the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act. 
SEC. 703. SENSE OF CONGRESS. 
It is the sense of Congress that NASA’s educational 
programs are important sources of inspiration and hands- 
on learning for the next generation of engineers and sci-
entists and should be supported. In that regard, programs 
such as EarthKAM, which brings NASA directly into 
American classrooms by enabling students to talk directly 
with Astronauts aboard International Space Station and 
take photographs of Earth from space, and NASA involve-
ment in robotics competitions for students of all levels, are 
particularly worthy undertakings and NASA should sup-
port them and look for additional opportunities to engage 
students through NASA’s space and aeronautics activities. 
TITLE VIII—NEAR-EARTH 
OBJECTS 
SEC. 801. IN GENERAL. 
The Congress reaffirms the policy direction estab-
lished in the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–155) for 
NASA to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the 
physical characteristics of near-Earth objects equal to or 
greater than 140 meters in diameter. NASA’s Near-Earth
Object program activities will also provide benefits to 
NASA’s scientific and exploration activities. 
SEC. 802. FINDINGS. 
Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) Near-Earth objects pose a serious and cred-
ible threat to humankind, as many scientists believe 
that a major asteroid or comet was responsible for 
the mass extinction of the majority of the Earth’s 
species, including the dinosaurs, nearly 65,000,000 
years ago. 
(2) Several such near-Earth objects have only 
been discovered within days of the objects’ closest 
approach to Earth and recent discoveries of such 
large objects indicate that many large near-Earth 
objects remain undiscovered. 
(3) Asteroid and comet collisions rank as one of 
the most costly natural disasters that can occur. 
(4) The time needed to eliminate or mitigate 
the threat of a collision of a potentially hazardous 
near-Earth object with Earth is measured in dec-
ades. 
(5) Unlike earthquakes and hurricanes, aster-
oids and comets can provide adequate collision infor-
mation, enabling the United States to include both 
asteroid-collision and comet-collision disaster recov-
ery and disaster avoidance in its public-safety struc-
ture. 
(6) Basic information is needed for technical 
and policy decisionmaking for the United States to 
create a comprehensive program in order to be ready 
to eliminate and mitigate the serious and credible 
threats to humankind posed by potentially hazardous 
near-Earth asteroids and comets. 
(7) As a first step to eliminate and to mitigate 
the risk of such collisions, situation and decision 
analysis processes, as well as procedures and system 
resources, must be in place well before a collision 
threat becomes known. 
SEC. 803. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION. 
The Administrator shall issue requests for informa-
tion on— 
(1) a low-cost space mission with the purpose of 
rendezvousing with, attaching a tracking device, and 
characterizing the Apophis asteroid, which scientists 
estimate will in 2029 pass at a distance from Earth 
that is closer than geostationary satellites; and 
(2) a medium-sized space mission with the pur-
pose of detecting near-Earth objects equal to or 
greater than 140 meters in diameter.
SEC. 804. ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICY. 
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Director of OSTP shall— 
(1) develop a policy for notifying Federal agen-
cies and relevant emergency response institutions of 
an impending near-Earth object threat, if near term 
public safety is at stake; and 
(2) recommend a Federal agency or agencies to 
be responsible for protecting the Nation from a 
near-Earth object that is anticipated to collide with 
Earth and implementing a deflection campaign, in 
consultation with international bodies, should one be 
required. 
SEC. 805. PLANETARY RADAR CAPABILITY. 
The Administrator shall maintain a planetary radar 
that is, at minimum, comparable to the capability provided 
through the NASA Deep Space Network Goldstone facil-
ity. 
SEC. 806. ARECIBO OBSERVATORY. 
Congress reiterates its support for the use of the Are-
cibo Observatory for NASA-funded near-Earth object-re-
lated activities. The Administrator shall ensure the avail-
ability of the Arecibo Observatory’s planetary radar to 
support these activities until the National Academies’ re-
view of NASA’s approach for the survey and deflection 
of near-Earth objects, including a determination of the
role of Arecibo, that was directed to be undertaken by the 
Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act, is com-
pleted. 
SEC. 807. INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES. 
