tions and decision support systems. The guidelines and pro-
cedures shall include a definition of the partnership, mile-
stones, cost-sharing, and project-relevant criteria for the 
project. The guidelines and procedures shall define arrange-
ments for reimbursement for Government services, as appro-
priate, including the use of NASA spacecraft and aircraft, 
sensors, equipment, facilities, and associated personnel for 
the purpose of aiding State, local, regional, tribal, and other 
Federal Government needs. 
SEC. 302. ESSENTIAL SPACE-BASED EARTH SCIENCE AND 
CLIMATE MEASUREMENTS. 
The Administrator, in cooperation with the Adminis-
trator of NOAA and other relevant Federal agencies, shall 
enter into an arrangement with the National Academies for 
a study, to be completed, and transmitted to the Congress 
not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this 
Act, to provide a prioritized list and definition of essential 
Earth science and climate measurements that should be col-
lected with space-based means, and maintained and 
archived by the Federal Government on a continuous basis. 
The study shall also identify which measurements could po-
tentially be obtained through international partnerships, 
from data purchases or other arrangements with private or 
commercial entities, or from other relevant sources. 
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SEC. 303. COMMERCIAL REMOTE SENSING DATA PUR-
CHASES PILOT PROJECT. 
(a) WORKSHOP.—Not later than 9 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall orga-
nize a workshop including relevant commercial remote sens-
ing data providers, scientists, and remote sensing data 
users, among other relevant stakeholders, to identify the es-
sential criteria for a pilot project for purchasing commer-
cial remote sensing data to support research in Earth 
science and for applied uses of the data to address State, 
local, regional, and tribal needs. The workshop shall address 
lessons learned and recommendations related to past experi-
ence with commercial data purchases, including those out-
lined in the National Research Council report entitled ‘‘To-
ward New Partnerships in Remote Sensing: Government, 
the Private Sector, and Earth Science Research’’. 
(b) PILOT PROJECT.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, after consideration of the 
results of the workshop under subsection (a) and after ob-
taining relevant information from potential commercial re-
mote sensing data providers and users of such data, the Ad-
ministrator shall establish a pilot project for the provision, 
through competitive solicitations, of commercial remote 
sensing data to serve research and applied uses of the data 
to serve State, local, regional, and tribal needs. 
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SEC. 304. REPORT ON TEMPERATURE RECORDS. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall issue a report to the Con-
gress detailing the extent and degree to which NASA’s tem-
perature records overlap with the records at the Climatic 
Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, the reasons 
for and sources of that overlap, and the possibility that 
NASA’s temperature records have been compromised. 
Subtitle B—Space Science 
SEC. 311. SUBORBITAL PROGRAMS. 
(a) RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall en-
sure that an individual who shall report directly to 
the Associate Administrator of the Science Mission 
Directorate is designated to lead NASA’s suborbital 
and airborne program. 
(2) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The designated indi-
vidual shall be responsible for— 
(A) leading near-term and long-term stra-
tegic planning for the suborbital and airborne 
program; 
(B) ensuring the implementation of stra-
tegic and other relevant plans; 
(C) integrating NASA’s suborbital and air-
borne programs; 
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(D) ensuring the productivity of the sub-
orbital facilities and assets as necessary to carry 
out the plans; 
(E) coordinating NASA’s suborbital activi-
ties with associated NASA offices and Centers, 
universities, and other external institutions; and 
(F) monitoring progress on meeting the 
strategic objectives for enhanced suborbital and 
airborne activities, NASA workforce develop-
ment, and integration of suborbital activities 
within NASA’s overall plans and priorities. 
(b) STRATEGIC PLAN.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall pro-
vide to the Congress a strategic plan to support the full and 
productive use of NASA’s suborbital and airborne assets as 
a foundation for meeting its scientific research, engineering, 
workforce development, and education goals and objectives 
across NASA centers and mission directorates and in part-
nership with universities and other relevant external insti-
tutions. The strategic plan shall— 
(1) be developed in consultation with relevant 
NASA offices and Centers and with input from uni-
versities, nonprofit research institutions, and private 
industry; 
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(2) identify the needs and priorities for using 
NASA’s airborne and suborbital assets to support 
NASA’s scientific research, engineering, workforce de-
velopment, and educational goals; 
(3) identify and prioritize the required infra-
structure investments, including maintenance, up-
grades, and any enhanced facility or equipment capa-
bilities, that are required to carry out the needs and 
priorities described in paragraph (2); and 
(4) provide an estimate of the budget require-
ments and a schedule and timeline for implementing 
the plan. 
