(2) for strong and sustained United States 
leadership, a need exists to advance a human explo-
ration roadmap, addressing exploration objectives in 
collaboration with international, academic, and in-
dustry partners; 
(3) an approach that incrementally advances to-
ward a long-term goal is one in which nearer-term 
developments and implementation would influence 
future development and implementation; and 
(4) a human exploration roadmap should begin 
with low-Earth orbit, then address in greater detail 
progress beyond low-Earth orbit to cis-lunar space, 
and then address future missions aimed at human 
arrival and activities near and then on the surface 
of Mars. 
(b) HUMAN EXPLORATION ROADMAP.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall de-
velop a human exploration roadmap, including a 
critical decision plan, to expand human presence be-
yond low-Earth orbit to the surface of Mars and be-
yond, considering potential interim destinations such 
as cis-lunar space and the moons of Mars. 
(2) SCOPE.—The human exploration roadmap 
shall include— 
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(A) an integrated set of exploration, 
science, and other goals and objectives of a 
United States human space exploration pro-
gram to achieve the long-term goal of human 
missions near or on the surface of Mars in the 
2030s; 
(B) opportunities for international, aca-
demic, and industry partnerships for explo-
ration-related systems, services, research, and 
technology if those opportunities provide cost 
savings, accelerate program schedules, or other-
wise benefit the goals and objectives developed 
under subparagraph (A); 
(C) sets and sequences of precursor mis-
sions in cis-lunar space and other missions or 
activities necessary— 
(i) to demonstrate the proficiency of 
the capabilities and technologies identified 
under subparagraph (D); and 
(ii) to meet the goals and objectives 
developed under subparagraph (A), includ-
ing anticipated timelines and missions for 
the Space Launch System and Orion; 
(D) an identification of the specific capa-
bilities and technologies, including the Space 
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Launch System, Orion, a deep space habitat, 
and other capabilities, that facilitate the goals 
and objectives developed under subparagraph 
(A); 
(E) a description of how cis-lunar ele-
ments, objectives, and activities advance the 
human exploration of Mars; 
(F) an assessment of potential human 
health and other risks, including radiation expo-
sure; 
(G) mitigation plans, whenever possible, to 
address the risks identified in subparagraph 
(F); 
(H) a description of those technologies al-
ready under development across the Federal 
Government or by other entities that facilitate 
the goals and objectives developed under sub-
paragraph (A); 
(I) a specific process for the evolution of 
the capabilities of the fully integrated Orion 
with the Space Launch System and a descrip-
tion of how these systems facilitate the goals 
and objectives developed under subparagraph 
(A) and demonstrate the capabilities and tech-
nologies described in subparagraph (D); 
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(J) a description of the capabilities and 
technologies that need to be demonstrated or 
research data that could be gained through the 
utilization of the ISS and the status of the de-
velopment of such capabilities and technologies; 
(K) a framework for international coopera-
tion in the development of all capabilities and 
technologies identified under this section, in-
cluding an assessment of the risks posed by re-
lying on international partners for capabilities 
and technologies on the critical path of develop-
ment; 
(L) a process for partnering with non-gov-
ernmental entities for future human space ex-
ploration; and 
(M) include information on the phasing of 
planned intermediate destinations, Mars mis-
sion risk areas and potential risk mitigation ap-
proaches, technology requirements and phasing 
of required technology development activities, 
the management strategy to be followed, related 
ISS activities, planned international collabo-
rative activities, potential commercial contribu-
tions, and other activities relevant to the 
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achievement of the goal established in this sec-
tion. 