It is the sense of Congress that, since an estimated 
25,000 asteroids of concern have yet to be discovered and 
monitored, the United States should seek to obtain com-
mitments for cooperation from other nations with signifi-
cant resources for contributing to a thorough and timely 
search for such objects and an identification of their char-
acteristics. 
TITLE IX—COMMERCIAL 
INITIATIVES 
SEC. 901. SENSE OF CONGRESS. 
It is the sense of Congress that a healthy and robust 
commercial sector can make significant contributions to 
the successful conduct of NASA’s space exploration pro-
gram. While some activities are inherently governmental 
in nature, there are many other activities, such as routine 
supply of water, fuel, and other consumables to low Earth 
orbit or to destinations beyond low Earth orbit, and provi-
sion of power or communications services to lunar out-
posts, that potentially could be carried out effectively and 
efficiently by the commercial sector at some point in the 
future. Congress encourages NASA to look for such serv-
ice opportunities and, to the maximum extent practicable, 
make use of the commercial sector to provide those serv-
ices. It is further the sense of Congress that United States 
entrepreneurial space companies have the potential to de-
velop and deliver innovative technology solutions at afford-
able costs. NASA is encouraged to use United States en-
trepreneurial space companies to conduct appropriate re-
search and development activities. NASA is further en-
couraged to seek ways to ensure that firms that rely on 
fixed-price proposals are not disadvantaged when NASA 
seeks to procure technology development. 
SEC. 902. COMMERCIAL CREW INITIATIVE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to stimulate commercial 
use of space, help maximize the utility and productivity 
of the International Space Station, and enable a commer-
cial means of providing crew transfer and crew rescue 
services for the International Space Station, NASA 
shall— 
(1) make use of United States commercially 
provided International Space Station crew transfer 
and crew rescue services to the maximum extent 
practicable, if those commercial services have dem-
onstrated the capability to meet NASA-specified as-
cent, entry, and International Space Station prox-
imity operations safety requirements;
(2) limit, to the maximum extent practicable, 
the use of the Crew Exploration Vehicle to missions 
carrying astronauts beyond low Earth orbit once 
commercial crew transfer and crew rescue services 
that meet safety requirements become operational; 
(3) facilitate, to the maximum extent prac-
ticable, the transfer of NASA-developed technologies 
to potential United States commercial crew transfer 
and rescue service providers, consistent with United 
States law; and 
(4) issue a notice of intent, not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, to 
enter into a funded, competitively awarded Space 
Act Agreement with two or more commercial entities 
for a Phase 1 Commercial Orbital Transportation 
Services (COTS) crewed vehicle demonstration pro-
gram. 
(b) COTS CREWED VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION PRO-
GRAM AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are 
authorized to be appropriated to NASA for the program 
described in subsection (a)(4) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 
2009, to remain available until expended. 
(c) CONGRESSIONAL INTENT.—It is the intent of 
Congress that funding for the program described in sub-
section (a)(4) shall not come at the expense of full funding
of the amounts authorized under section 101(a)(3), and 
for future fiscal years, for Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle 
development, Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle development, or 
International Space Station cargo delivery. 
(d) ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGIES AUTHORIZATION OF 
APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized to be appro-
priated to NASA for the provision of International Space 
Station-compatible docking adaptors and other relevant 
technologies to be made available to the commercial crew 
providers selected to service the International Space Sta-
tion $50,000,000, to remain available until expended. 
(e) CREW TRANSFER AND CREW RESCUE SERVICES 
CONTRACT.—If a commercial provider demonstrates the 
capability to provide International Space Station crew 
transfer and crew rescue services and to satisfy NASA as-
cent, entry, and International Space Station proximity op-
erations safety requirements, NASA shall enter into an 
International Space Station crew transfer and crew rescue 
services contract with that commercial provider for a por-
tion of NASA’s anticipated International Space Station 
crew transfer and crew rescue requirements from the time 
the commercial provider commences operations under con-
tract with NASA through calendar year 2016, with an op-
tion to extend the period of performance through calendar 
year 2020.
TITLE 
X—REVITALIZATION 
OF 
NASA INSTITUTIONAL CAPA-
BILITIES 
SEC. 1001. REVIEW OF INFORMATION SECURITY CONTROLS. 