(c) TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.— 
The Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, expand 
the opportunities within NASA’s suborbital programs for 
training science and engineering students and for providing 
professional development for early career professionals. 
Training and development activities shall be expanded con-
sistent with the goals and objectives of the strategic plan 
to be developed under subsection (b). 
SEC. 312. REVIEW OF EXPLORER PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 120 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
enter into an arrangement with the National Academies to 
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conduct a review of the Explorer Program and offer any 
recommendations as it considers necessary. 
(b) SCOPE.—Such review shall address at least the fol-
lowing: 
(1) A review of existing or recent Explorer pro-
gram elements such as NASA’s University Class Ex-
plorer (UNEX), Small Explorer (SMEX), Medium 
Class Explorer (MIDEX), Explorers (EX), and Mis-
sions of Opportunity to assess the degree of— 
(A) innovation in instrumentation, and 
other technology and space mission elements; 
(B) flexibility and new approaches in man-
agement and collaboration; 
(C) project implementation within the 
planned budget and schedule; and 
(D) training opportunities for space sci-
entists and engineers. 
(2) The status, capability, and availability of 
launch vehicles and infrastructure to support the Ex-
plorer program elements. 
(3) Projected launch capabilities and facilities 
for Explorers, including private sector launch capa-
bilities. 
(4) The frequency of Explorer missions. 
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(5) The balance of Explorer missions among 
theme areas and between larger and smaller mission 
sizes. 
(6) The opportunities and challenges for partner 
participation in Explorer missions, including inter-
national and interagency collaborations. 
(7) The contributions of Explorers to a robust 
space science program, and the value of the Explorer 
Program for the Nation’s scientific research and engi-
neering community, including its impact on training 
of younger researchers and engineers. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 16 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit 
to the Congress the review and a plan for responding to 
the recommendations of the review. 
SEC. 313. RADIOISOTOPE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR 
MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPLY. 
(a) ANALYSIS OF REQUIREMENTS AND RISKS.—The 
Administrator, in consultation with other Federal agencies, 
shall conduct an analysis of NASA requirements for radio-
isotope power system material which is needed to carry out 
planned, high priority robotic missions in the solar system 
and other surface exploration activities beyond low-Earth 
orbit, as well as the risks to NASA missions in meeting 
those requirements, or any additional requirements, due to 
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a lack of adequate domestic production of radioisotope 
power system material. The analysis shall— 
(1) detail NASA’s current projected mission re-
quirements for radioisotope power system material; 
(2) explain the assumptions used to determine 
NASA’s requirements for the material, including— 
(A) the planned use of Advanced Stirling 
Radioisotope Generator technology; 
(B) the status of and timeline for com-
pleting development and demonstration of the 
Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator tech-
nology, including the development of flight readi-
ness requirements; and 
(C) the risks, implications, and contin-
gencies for NASA mission plans of any delays or 
unanticipated technical challenges related to the 
anticipated use of Advanced Stirling Radioiso-
tope Generator technology; 
(3) assess the risk to NASA programs of any po-
tential delays in achieving the schedule and mile-
stones for planned domestic production of radioisotope 
power system material; 
(4) outline a process for meeting any additional 
NASA requirements for the material; and 
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(5) estimate the incremental costs required to in-
crease the amount of material produced each year, if 
such an increase is needed to support additional 
NASA requirements for the material. 
(b) TRANSMITTAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in con-
sultation with other Federal agencies, shall transmit the re-
sults of the analysis to the Congress. 
TITLE IV—AERONAUTICS 
SEC. 401. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AIRCRAFT RE-
SEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE. 
Section 302 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 
17721) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The Administrator’’ and insert-
ing the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) PLAN.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall de-
velop a plan and associated timetable for this initia-
tive identifying key milestones, including projected 
flight demonstrations to validate vehicle and tech-
nology concepts in a relevant environment. 