(3) 
CONSIDERATIONS.—In 
developing 
the 
human exploration roadmap, the Administrator shall 
consider— 
(A) using key exploration capabilities, 
namely the Space Launch System and Orion; 
(B) using existing commercially available 
technologies and capabilities or those tech-
nologies and capabilities being developed by in-
dustry for commercial purposes; 
(C) establishing an organizational ap-
proach to ensure collaboration and coordination 
among NASA’s Mission Directorates under sec-
tion 821, when appropriate, including to collect 
and return to Earth a sample from the Martian 
surface; 
(D) building upon the initial uncrewed 
mission, EM–1, and first crewed mission, EM– 
2, of the Space Launch System and Orion to 
establish a sustainable cadence of missions ex-
tending human exploration missions into cis- 
lunar space, including anticipated timelines and 
milestones; 
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(E) developing the robotic and precursor 
missions and activities that will demonstrate, 
test, and develop key technologies and capabili-
ties essential for achieving human missions to 
Mars, including long-duration human oper-
ations beyond low-Earth orbit, space suits, solar 
electric propulsion, deep space habitats, envi-
ronmental control life support systems, Mars 
lander and ascent vehicle, entry, descent, land-
ing, ascent, Mars surface systems, and in situ 
resource utilization; 
(F) demonstrating and testing one or more 
habitat modules in cis-lunar space to prepare 
for Mars missions; 
(G) using public-private, firm, fixed-price 
partnerships, where practicable; 
(H) collaborating with international, aca-
demic, and industry partners, when appro-
priate; 
(I) any risks to human health and sensitive 
onboard technologies, including radiation expo-
sure; 
(J) any risks identified through research 
outcomes under the NASA Human Research 
Program’s Behavioral Health Element; and 
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(K) the recommendations and ideas of sev-
eral independently developed reports or con-
cepts that describe potential Mars architectures 
or concepts and identify Mars as the long-term 
goal for human space exploration, including the 
reports described under section 431. 
(4) CRITICAL DECISION PLAN ON HUMAN SPACE 
EXPLORATION.—As part of the human exploration 
roadmap, the Administrator shall include a critical 
decision plan— 
(A) identifying and defining key decisions 
guiding human space exploration priorities and 
plans that need to be made before June 30, 
2020, including decisions that may guide 
human space exploration capability develop-
ment, precursor missions, long-term missions, 
and activities; 
(B) defining decisions needed to maximize 
efficiencies and resources for reaching the near, 
intermediate, and long-term goals and objec-
tives of human space exploration; and 
(C) identifying and defining timelines and 
milestones for a sustainable cadence of missions 
beginning with EM–3 for the Space Launch 
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System and Orion to extend human exploration 
from cis-lunar space to the surface of Mars. 
(5) REPORTS.— 
(A) INITIAL HUMAN EXPLORATION ROAD-
MAP.—The Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress— 
(i) an initial human exploration road-
map, including a critical decision plan be-
fore December 1, 2017; and 
(ii) an updated human exploration 
roadmap periodically as the Administrator 
considers necessary but not less than bien-
nially. 
(B) CONTENTS.—Each human exploration 
roadmap under this paragraph shall include a 
description of— 
(i) the achievements and goals accom-
plished in the process of developing such 
capabilities and technologies during the 2- 
year period prior to the submission of the 
human exploration roadmap; and 
(ii) the expected goals and achieve-
ments in the following 2-year period. 
(C) SUBMISSION
WITH
BUDGET.—Each 
human exploration roadmap under this section 
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shall be included in the budget for that fiscal 
year transmitted to Congress under section 
1105(a) of title 31, United States Code. 
SEC. 433. ADVANCED SPACE SUIT CAPABILITY. 
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appro-
priate committees of Congress a detailed plan for achiev-
ing an advanced space suit capability that aligns with the 
crew needs for exploration enabled by the Space Launch 
System and Orion, including an evaluation of the merit 
of delivering the planned suit system for use on the ISS. 
SEC. 434. ASTEROID ROBOTIC REDIRECT MISSION. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following find-
ings: 
(1) NASA initially estimated that the Asteroid 
Robotic Redirect Mission would launch in December 
2020 and cost no more than $1,250,000,000, ex-
cluding launch and operations. 
(2) On July 15, 2016, NASA conducted its Key 
Decision Point–B review of the Asteroid Robotic Re-
direct Mission or approval for Phase B in mission 
formulation. 
(3) During the Key Decision Point–B review, 
NASA 
estimated 
that 
costs 
have 
grown 
to 
$1,400,000,000 excluding launch and operations for 
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a launch in December 2021 and the agency must 
evaluate whether to accept the increase or reduce the 
Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission’s scope to stay 
within the cost cap set by the Administrator. 