(a) REPORT ON CONTROLS.—Not later than one year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller 
General shall transmit to the Committee on Science and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate a review of information security controls that pro-
tect NASA’s information technology resources and infor-
mation from inadvertent or deliberate misuse, fraudulent 
use, disclosure, modification, or destruction. The review 
shall focus on networks servicing NASA’s mission direc-
torates. In assessing these controls, the review shall evalu-
ate— 
(1) the network’s ability to limit, detect, and 
monitor access to resources and information, thereby 
safeguarding and protecting them from unauthorized 
access; 
(2) the physical access to network resources; 
and 
(3) the extent to which sensitive research and 
mission data is encrypted.
(b) RESTRICTED REPORT
ON INTRUSIONS.—Not 
later than one year after the date of enactment of this 
Act, and in conjunction with the report described in sub-
section (a), the Comptroller General shall transmit to the 
Committee on Science and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a restricted re-
port detailing results of vulnerability assessments con-
ducted by the Government Accountability Office on 
NASA’s network resources. Intrusion attempts during 
such vulnerability assessments shall be divulged to NASA 
senior management prior to their application. The report 
shall put vulnerability assessment results in the context 
of unauthorized accesses or attempts during the prior two 
years and the corrective actions, recent or ongoing, that 
NASA has implemented in conjunction with other Federal 
authorities to prevent such intrusions. 
SEC. 1002. MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADE OF CENTER FA-
CILITIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to sustain healthy Cen-
ters that are capable of carrying out NASA’s missions, 
the Administrator shall ensure that adequate maintenance 
and upgrading of those Center facilities is performed on 
a regular basis.
(b) REVIEW.—The Administrator shall determine 
and prioritize the maintenance and upgrade backlog at 
each of NASA’s Centers and associated facilities, and shall 
develop a strategy and budget plan to reduce that mainte-
nance and upgrade backlog by 50 percent over the next 
five years. 
(c) REPORT.—The Administrator shall deliver a re-
port to Congress on the results of the activities undertaken 
in subsection (b) concurrently with the delivery of the fis-
cal year 2011 budget request. 
SEC. 1003. ASSESSMENT OF NASA LABORATORY CAPABILI-
TIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—NASA’s laboratories are a critical 
component of NASA’s research capabilities, and the Ad-
ministrator shall ensure that those laboratories remain 
productive. 
(b) REVIEW.—The Administrator shall enter into an 
arrangement for an independent external review of 
NASA’s laboratories, including laboratory equipment, fa-
cilities, and support services, to determine whether they 
are equipped and maintained at a level adequate to sup-
port NASA’s research activities. The assessment shall also 
include an assessment of the relative quality of NASA’s 
in-house laboratory equipment and facilities compared to 
comparable laboratories elsewhere. The results of the re-
view shall be provided to the Committee on Science and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate not later than 18 months after the date of enact-
ment of this Act. 
TITLE XI—OTHER PROVISIONS 
SEC. 1101. SPACE WEATHER. 
(a) PLAN FOR REPLACEMENT OF ADVANCED COM-
POSITION EXPLORER AT L–1 LAGRANGIAN POINT.— 
(1) PLAN.—The Director of OSTP shall de-
velop a plan for sustaining space-based measure-
ments of solar wind from the L–1 Lagrangian point 
in space and for the dissemination of the data for 
operational purposes. OSTP shall consult with 
NASA, NOAA, and other Federal agencies, and with 
industry, in developing the plan. 
(2) REPORT.—The Director shall transmit the 
plan to Congress not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act. 
(b) RESEARCH PROGRAM ON SPACE WEATHER AND 
AVIATION.— 
(1) 
ESTABLISHMENT.—The 
Administrator 
shall, in coordination with the National Science 
Foundation, NOAA, and other relevant agencies, ini-
tiate a research program to—
(A) conduct or supervise research projects 
on impacts of space weather to aviation, includ-
ing impacts on communication, navigation, 
avionic systems, and airline passengers and per-
sonnel; and 
(B) facilitate the transfer of technology 
from space weather research programs to Fed-
eral agencies with operational responsibilities 
and to the private sector. 
