NASA.—The term ‘‘NASA’’ means the Na-
tional Aeronautics and Space Administration. 
(5) NEAR-EARTH ASTEROID.—The term ‘‘near- 
Earth asteroid’’ means an asteroid with a perihelion 
distance of less than 1.3 Astronomical Units from 
the Sun. 
(6) NEAR-EARTH
OBJECT.—The term ‘‘near- 
Earth object’’ means an asteroid or comet with a 
perihelion distance of less than 1.3 Astronomical 
Units from the Sun. 
(7) NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION.—The term 
‘‘nonprofit organization’’ means an organization de-
termined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be an 
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organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 
501(c)(3)) which is exempt from taxation under sec-
tion 501(a) of such Code. 
(8) ORION.—The term ‘‘Orion’’ means the mul-
tipurpose crew vehicle described under section 303 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323). 
(9) SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘Space 
Launch System’’ has the meaning given the term in 
section 3 of the National Aeronautics and Space Ad-
ministration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
18302). 
TITLE I—AUTHORIZATION OF 
APPROPRIATIONS 
SEC. 101. FISCAL YEAR 2018. 
There are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for 
fiscal year 2018, $20,736,140,000, as follows: 
(1) For Science, $6,221,500,000, of which— 
(A) $1,921,000,000 is for Earth Science; 
(B) 
$2,227,900,000 
is 
for 
Planetary 
Science; 
(C) $850,400,000 is for Astrophysics; 
(D) $533,700,000 is for the James Webb 
Space Telescope; and 
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(4) For Science, $6,152,600,000, of which— 
(A) $1,450,000,000 is for Earth Science; 
(B) 
$2,636,500,000 
is 
for 
Planetary 
Science; 
(C) $1,375,400,000 is for Astrophysics; 
and 
(D) $690,700,000 is for Heliophysics. 
(5) For Aeronautics, $685,000,000. 
(6) For Education, $100,000,000, of which— 
(A) $18,000,000 is for the Established 
Program to Stimulate Competitive Research; 
and 
(B) $40,000,000 is for Space Grant. 
(7) For Safety, Security, and Mission Services, 
$2,749,700,000. 
(8) For Construction and Environmental Com-
pliance and Restoration, $438,200,000. 
(9) For Inspector General, $39,300,000. 
TITLE II—HUMAN EXPLORATION 
SEC. 201. SPACE FACILITIES BEYOND LOW-EARTH ORBIT. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that space facilities for use beyond low-Earth orbit 
play a significant role in NASA’s long-term pursuit of its 
exploration goals under section 202(a) of the National 
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Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act 
of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(a)). 
(b) CREWED AND CREW-TENDED SPACE FACILITIES 
REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Trans-
portation of the Senate a report on the potential de-
velopment of space facilities for use beyond low- 
Earth orbit. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report required under 
paragraph (1) shall include a description of— 
(A) how each such space facility can ad-
vance, enable, or complement human explo-
ration of the Solar System, including of the at-
mosphere and the surface of celestial bodies; 
(B) the role of the space facility as a stag-
ing, logistics, and operations hub in an explo-
ration architecture; 
(C) how the space facility could support 
the research, development, testing, validation, 
operation, and launch of space exploration sys-
tems and technologies; 
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(D) opportunities and strategies for com-
mercial operation or public-private partnerships 
that protect taxpayer interests and foster com-
petition; and 
(E) the role of such a space facility in 
making, developing, and refining the case for 
further crewed and uncrewed exploration invest-
ments. 
SEC. 202. ISS TRANSITION. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) The ISS is a valuable national asset that 
can continue to produce worthwhile scientific re-
search and valuable technology. 
(2) The ISS mission should be to carry out 
microgravity research and development, research in 
support of deep space human exploration, and low- 
Earth orbit commercialization. 
(3) The ISS is the best platform currently 
available to conduct certain types of research needed 
for NASA’s deep space human exploration program 
with such research currently scheduled to be com-
pleted by the end of fiscal year 2024. 