(4) In April 2015, the NASA Advisory Coun-
cil— 
(A) issued a finding that— 
(i) high-performance solar electric 
propulsion will likely be an important part 
of an architecture to send humans to 
Mars; and 
(ii) maneuvering a large test mass is 
not necessary to provide a valid in-space 
test of a new solar electric propulsion 
stage; 
(B) determined that a solar electric propul-
sion mission will contribute more directly to the 
goal of sending humans to Mars if the mission 
is focused entirely on development and valida-
tion of the solar electric propulsion stage; and 
(C) determined that other possible motiva-
tions for acquiring and maneuvering a boulder, 
such as asteroid science and planetary defense, 
do not have value commensurate with their 
probable cost. 
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(5) The Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission is 
competing for resources with other critical explo-
ration development programs, including the Space 
Launch System, Orion, commercial crew, and a hab-
itation module. 
(6) In 2014, the NASA Advisory Council rec-
ommended that NASA conduct an independent cost 
and technical assessment of the Asteroid Robotic 
Redirect Mission. 
(7) In 2015, the NASA Advisory Council rec-
ommended that NASA preserve the following key ob-
jectives if the program needed to be descoped: 
(A) Development of high power solar elec-
tric propulsion. 
(B) Ability to maneuver in a low gravity 
environment in deep space. 
(8) In January 2015 and July 2015, the NASA 
Advisory Council expressed its concern to NASA 
about the potential for growing costs for the pro-
gram and highlighted that choices would need to be 
made about the program’s content. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
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(1) the technological and scientific goals of the 
Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission are not commen-
surate with the cost; and 
(2) alternative missions may provide a more 
cost effective and scientifically beneficial means to 
demonstrate the technologies needed for a human 
mission to Mars that would otherwise be dem-
onstrated by the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission. 
(c) EVALUATION AND REPORT.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator shall— 
(1) conduct an evaluation of— 
(A) alternative approaches to the Asteroid 
Robotic Redirect Mission for demonstrating the 
technologies and capabilities needed for a 
human mission to Mars that would otherwise be 
demonstrated by the Asteroid Robotic Redirect 
Mission; 
(B) the scientific and technical benefits of 
the alternative approaches under subparagraph 
(A) to future human space exploration com-
pared to scientific and technical benefits of the 
Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission; 
(C) the commercial benefits of the alter-
native approaches identified in subparagraph 
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(A), including the impact on the development of 
domestic solar electric propulsion technology to 
bolster United States competitiveness in the 
global marketplace; and 
(D) a comparison of the estimated costs of 
the alternative approaches identified in sub-
paragraph (A); and 
(2) submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report on the evaluation under para-
graph (1), including any recommendations. 
SEC. 435. MARS 2033 REPORT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall con-
tract with an independent, non-governmental systems en-
gineering and technical assistance organization to study 
a Mars human space flight mission to be launched in 
2033. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The study shall include— 
(1) a technical development, test, fielding, and 
operations plan using the Space Launch System, 
Orion, and other systems to successfully launch such 
a Mars human space flight mission by 2033; 
(2) an annual budget profile, including cost es-
timates, for the technical development, test, fielding, 
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and operations plan to carry out a Mars human 
space flight mission by 2033; and 
(3) a comparison of the annual budget profile 
to the 5-year budget profile contained in the Presi-
dent’s budget request for fiscal year 2017 under sec-
tion 1105 of title 31, United States Code. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
study, including findings and recommendations regarding 
the Mars 2033 human space flight mission described in 
subsection (a). 
(d) ASSESSMENT.—Not later than 60 days after the 
date the report is submitted under subsection (c), the Ad-
ministrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress an assessment by the NASA Advisory Council 
of whether the proposal for a Mars human space flight 
mission to be launched in 2033 is in the strategic interests 
of the United States in space exploration. 
Subtitle D—TREAT Astronauts Act 
SEC. 441. SHORT TITLE. 
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘‘To Research, 
Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act’’ or the 
‘‘TREAT Astronauts Act’’. 
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SEC. 442. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following find-
ings: 
(1) Human space exploration can pose signifi-
cant challenges and is full of substantial risk, which 
has ultimately claimed the lives of 24 National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration astronauts serving 
in the line of duty. 