(2) USE OF GRANTS OR COOPERATIVE AGREE-
MENTS.—The Administrator may use grants or co-
operative agreements in carrying out this subsection. 
(c) ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SPACE WEATH-
ER ON AVIATION.— 
(1) STUDY.—The Administrator shall enter into 
an arrangement with the National Research Council 
for a study of the impacts of space weather on the 
current and future United States aviation industry, 
and in particular to examine the risks for Over-The- 
Pole (OTP) and Ultra-Long-Range (ULR) oper-
ations. The study shall— 
(A) examine space weather impacts on at 
least communications, navigation, avionics, and 
human health in flight;
(B) assess the benefits of space weather in-
formation and services to reduce aviation costs 
and maintain safety; 
(C) provide recommendations on how 
NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foun-
dation can most effectively carry out research 
and monitoring activities related to space 
weather and aviation; and 
(D) provide recommendations on how to 
integrate space weather information into the 
Next Generation Air Transportation System. 
(2) REPORT.—A report containing the results 
of the study shall be provided to the Committee on 
Science and Technology of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 1102. SPACE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—As more nations acquire the capa-
bilities for launching payloads into outer space, there is 
an increasing need for a framework under which informa-
tion intended to promote safe access into outer space, op-
erations in outer space, and return from outer space to 
Earth free from physical or radio-frequency interference 
can be shared among those nations.
(b) DISCUSSIONS.—The Administrator, in consulta-
tion with other appropriate agencies of the Federal Gov-
ernment, shall initiate discussions with the appropriate 
representatives of other spacefaring nations with the goal 
of determining an appropriate framework under which in-
formation intended to promote safe access into outer 
space, operations in outer space, and return from outer 
space to Earth free from physical or radio-frequency inter-
ference can be shared among those nations. 
SEC. 1103. STUDY OF EXPORT CONTROL POLICIES RE-
LATED TO CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE 
ACTIVITIES. 
(a) REVIEW.—The Director of OSTP shall carry out 
a study of the impact of current export control policies 
and implementation directives on the United States aero-
space industry and its competitiveness in global markets, 
and on the ability of United States Government agencies 
to carry out cooperative activities in science and tech-
nology and human space flight, including the impact on 
research carried out under the sponsorship of those agen-
cies. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the study, the 
Director shall seek input from industry, academia, rep-
resentatives of the science community, all affected United
States Government agencies, and any other appropriate 
organizations and individuals. 
(c) REPORT.—The Director shall provide a report de-
tailing the findings and recommendations of the study to 
the Committee on Science and Technology of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 
9 months after the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 1104. ASTRONAUT HEALTH CARE. 
(a) SURVEY.—The Administrator shall administer an 
anonymous survey of astronauts and flight surgeons to 
evaluate communication, relationships, and the effective-
ness of policies. The survey questions and the analysis of 
results shall be evaluated by experts independent of 
NASA. The survey shall be administered on at least a bi-
ennial basis. 
(b) REPORT.—The Administrator shall transmit a re-
port of the results of the survey to Congress not later than 
90 days following completion of the survey. 
SEC. 1105. NATIONAL ACADEMIES DECADAL SURVEYS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall enter 
into agreements on a periodic basis with the National 
Academies for independent assessments, also known as 
decadal surveys, to take stock of the status and opportuni-
ties for Earth and space science discipline fields and Aero-
nautics research and to recommend priorities for research 
and programmatic areas over the next decade. 
(b) INDEPENDENT COST ESTIMATES.—The agree-
ments described in subsection(a) shall include independent 
estimates of the life cycle costs and technical readiness 
of missions assessed in the decadal surveys whenever pos-
sible. 
(c) REEXAMINATION.—The Administrator shall re-
quest that each National Academies decadal survey com-
mittee identify any conditions or events, such as signifi-
cant cost growth or scientific or technological advances, 
that would warrant NASA asking the National Academies 
to reexamine the priorities that the decadal survey had 
established. 
SEC. 1106. INNOVATION PRIZES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Prizes can play a useful role in 
encouraging innovation in the development of technologies 
and products that can assist NASA in its aeronautics and 
space activities, and the use of such prizes by NASA 
should be encouraged. 