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‘‘(2) SUBMISSION.—Not later than 270 days 
after the date of enactment of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration Authorization Act 
of 2010, the Administrator shall transmit the plan to 
the Congress.’’. 
SEC. 402. RESEARCH ON NEXTGEN AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT 
CONCEPTS AND TOOLS. 
The Administrator shall review at least annually the 
alignment and timing of NASA’s research and development 
activities in support of the NextGen airspace management 
modernization initiative and shall make any necessary ad-
justments by reprioritizing or retargeting NASA’s research 
and development activities in support of the NextGen ini-
tiative. 
SEC. 403. RESEARCH ON AIRCRAFT CABIN AIR QUALITY. 
The Administrator shall initiate research on aircraft 
cabin air quality that complements research conducted by 
the Federal Aviation Administration and its Center of Ex-
cellence on Research in the Intermodal Transport Environ-
ment, including research on innovative aircraft cabin air 
quality sensors operating during ground and flight oper-
ations and on innovative warning and mitigation tech-
nologies for poor air quality. 
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SEC. 404. RESEARCH ON ON-BOARD VOLCANIC ASH SENSOR 
SYSTEMS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall conduct a 
study to assess the feasibility of establishing a project fo-
cused on the development of a low-cost on-board volcanic 
ash sensor system. 
(b) SPECIFICATIONS.—The study shall consider, at a 
minimum— 
(1) NASA’s unique capabilities; 
(2) opportunities for collaboration, both nation-
ally and internationally; and 
(3) projected resource requirements, research 
milestones, and potential accomplishments. 
SEC. 405. AERONAUTICS TEST FACILITIES. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of the Con-
gress that— 
(1) NASA must reverse the deteriorating condi-
tion of its aeronautics ground test facilities and in-
frastructure, as this condition is hampering the effec-
tiveness and efficiency of aeronautics research per-
formed by both NASA and industry participants 
making use of NASA facilities, thus reducing the com-
petitiveness of the United States aviation industry; 
(2) NASA has a role in providing test capabili-
ties that are not economically viable as commercial 
entities and thus are not available elsewhere; and 
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(3) to ensure continued access to reliable and ef-
ficient national-class test capabilities by researchers, 
NASA should seek to establish strategic partnerships 
with other Federal agencies, academic institutions, 
and industry. 
(b) PLAN.—The Administrator shall develop a plan to 
stabilize and, where possible, reverse the deterioration of 
NASA’s aeronautics ground test facilities. The Adminis-
trator shall transmit such plan to the Congress not later 
than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 406. EXPANDED RESEARCH PROGRAM ON COMPOSITE 
MATERIALS USED IN AEROSPACE. 
The Administrator shall expand NASA’s research pro-
gram on composite materials used in aerospace applica-
tions to address— 
(1) progressive damage analysis, aging, inspec-
tion techniques, and new manufacturing and repair 
techniques; and 
(2) ways to mitigate how the environment, oper-
ating fluids, and mechanical loads interact with com-
posite materials over time. 
TITLE V—SPACE TECHNOLOGY 
SEC. 501. SPACE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator shall estab-
lish a space technology program to enable research and de-
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velopment on advanced space technologies and systems that 
are independent of specific space mission flight projects. The 
program shall support— 
(1) early-stage concepts and innovation; 
(2) development of innovative technologies in 
areas such as in-space propulsion, power generation 
and storage, liquid rocket propulsion, avionics, struc-
tures, and materials that may enable new approaches 
to human and robotic space missions; 
(3) flight demonstrations of technologies, includ-
ing those that have the potential to benefit multiple 
NASA mission directorates, other Federal Government 
agencies, and the commercial space industry; and 
(4) research, development, and demonstration of 
enabling technologies in support of future exploration 
missions. 
