An act to authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes
PL 115-10 (S.442), enacted 03/21/2017

131 STAT. 18 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
Public Law 115–10 
115th Congress 
An Act 
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 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 Transition Authorization Act 
of 2017’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of this Act 
is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. Definitions. 
TITLE I—AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS 
Sec. 101. Fiscal year 2017. 
TITLE II—SUSTAINING NATIONAL SPACE COMMITMENTS 
Sec. 201. Sense of Congress on sustaining national space commitments. 
Sec. 202. Findings. 
TITLE III—MAXIMIZING UTILIZATION OF THE ISS AND LOW-EARTH ORBIT 
Sec. 301. Operation of the ISS. 
Sec. 302. Transportation to ISS. 
Sec. 303. ISS transition plan. 
Sec. 304. Space communications. 
Sec. 305. Indemnification; NASA launch services and reentry services. 
TITLE IV—ADVANCING HUMAN DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION 
Subtitle A—Human Space Flight and Exploration Goals and Objectives 
Sec. 411. Human space flight and exploration long-term goals. 
Sec. 412. Key objectives. 
Sec. 413. Vision for space exploration. 
Sec. 414. Stepping stone approach to exploration. 
Sec. 415. Update of exploration plan and programs. 
Sec. 416. Repeals. 
Sec. 417. Assured access to space. 
Subtitle B—Assuring Core Capabilities for Exploration 
Sec. 421. Space Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems. 
Subtitle C—Journey to Mars 
Sec. 431. Findings on human space exploration. 
Sec. 432. Human exploration roadmap. 
Sec. 433. Advanced space suit capability. 
Sec. 434. Asteroid robotic redirect mission. 
Sec. 435. Mars 2033 report. 
Subtitle D—TREAT Astronauts Act 
Sec. 441. Short title. 
National 
Aeronautics 
and Space 
Administration 
Transition 
Authorization 
Act of 2017. 
51 USC 10101 
note. 
Mar. 21, 2017 
[S. 442] 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6582
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 19 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
Sec. 442. Findings; sense of Congress. 
Sec. 443. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space flight. 
TITLE V—ADVANCING SPACE SCIENCE 
Sec. 501. Maintaining a balanced space science portfolio. 
Sec. 502. Planetary science. 
Sec. 503. James Webb Space Telescope. 
Sec. 504. Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope. 
Sec. 505. Mars 2020 rover. 
Sec. 506. Europa. 
Sec. 507. Congressional declaration of policy and purpose. 
Sec. 508. Extrasolar planet exploration strategy. 
Sec. 509. Astrobiology strategy. 
Sec. 510. Astrobiology public-private partnerships. 
Sec. 511. Near-Earth objects. 
Sec. 512. Near-Earth objects public-private partnerships. 
Sec. 513. Assessment of science mission extensions. 
Sec. 514. Stratospheric observatory for infrared astronomy. 
Sec. 515. Radioisotope power systems. 
Sec. 516. Assessment of Mars architecture. 
Sec. 517. Collaboration. 
TITLE VI—AERONAUTICS 
Sec. 601. Sense of Congress on aeronautics. 
Sec. 602. Transformative aeronautics research. 
Sec. 603. Hypersonic research. 
Sec. 604. Supersonic research. 
Sec. 605. Rotorcraft research. 
TITLE VII—SPACE TECHNOLOGY 
Sec. 701. Space technology infusion. 
Sec. 702. Space technology program. 
TITLE VIII—MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY 
Subtitle A—Agency Information Technology and Cybersecurity 
Sec. 811. Information technology governance. 
Sec. 812. Information technology strategic plan. 
Sec. 813. Cybersecurity. 
Sec. 814. Security management of foreign national access. 
Sec. 815. Cybersecurity of web applications. 
Subtitle B—Collaboration Among Mission Directorates and Other Matters 
Sec. 821. Collaboration among mission directorates. 
Sec. 822. NASA launch capabilities collaboration. 
Sec. 823. Detection and avoidance of counterfeit parts. 
Sec. 824. Education and outreach. 
Sec. 825. Leveraging commercial satellite servicing capabilities across mission di-
rectorates. 
Sec. 826. Flight opportunities. 
Sec. 827. Sense of Congress on small class launch missions. 
Sec. 828. Baseline and cost controls. 
Sec. 829. Commercial technology transfer program. 
Sec. 830. Avoiding organizational conflicts of interest in major administration ac-
quisition programs. 
Sec. 831. Protection of Apollo landing sites. 
Sec. 832. NASA lease of non-excess property. 
Sec. 833. Termination liability. 
Sec. 834. Independent reviews. 
Sec. 835. NASA Advisory Council. 
Sec. 836. Cost estimation. 
Sec. 837. Facilities and infrastructure. 
Sec. 838. Human space flight accident investigations. 
Sec. 839. Orbital debris. 
Sec. 840. Review of orbital debris removal concepts. 
Sec. 841. Space Act Agreements. 
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) ADMINISTRATION.—The term ‘‘Administration’’ means 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 
51 USC 10101 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 20 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(2) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Administrator’’ means the 
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-
tration. 
(3) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEES
OF
CONGRESS.—The term 
‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate; and 
(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
of the House of Representatives. 
(4) 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. 
(5) DEEP SPACE.—The term ‘‘deep space’’ means the region 
of space beyond low-Earth orbit, to include cis-lunar space. 
(6) GOVERNMENT
ASTRONAUT.—The term ‘‘government 
astronaut’’ has the meaning given the term in section 50902 
of title 51, United States Code. 