(b) AMENDMENTS.—Section 314 of the National Aer-
onautics and Space Act of 1958 is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (b) to read as fol-
lows:
‘‘(b) TOPICS.—In selecting topics for prize competi-
tions, the Administrator shall consult widely both within 
and outside the Federal Government, and may empanel 
advisory committees. The Administrator shall give consid-
eration to prize goals such as the demonstration of the 
ability to provide energy to the lunar surface from space- 
based solar power systems, demonstration of innovative 
near-Earth object survey and deflection strategies, and in-
novative approaches to improving the safety and efficiency 
of aviation systems.’’; and 
(2) 
in 
subsection 
(i)(4) 
by 
striking 
‘‘$10,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$50,000,000’’. 
SEC. 1107. COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH RANGE STUDY. 
(a) STUDY BY INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE.—The Di-
rector of OSTP shall work with other appropriate Federal 
agencies to establish an interagency committee to conduct 
a study to— 
(1) identify the issues and challenges associated 
with establishing a space launch range and facilities 
that are fully dedicated to commercial space mis-
sions in close proximity to Federal launch ranges or 
other Federal facilities; and 
(2) develop a coordinating mechanism such that 
States seeking to establish such commercial space 
launch ranges will be able to effectively and effi-
ciently interface with the Federal Government con-
cerning issues related to the establishment of such 
commercial launch ranges in close proximity to Fed-
eral launch ranges or other Federal facilities. 
(b) REPORT.—The Director shall, not later than May 
31, 2010, submit to the Committee on Science and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
a report on the results of the study conducted under sub-
section (a). 
SEC. 1108. NASA OUTREACH AND TECHNOLOGY ASSIST-
ANCE PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—NASA shall contract with an 
organization that has demonstrated the ability to partner 
with NASA centers, aerospace contractors, and academic 
institutions to carry out a program to transfer the knowl-
edge and technology of the space and aeronautics pro-
grams to small, minority-owned, and women-owned busi-
nesses in communities across the United States. The pro-
gram shall support the mission of NASA’s Innovative 
Partnerships Program to provide technical assistance 
through joint partnerships with industry, academia, gov-
ernment agencies, and national laboratories. 
(b) PROGRAM STRUCTURE.—In carrying out the pro-
gram described in subsection (a), the organization shall
support the mission of NASA’s Innovative Partnerships 
Program by undertaking the following activities: 
(1) Facilitating technology transfer to the pri-
vate sector to produce viable commercial products. 
(2) Creating a network of academic institutions, 
aerospace contractors, and NASA centers that will 
commit to donating technical assistance to small 
businesses, giving preference to socially and eco-
nomically disadvantaged small business concerns, 
small business concerns owned and controlled by 
service-disabled veterans, and HUBZone small busi-
ness concerns. This paragraph shall not apply to any 
contracting actions entered into or taken by the 
Agency. 
(3) Creating a network of economic develop-
ment organizations to increase the awareness and 
enhance the effectiveness of the program nationwide. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Ad-
ministrator shall submit a report to the Committee on 
Science and Technology of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate describing the efforts and accomplish-
ments of the program established under subsection (a) in
support of NASA’s Innovative Partnerships Program. As 
part of the report, the Administrator shall provide— 
(1) data on the number of small businesses re-
ceiving assistance, jobs created and retained, and 
volunteer hours donated by NASA, contractors, and 
academic institutions nationwide; 
(2) an estimate of the total dollar value of the 
economic impact made by small businesses that re-
ceived technical assistance through the program; and 
(3) an accounting of the use of funds appro-
priated for the program. 
(d) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for the pro-
gram established under subsection (a), $4,000,000 for fis-
cal year 2009 from the funding available for the Innova-
tive Partnerships Program, to remain available until ex-
pended. 
SEC. 1109. REDUCTION-IN-FORCE MORATORIUM. 
NASA shall not initiate or implement a reduction-in- 
force, or conduct any other involuntary separations of per-
manent, non-Senior Executive Service, civil servant em-
ployees except for cause on charges of misconduct, delin-
quency, or inefficiency prior to December 31, 2010.
SEC. 1110. LIMIT ON THE USE OF TERM POSITIONS. 