(4) The ISS transition report, submitted pursu-
ant to section 50111(c)(2) of title 51, United States 
Code, provides an explanation of NASA’s plans to 
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foster the development of private industry capabili-
ties and private demand with a goal of ending direct 
NASA support for ISS operations by the end of fis-
cal year 2024. 
(5) The plans laid out in the ISS transition re-
port are conditionally flexible and require feedback 
to inform next steps. In addition, the feasibility of 
ending direct NASA support for ISS operations by 
the end of fiscal year 2024 is dependent on many 
factors, some of which are indeterminate until the 
Administration carries out the initial phases of the 
ISS transition plan. 
(6) The value of any in-space facility, such as 
the ISS, depends both on its contributions to further 
expansion of human presence throughout the solar 
system, pursuant to section 202 of the National Aer-
onautics and Space Administration Authorization 
Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312) and to making exist-
ing presence self-sustaining. 
(7) As the United States moves towards a com-
mitment to a human presence off the surface of the 
Earth, other Government agencies should seek to 
benefit from and capitalize upon the ongoing human 
presence in space. 
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(b) IN GENERAL.—The Administration shall support 
Johnson Space Center as a center of innovation and lead-
ership in developing human operations, including surfaces 
of celestial bodies, beyond Earth, to the cis-lunar region, 
the Moon, Mars, and beyond. 
(c) ISS OPERATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—NASA shall continue oper-
ation of the International Space Station for such 
time as Congress authorizes its operations. 
(2) 
INTERNATIONAL
AGREEMENTS.—NASA 
shall pursue international agreements to provide 
maximum flexibility for ISS utilization. 
(3) LOW-EARTH ORBIT.—NASA shall pursue a 
step-wise transition of low-Earth orbit human 
spaceflight operations from a Government-directed 
activity to a model where private industry is respon-
sible for how to meet and execute NASA’s require-
ments. 
(4) TRANSITION REPORT.—NASA shall carry 
out activities in fiscal year 2019 as proposed in the 
ISS transition report, delivered pursuant to section 
50111(c) of title 51, United States Code. 
(d) REPORTING.—In addition to the biennial report-
ing requirement under section 50111(c) of title 51, United 
States Code, the Administrator shall brief the Committee 
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on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate quarterly, beginning on 
the date that is 3 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, on the status of, and all progress, changes, and 
other developments related to carrying out the plans in 
the ISS transition report. 
(e) AUTHORIZED FUNDING.—Subject to the avail-
ability of appropriations, shall make available at least 
$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 for commercial low- 
Earth orbit development out of the LEO and Spaceflight 
Operations account. 
SEC. 203. HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT RESEARCH. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) the benefits derived from the peaceful use 
of space depend on the extent to which ground-based 
space infrastructure, facilities, and research are well- 
integrated; and 
(2) NASA Johnson Space Center (hereinafter 
referred to as ‘‘JSC’’) has the expertise and facilities 
to support the development of the major techno-
logical innovations necessary to enable and support 
the 
nation’s 
ongoing 
commitment 
to 
human 
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spaceflight, exploration, and continued human pres-
ence in space. 
(b) JOHNSON SPACE CENTER RESEARCH OFFICE.— 
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator shall 
establish a research office at JSC to build upon the 
Center’s existing expertise in human space flight 
missions for future challenges. 
(2) RESEARCH DIRECTOR.—The head of the re-
search office shall be the research director, who shall 
report directly to the Director of JSC. 
(3) DUTIES.—The research director shall have, 
at a minimum, the following duties: 
(A) Oversee a research portfolio focused on 
human space flight. 
(B) Recommend infrastructure and equip-
ment necessary to carry out a research mission. 
(C) Oversee professional development and 
continuing education, as necessary and appro-
priate, for the civil workforce as the research 
and innovation focus of the center increases. 