(b) PROCEDURE.—In establishing the space technology 
program under this section, the Administrator shall— 
(1) to the maximum extent practicable, use a 
competitive process to select projects to be supported 
as part of the program; 
(2) support the development of an organization 
to investigate innovative concepts for technological 
approaches, systems, architectures, or mission strate-
gies; 
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(3) make use of small satellites and NASA sub-
orbital platforms, to the extent practicable, to dem-
onstrate space technology concepts and developments; 
and 
(4) undertake partnerships with other Federal 
agencies, universities, private industry, and other 
spacefaring nations, as appropriate. 
(c) DECADAL SURVEY.—The Administrator shall enter 
into an arrangement with the National Academies for a 
decadal survey study to make recommendations for research 
and development priorities for NASA’s space technology 
program over the next decade. Included in the decadal sur-
vey shall be an identification and prioritization of key tech-
nology research and development activities needed to enable 
a robust exploration technology program, from basic re-
search and development through flight demonstrations. The 
Administrator shall transmit the results of the study to the 
Congress not later than 20 months after the date of enact-
ment of this Act. 
TITLE VI—EDUCATION AND 
OUTREACH 
SEC. 601. STEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to create the diverse, 
skilled scientific and technical workforce essential to meet-
ing the challenges facing NASA and the Nation in the 21st 
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century, the Administrator shall develop, conduct, support, 
promote, and coordinate formal and informal educational 
and training activities that leverage NASA’s unique content 
expertise and facilities to— 
(1) contribute to improving science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and 
training at all levels in the United States; and 
(2) enhance awareness and understanding of 
STEM, including space and Earth sciences, aero-
nautics, and engineering. 
(b) PROGRAMS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall carry 
out evidence-based programs designed to— 
(A) increase student interest and participa-
tion, including by women, underrepresented mi-
nority students, and students in rural schools; 
(B) improve public literacy and support; 
and 
(C) improve the teaching and learning of 
space and Earth sciences, aeronautics, engineer-
ing, and other STEM disciplines supported by 
NASA. 
(2) INCLUDED PROGRAMS.—Programs authorized 
under this subsection may include— 
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(E) competitive scholarships, fellowships, 
and traineeships for undergraduate and grad-
uate students in space and Earth sciences, aero-
nautics, engineering, and other STEM dis-
ciplines supported by NASA; and 
(F) competitive grants for institutions of 
higher education, with special consideration for 
minority serving institutions, including 2-year 
institutions of higher education, to establish or 
expand degree programs or courses in space and 
Earth sciences, aeronautics, engineering, and 
other STEM disciplines supported by NASA. 
(c) ORGANIZATION
OF
STEM EDUCATION
PRO-
GRAMS.— 
(1) DIRECTOR OF STEM EDUCATION.—The Ad-
ministrator shall appoint or designate a Director of 
STEM Education, who shall have the principal re-
sponsibility to oversee and coordinate all NASA pro-
grams and activities in support of STEM education 
and training, including space and Earth sciences, 
aeronautics, and engineering. 
(2) QUALIFICATIONS.—The Director shall be an 
individual who, by reason of professional background 
and experience, is specially qualified to advise the 
Administrator on all matters pertaining to STEM 
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education and training, including space and Earth 
sciences, aeronautics, and engineering, at NASA. 
(3) DUTIES.—The Director shall— 
(A) oversee and coordinate all programs in 
support of STEM education and training, in-
cluding space and Earth sciences, aeronautics, 
and engineering; 
(B) represent NASA as the principal inter-
agency liaison for all STEM education and 
training programs, unless otherwise represented 
by the Administrator or the Associate Adminis-
trator for Education; 
(C) prepare the annual budget and advise 
the Associate Administrator for Education and 
the Administrator on all budgetary issues for 
STEM education and training relative to the 
programs of NASA; 
(D) establish, periodically update, and 
maintain a publicly accessible online inventory 
of STEM education and training programs and 
activities; 
(E) develop, implement, and update the 
STEM education and training strategic plan re-
quired under subsection (d); 
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(F) increase, to the maximum extent prac-
ticable, the participation and advancement of 
women and underrepresented minorities at every 
level of STEM education and training; and 
(G) perform such other matters relating to 
STEM education and training as are required 
by the Administrator or the Associate Adminis-
trator for Education. 