(2) As United States Government astronauts 
participate in long-duration and exploration space 
flight missions they may experience increased health 
risks, 
such 
as 
vision 
impairment, 
bone 
demineralization, and behavioral health and perform-
ance risks, and may be exposed to galactic cosmic 
radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation and 
microgravity can result in acute and long-term 
health consequences that can increase the risk of 
cancer and tissue degeneration and have potential 
effects on the musculoskeletal system, central nerv-
ous system, cardiovascular system, immune function, 
and vision. 
(3) To advance the goal of long-duration and 
exploration space flight missions, United States Gov-
ernment astronaut Scott Kelly participated in a 1- 
year twins study in space while his identical twin 
brother, former United States Government astronaut 
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Mark Kelly, acted as a human control specimen on 
Earth, providing an understanding of the physical, 
behavioral, microbiological, and molecular reaction of 
the human body to an extended period of time in 
space. 
(4) Since the Administration currently provides 
medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment for 
United States Government astronauts during their 
active employment, given the unknown long-term 
health consequences of long-duration space explo-
ration, the Administration has requested statutory 
authority from Congress to provide medical moni-
toring, diagnosis, and treatment to former United 
States Government astronauts for psychological and 
medical conditions associated with human space 
flight. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) the United States should continue to seek 
the unknown and lead the world in space exploration 
and scientific discovery as the Administration pre-
pares for long-duration and exploration space flight 
in deep space and an eventual mission to Mars; 
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(2) data relating to the health of astronauts will 
become increasingly valuable to improving our un-
derstanding of many diseases humans face on Earth; 
(3) the Administration should provide the type 
of monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment described in 
subsection (a) only for conditions the Administration 
considers unique to the training or exposure to the 
space flight environment of United States Govern-
ment astronauts and should not require any former 
United States Government astronauts to participate 
in the Administration’s monitoring; 
(4) such monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment 
should not replace a former United States Govern-
ment astronaut’s private health insurance; 
(5) expanded data acquired from such moni-
toring, diagnosis, and treatment should be used to 
tailor treatment, inform the requirements for new 
space flight medical hardware, and develop controls 
in order to prevent disease occurrence in the astro-
naut corps; and 
(6) the 340-day space mission of Scott Kelly 
aboard the ISS— 
(A) was pivotal for the goal of the United 
States for humans to explore deep space and 
Mars as the mission generated new insight into 
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how the human body adjusts to weightlessness, 
isolation, radiation, and the stress of long-dura-
tion space flight; and 
(B) will help support the physical and 
mental well-being of astronauts during longer 
space exploration missions in the future. 
SEC. 443. MEDICAL MONITORING AND RESEARCH RELAT-
ING TO HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter III of chapter 201 of 
title 51, United States Code, as amended by section 305 
of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘§ 20149. Medical monitoring and research relating to 
human space flight 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other pro-
vision of law, the Administrator may provide for— 
‘‘(1) the medical monitoring, and diagnosis, of 
a former United States government astronaut or a 
former payload specialist for conditions that the Ad-
ministrator considers potentially associated with 
human space flight; and 
‘‘(2) the treatment of a former United States 
government astronaut or a former payload specialist 
for conditions that the Administrator considers asso-
ciated with human space flight, including scientific 
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and medical tests for psychological and medical con-
ditions. 
‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) NO COST SHARING.—The medical moni-
toring, diagnosis, or treatment described in sub-
section (a) shall be provided without any deductible, 
copayment, or other cost-sharing obligation. 
‘‘(2) ACCESS TO LOCAL SERVICES.—The med-
ical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment described 
in subsection (a) may be provided by a local health 
care provider if it is unadvisable due to the health 
of the applicable former United States government 
astronaut or former payload specialist for that 
former United States government astronaut or 
former payload specialist to travel to the Lyndon B. 
Johnson Space Center, as determined by the Admin-
istrator. 
‘‘(3) SECONDARY PAYMENT.—Payment or reim-
bursement for the medical monitoring, diagnosis, or 
treatment described in subsection (a) shall be sec-
ondary to any obligation of the United States Gov-
ernment or any third party under any other provi-
sion of law or contractual agreement to pay for or 
provide such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treat-
ment. Any costs for items and services that may be 
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provided by the Administrator for medical moni-
toring, diagnosis, or treatment under subsection (a) 
that are not paid for or provided under such other 
provision of law or contractual agreement, due to the 
application of deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, 
other cost sharing, or otherwise, are reimbursable by 
the Administrator on behalf of the former United 
States government astronaut or former payload spe-
cialist involved to the extent such items or services 
are authorized to be provided by the Administrator 
for such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment 
under subsection (a). 