NASA shall limit the percentage of employees in term 
positions, excluding students and cooperatives, within 
NASA to less than or equal to ten percent of the total 
number of non-Senior Executive Service, civil servant em-
ployees in fiscal year 2009. 
SEC. 1111. TEMPORARY CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE OF 
HEALTH BENEFITS. 
(a) Section 8905a(d) of title 5, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(6)(A) If the basis for continued coverage 
under this section is, as a result of the termination 
of the Space Shuttle Program, an involuntary sepa-
ration from a position due to a reduction-in-force or 
declination of a directed reassignment or transfer of 
function, or a voluntary separation from a surplus 
position in the National Aeronautics and Space Ad-
ministration— 
‘‘(i) the individual shall be liable for not 
more than the employee contributions referred 
to in paragraph (1)(A)(i); and 
‘‘(ii) the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration shall pay the remaining portion 
of the amount required under paragraph 
(1)(A).
‘‘(B) This paragraph shall only apply with re-
spect to individuals whose continued coverage is 
based on a separation occurring on or after the date 
of enactment of this paragraph and before December 
31, 2010. 
‘‘(C) For purposes of this paragraph, ‘‘surplus 
position’’ means a position which is— 
‘‘(i) identified in pre-reduction-in-force 
planning as no longer required, and which is ex-
pected to be eliminated under formal reduction- 
in-force procedures as a result of the termi-
nation of the Space Shuttle Program; or 
‘‘(ii) encumbered by an employee who has 
received official certification from the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration con-
sistent with the Administration’s career transi-
tion assistance program regulations that the po-
sition is being abolished as a result of the ter-
mination of the Space Shuttle Program.’’. 
(b) Paragraph (1)(A) of such subsection (d) is 
amended by striking ‘‘(4) and (5)’’ and inserting ‘‘(4), (5), 
and (6)’’.
SEC. 1112. SENSE OF CONGRESS. 
It is the sense of Congress that NASA should not 
dilute, distort, suppress, or impede scientific research or 
the dissemination thereof. 
SEC. 1113. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING THE NEED 
FOR A ROBUST WORKFORCE. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) a robust and highly skilled workforce is crit-
ical to the success of NASA’s programs; 
(2) voluntary attrition, the retirement of many 
senior workers, and difficulties in recruiting could 
leave NASA without access to the intellectual capital 
necessary to compete with its global competitors; 
and 
(3) NASA should work cooperatively with other 
agencies of the United States Government respon-
sible for programs related to space and the aero-
space industry to develop and implement policies, in-
cluding those with an emphasis on improving 
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
education at all levels, to sustain and expand the di-
verse workforce available to NASA. 
SEC. 1114. EXCEPTION TO ALTERNATIVE FUEL PROCURE-
MENT REQUIREMENT. 
Section 526(a) of the Energy Independence and Se-
curity Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17142(a)) does not prohibit
NASA from entering into a contract to purchase a gen-
erally available fuel that is not an alternative or synthetic 
fuel or predominantly produced from a nonconventional 
petroleum source, if— 
(1) the contract does not specifically require the 
contractor to provide an alternative or synthetic fuel 
or fuel from a nonconventional petroleum source; 
(2) the purpose of the contract is not to obtain 
an alternative or synthetic fuel or fuel from a non-
conventional petroleum source; and 
(3) the contract does not provide incentives for 
a refinery upgrade or expansion to allow a refinery 
to use or increase its use of fuel from a nonconven-
tional petroleum source. 
SEC. 1115. CHRISTA MCAULIFFE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 
FOR FIELDS RELATED TO THE MISSION OF 
NASA. 
The Administrator shall establish a scholarship pro-
gram in honor of Christa McAuliffe, who died in the 1986 
Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster. The scholarship fund 
would provide scholarships each year of $10,000 each to 
three women who are going to college to study in fields 
related to the mission of NASA, with the goal of seeking
careers in space science, aeronautics, and other fields re-
lated to NASA. 
Passed the House of Representatives June 18, 2008. 
Attest: 
Clerk.
110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 6063 
AN ACT 
To authorize the programs of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration, and for other 
purposes.