(d) STRATEGIC PLAN.—The Director of STEM Edu-
cation shall develop, implement, and update once every 3 
years a STEM education and training strategic plan for 
NASA. The plan shall— 
(1) identify and prioritize annual and long-term 
STEM education and training goals and objectives 
for NASA; 
(2) describe the role of each NASA program or 
activity in contributing to the goals and objectives 
identified under paragraph (1); 
(3) specify the metrics that will be used to assess 
progress toward achieving those goals and objectives; 
and 
(4) describe the approaches that will be taken to 
assess the effectiveness of each STEM education pro-
gram and activity supported by NASA. 
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(e) OUTREACH
TO
STUDENTS
FROM
UNDERREP-
RESENTED GROUPS.—The Administrator shall seek to en-
sure that program participants include minority and 
underrepresented groups, including students from a high- 
need local education agency as defined in section 2102(3) 
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 6602(3)). 
(f) CONSULTATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER 
AGENCIES.—In carrying out the programs and activities 
authorized under this section, the Administrator shall— 
(1) consult with the Secretary of Education and 
the Director of the National Science Foundation re-
garding activities designed to improve elementary 
and secondary STEM education and training, and 
recruit minorities that are underrepresented in 
STEM teaching; and 
(2) consult and partner with the Director of the 
National Science Foundation in carrying out pro-
grams under this section designed to build capacity 
in STEM education and training at the under-
graduate and graduate level. 
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SEC. 
602. 
ASSESSMENT 
OF 
IMPEDIMENTS 
TO 
SPACE 
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING WORKFORCE DE-
VELOPMENT FOR MINORITY AND UNDERREP-
RESENTED GROUPS AT NASA. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator shall enter into 
an arrangement for an independent assessment of any im-
pediments to space science and engineering workforce devel-
opment for minority and underrepresented groups at 
NASA, including recommendations on— 
(1) measures to address such impediments; 
(2) opportunities for augmenting the impact of 
space science and engineering workforce development 
activities and for expanding proven, effective pro-
grams; and 
(3) best practices and lessons learned, as identi-
fied through the assessment, to help maximize the ef-
fectiveness of existing and future programs to increase 
the participation of minority and underrepresented 
groups in the space science and engineering workforce 
at NASA. 
(b) REPORT.—A report on the assessment carried out 
under subsection (a) shall be transmitted to the Congress 
not later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this 
Act. 
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(c) IMPLEMENTATION.—To the extent practicable, the 
Administrator shall take all necessary steps to address any 
impediments identified in the assessment. 
SEC. 603. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL SPACE 
GRANT COLLEGE AND FELLOWSHIP PRO-
GRAM. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of the Con-
gress that— 
(1) the National Space Grant College and Fel-
lowship Program, established in title II of the Na-
tional Aeronautics and Space Administration Author-
ization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 2486 et seq.), has been 
an important program through which the Federal 
Government has partnered with State and local gov-
ernments, universities, private industry, and other or-
ganizations to enhance the understanding and use of 
space and aeronautics activities and their benefits 
through education, the fostering of interdisciplinary 
and multidisciplinary space research and training, 
and supporting Federal funding for graduate fellow-
ships in space-related fields; and 
(2) enhancing the National Space Grant College 
and Fellowship Program’s effectiveness will support 
the program’s maximum contribution to NASA’s and 
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the Nation’s goals for science, technology, engineering 
and mathematics (STEM) education and training. 
(b) REVIEW.—The Administrator shall enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academies for a review of 
the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, 
including its structure and capabilities for supporting 
STEM education and training, and recommendations on 
measures, if needed, to enhance the program’s effectiveness. 
(c) TRANSMITTAL.—The Administrator shall transmit 
the results of the review to the Congress not later than 18 
months after the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 604. HANDS-ON SPACE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 
EDUCATION AND TRAINING. 
(a) PILOT PROJECTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall competitively select pilot projects that test and 
demonstrate new forms of collaborative and hands-on 
education and training projects related to aero-
nautics, exploration, science, space operations, and 
human spaceflight, that serve to stimulate and engage 
students in science and engineering, and that foster 
skills including engineering, teamwork, project man-
agement, and problem solving. In particular, the pilot 
projects shall emphasize engineering and technology- 
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