‘‘(4) CONDITIONAL
PAYMENT.—The Adminis-
trator may provide for conditional payments for or 
provide medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment 
described in subsection (a) that is obligated to be 
paid for or provided by the United States or any 
third party under any other provision of law or con-
tractual agreement to pay for or provide such med-
ical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment if— 
‘‘(A) payment for (or the provision of) 
such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treat-
ment services has not been made (or provided) 
or cannot reasonably be expected to be made 
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(or provided) promptly by the United States or 
such third party, respectively; and 
‘‘(B) such payment (or such provision of 
services) by the Administrator is conditioned on 
reimbursement by the United States or such 
third party, respectively, for such medical moni-
toring, diagnosis, or treatment. 
‘‘(c) EXCLUSIONS.—The Administrator may not— 
‘‘(1) provide for medical monitoring or diag-
nosis of a former United States government astro-
naut or former payload specialist under subsection 
(a) for any psychological or medical condition that 
is not potentially associated with human space flight; 
‘‘(2) provide for treatment of a former United 
States government astronaut or former payload spe-
cialist under subsection (a) for any psychological or 
medical condition that is not associated with human 
space flight; or 
‘‘(3) require a former United States govern-
ment astronaut or former payload specialist to par-
ticipate in the medical monitoring, diagnosis, or 
treatment authorized under subsection (a). 
‘‘(d) PRIVACY.—Consistent with applicable provisions 
of Federal law relating to privacy, the Administrator shall 
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protect the privacy of all medical records generated under 
subsection (a) and accessible to the Administration. 
‘‘(e) REGULATIONS.—The Administrator shall pro-
mulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this 
section. 
‘‘(f) DEFINITION OF UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT 
ASTRONAUT.—In this section, the term ‘United States 
government astronaut’ has the meaning given the term 
‘government astronaut’ in section 50902, except it does 
not include an individual who is an international partner 
astronaut. 
‘‘(g) DATA USE AND DISCLOSURE.—The Adminis-
trator may use or disclose data acquired in the course of 
medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment of a former 
United States government astronaut or a former payload 
specialist under subsection (a), in accordance with sub-
section (d). Former United States government astronaut 
or former payload specialist participation in medical moni-
toring, diagnosis, or treatment under subsection (a) shall 
constitute consent for the Administrator to use or disclose 
such data.’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, as amended 
by section 305 of this Act, is further amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 20148 the following: 
‘‘20149. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space flight.’’. 
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(c) ANNUAL REPORTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each fiscal year, not later 
than the date of submission of the President’s an-
nual budget request for that fiscal year under sec-
tion 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Ad-
ministrator shall publish a report, in accordance 
with applicable Federal privacy laws, on the activi-
ties of the Administration under section 20149 of 
title 51, United States Code. 
(2) CONTENTS.—Each report under paragraph 
(1) shall include a detailed cost accounting of the 
Administration’s activities under section 20149 of 
title 51, United States Code, and a 5-year budget 
estimate. 
(3) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—The Adminis-
trator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress each report under paragraph (1) not later 
than the date of submission of the President’s an-
nual budget request for that fiscal year under sec-
tion 1105 of title 31, United States Code. 
(d) COST ESTIMATE.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 90 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator shall enter into an arrangement with an inde-
pendent external organization to undertake an inde-
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pendent cost estimate of the cost to the Administra-
tion and the Federal Government to implement and 
administer the activities of the Administration under 
section 20149 of title 51, United States Code. The 
independent external organization may not be a 
NASA entity, such as the Office of Safety and Mis-
sion Assurance. 
(2) SUBMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate com-
mittees of Congress the independent cost estimate 
under paragraph (1). 
(e) PRIVACY STUDY.— 
(1) STUDY.—The Administrator shall carry out 
a study on any potential privacy or legal issues re-
lated to the possible sharing beyond the Federal 
Government of data acquired under the activities of 
the Administration under section 20149 of title 51, 
United States Code. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Con-
gress a report containing the results of the study 
carried out under paragraph (1). 