(4) SCOPE OF RESEARCH.—The research office 
shall focus on aspects of research that are directly 
relevant to the endeavor of human space flight, in-
cluding problems of human spaceflight and robotics 
supporting human space exploration. 
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(5) SUPPORT
FOR
HUMAN
SPACEFLIGHT
AC-
TIVITIES.—JSC shall, consistent with its primary re-
sponsibilities to NASA and other government cus-
tomers, endeavor to make the fullest possible use of 
its facilities and infrastructure to support all U.S. 
human spaceflight activities, including those of the 
private sector. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the en-
actment of this Act, NASA and JSC shall submit to the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
on NASA’s progress on, and other developments related 
to, carrying out the requirements of this section. 
(d) AUTHORIZED FUNDING.—Subject to the avail-
ability of appropriations, the Administrator shall make 
available at least $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2019 out of 
the Exploration Research and Technology account to carry 
out this section. 
SEC. 204. CRITICAL PATH REDUNDANCY FOR HUMAN 
SPACEFLIGHT. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that NASA, in co-
operation with private sector and international partners, 
has facilitated the development of a wide array of cargo 
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and crew transportation options for operations in low- 
Earth orbit and beyond. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that the availability of a multitude of launch vehicles 
and crew and cargo vehicles provides critical path redun-
dancy. 
(c) LOGISTICAL AND TRANSPORT REDUNDANCY.— 
Not later than 3 months after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives a report that con-
tains an evaluation of the suitability and performance, in-
cluding cost, reliability, and availability, of— 
(1) all available crew and cargo vehicles for des-
tinations in low-Earth orbit, cis-lunar space, and be-
yond; and 
(2) all available launch vehicles that are capable 
of delivering more than 20 tons to, or beyond, low- 
Earth orbit to support exploration and scientific 
missions, particularly to outer planets. 
SEC. 205. SPACE SUITS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
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(1) Space suits and associated extravehicular 
activity (in this section, referred to as ‘‘EVA’’) tech-
nologies are critical space exploration technologies. 
(2) The NASA civil service workforce at the 
Johnson Space Center possesses unique capabilities 
to integrate, design, and validate space suits and as-
sociated EVA technologies. 
(3) Maintaining a strong core competency in 
the design, development, manufacture, and operation 
of space suits and related technologies allows NASA 
to be an informed purchaser of competitively award-
ed commercial space suits and associated EVA tech-
nologies. 
(4) NASA should fully utilize the International 
Space Station by 2025 to test future space suits and 
associated EVA technologies to reduce risk and im-
prove safety. 
(b) SPACE SUITS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—NASA shall develop space 
suits and associated EVA technologies. 
(2) MANAGEMENT.—The Johnson Space Center 
shall manage the space suit and EVA programs of 
NASA. 
(3) PRIVATE
SECTOR.—In carrying out this 
subsection, the Administrator may enter into agree-
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‘‘§ 50119. Commercial in-space infrastructure 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In planning and carrying out 
space exploration missions, the Administrator shall, to the 
greatest extent practicable, make use of commercial in- 
space infrastructure to support such missions. 
‘‘(b) COMMERCIAL IN-SPACE INFRASTRUCTURE.—In 
this section, the term ‘commercial in-space infrastructure’ 
means infrastructure that is— 
‘‘(1) owned, managed, or built by a United 
States commercial provider or through a public-pri-
vate partnership with a United States commercial 
provider; and 
‘‘(2) located more than 320,000 kilometers 
from the Earth’s surface. 
‘‘(c) EXCEPTIONS.—The Administrator shall not be 
required to use commercial in-space infrastructure if, on 
a case-by-case basis— 
‘‘(1) the Administrator determines that— 
‘‘(A) 
cost-effective 
infrastructure 
that 
meets specific mission requirements would not 
be reasonably available from United States 
commercial providers when required; 
‘‘(B) the use of commercial in-space infra-
structure poses an unacceptable mission risk; or 
‘‘(C) the use of commercial in-space infra-
structure is inconsistent with international 
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