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(f) INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT.—The Inspector 
General of NASA shall periodically audit or review, as the 
Inspector General considers necessary to prevent waste, 
fraud, and abuse, the activities of the Administration 
under section 20149 of title 51, United States Code. 
TITLE V—ADVANCING SPACE 
SCIENCE 
SEC. 501. MAINTAINING A BALANCED SPACE SCIENCE 
PORTFOLIO. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.— 
Congress reaffirms the sense of Congress that— 
(1) a balanced and adequately funded set of ac-
tivities, consisting of research and analysis grant 
programs, technology development, suborbital re-
search activities, and small, medium, and large space 
missions, contributes to a robust and productive 
science program and serves as a catalyst for innova-
tion and discovery; and 
(2) the Administrator should set science prior-
ities by following the guidance provided by the sci-
entific community through the National Academies 
of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s decadal 
surveys. 
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(b) POLICY.—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. 502. PLANETARY SCIENCE. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
(1) 
Administration 
support 
for 
planetary 
science is critical to enabling greater understanding 
of the solar system and the origin of the Earth; 
(2) the United States leads the world in plan-
etary science and can augment its success in that 
area with appropriate international, academic, and 
industry partnerships; 
(3) a mix of small, medium, and large planetary 
science missions is required to sustain a steady ca-
dence of planetary exploration; and 
(4) robotic planetary exploration is a key com-
ponent of preparing for future human exploration. 
(b) MISSION PRIORITIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with the pri-
orities established in the most recent Planetary 
Science Decadal Survey, the Administrator shall en-
sure, to the greatest extent practicable, the comple-
tion of a balanced set of Discovery, New Frontiers, 
and Flagship missions at the cadence recommended 
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by the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Sur-
vey. 
(2) MISSION
PRIORITY
ADJUSTMENTS.—Con-
sistent with the set of missions described in para-
graph (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, sched-
ule, and scope in light of changing budget projec-
tions. 
SEC. 503. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the James Webb Space Telescope will— 
(A) 
significantly 
advance 
our 
under-
standing of star and planet formation, and im-
prove our knowledge of the early universe; and 
(B) support United States leadership in 
astrophysics; 
(2) consistent with annual Government Ac-
countability Office reviews of the James Webb Space 
Telescope program, the Administrator should con-
tinue robust surveillance of the performance of the 
James Webb Space Telescope project and continue 
to improve the reliability of cost estimates and con-
tractor performance data and other major space 
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flight projects in order to enhance NASA’s ability to 
successfully deliver the James Webb Space Telescope 
on time and within budget; 
(3) the on-time and on-budget delivery of the 
James Webb Space Telescope is a high congressional 
priority; and 
(4) the Administrator should ensure that inte-
grated testing is appropriately timed and sufficiently 
comprehensive to enable potential issues to be identi-
fied and addressed early enough to be handled with-
in the James Webb Space Telescope’s development 
schedule and prior to its launch. 
SEC. 504. WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope 
(referred to in this section as ‘‘WFIRST’’) mission 
has the potential to enable scientific discoveries that 
will transform our understanding of the universe; 
and 
(2) the Administrator, to the extent practicable, 
should make progress on the technologies and capa-
bilities needed to position the Administration to 
meet the objectives, as outlined in the 2010 National 
Academies’ Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal 
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Survey, in a way that maximizes the scientific pro-
ductivity of meeting those objectives for the re-
sources invested. 
(b) CONTINUITY OF DEVELOPMENT.—The Adminis-
trator shall ensure that the concept definition and pre- 
formulation activities of the WFIRST mission continue 
while the James Webb Space Telescope is being com-
pleted. 
SEC. 505. MARS 2020 ROVER. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the Mars 2020 mission, to develop a Mars 
rover and to enable the return of samples to Earth, 
should remain a priority for NASA; and 
(2) the Mars 2020 mission— 
(A) should significantly increase our un-
derstanding of Mars; 
(B) should help determine whether life pre-
viously existed on that planet; and 
(C) should provide opportunities to gather 
knowledge and demonstrate technologies that 
address the challenges of future human expedi-
tions to Mars. 
SEC. 506. EUROPA. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following find-
ings: 
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