(7) ISS.—The term ‘‘ISS’’ means the International Space 
Station. 
(8) ISS MANAGEMENT ENTITY.—The term ‘‘ISS management 
entity’’ means the organization with which the Administrator 
has a cooperative agreement under section 504(a) of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(a)). 
(9) NASA.—The term ‘‘NASA’’ means the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration. 
(10) ORION.—The term ‘‘Orion’’ means the multipurpose 
crew vehicle described under section 303 of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(42 U.S.C. 18323). 
(11) SPACE
LAUNCH
SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘Space Launch 
System’’ has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18302). 
(12) UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ASTRONAUT.—The term 
‘‘United States government astronaut’’ has the meaning given 
the term ‘‘government astronaut’’ in section 50902 of title 51, 
United States Code, except it does not include an individual 
who is an international partner astronaut. 
TITLE I—AUTHORIZATION OF 
APPROPRIATIONS 
SEC. 101. FISCAL YEAR 2017. 
There are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for fiscal 
year 2017, $19,508,000,000, as follows: 
(1) For Exploration, $4,330,000,000. 
(2) For Space Operations, $5,023,000,000. 
(3) For Science, $5,500,000,000. 
(4) For Aeronautics, $640,000,000. 
(5) For Space Technology, $686,000,000. 
(6) For Education, $115,000,000. 
(7) 
For 
Safety, 
Security, 
and 
Mission 
Services, 
$2,788,600,000. 
(8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and 
Restoration, $388,000,000. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 21 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(9) For Inspector General, $37,400,000. 
TITLE II—SUSTAINING NATIONAL 
SPACE COMMITMENTS 
SEC. 201. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SUSTAINING NATIONAL SPACE 
COMMITMENTS. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) honoring current national space commitments and 
building upon investments in space across successive Adminis-
trations demonstrates clear continuity of purpose by the United 
States, in collaboration with its international, academic, and 
industry partners, to extend humanity’s reach into deep space, 
including cis-lunar space, the Moon, the surface and moons 
of Mars, and beyond; 
(2) NASA leaders can best leverage investments in the 
United States space program by continuing to develop a bal-
anced portfolio for space exploration and space science, 
including continued development of the Space Launch System, 
Orion, Commercial Crew Program, space and planetary science 
missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope, Wide-Field 
Infrared Survey Telescope, and Europa mission, and ongoing 
operations of the ISS and Commercial Resupply Services Pro-
gram; 
(3) a national, government-led space program that builds 
on current science and exploration programs, advances human 
knowledge and capabilities, and opens the frontier beyond 
Earth for ourselves, commercial enterprise, and science, and 
with our international partners, is of critical importance to 
our national destiny and to a future guided by United States 
values and freedoms; 
(4) continuity of purpose and effective execution of core 
NASA programs are essential for efficient use of resources 
in pursuit of timely and tangible accomplishments; 
(5) NASA could improve its efficiency and effectiveness 
by working with industry to streamline existing programs and 
requirements, procurement practices, institutional footprint, 
and bureaucracy while preserving effective program oversight, 
accountability, and safety; 
(6) it is imperative that the United States maintain and 
enhance its leadership in space exploration and space science, 
and continue to expand freedom and economic opportunities 
in space for all Americans that are consistent with the Constitu-
tion of the United States; and 
(7) NASA should be a multi-mission space agency, and 
should have a balanced and robust set of core missions in 
space science, space technology, aeronautics, human space flight 
and exploration, and education. 
SEC. 202. FINDINGS. 
Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) Returns on the Nation’s investments in science, tech-
nology, and exploration accrue over decades-long timeframes, 
and a disruption of such investments could prevent returns 
from being fully realized. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 22 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(2) Past challenges to the continuity of such investments, 
particularly threats regarding the cancellation of authorized 
programs with bipartisan and bicameral support, have dis-
rupted completion of major space systems thereby— 
(A) impeding planning and pursuit of national objec-
tives in space science and human space exploration; 
(B) placing such investments in space science and space 
exploration at risk; and 
(C) degrading the aerospace industrial base. 
(3) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–155; 119 Stat. 2895), 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–422; 122 Stat. 4779), and National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
2010 (42 U.S.C. 18301 et seq.) reflect a broad, bipartisan agree-
ment on the path forward for NASA’s core missions in science, 
space technology, aeronautics, human space flight and explo-
ration, and education, that serves as the foundation for the 
policy updates by this Act. 
(4) Sufficient investment and maximum utilization of the 
ISS and ISS National Laboratory with our international and 
industry partners is— 
(A) consistent with the goals and objectives of the 
United States space program; and 
(B) imperative to continuing United States global 
leadership in human space exploration, science, research, 
technology development, and education opportunities that 
contribute to development of the next generation of Amer-
ican scientists, engineers, and leaders, and to creating the 
opportunity for economic development of low-Earth orbit. 
(5) NASA has made measurable progress in the develop-
ment and testing of the Space Launch System and Orion explo-
ration systems with the near-term objectives of the initial 
integrated test flight and launch in 2018, a human mission 
in 2021, and continued missions with an annual cadence in 
cis-lunar space and eventually to the surface of Mars. 
(6) The Commercial Crew Program has made measurable 
progress toward reestablishing the capability to launch United 
States government astronauts from United States soil into low- 
Earth orbit by the end of 2018. 
(7) The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, in its 2015 
Annual Report, urged continuity of purpose noting concerns 
over the potential for cost overruns and schedule slips that 
could accompany significant changes to core NASA programs. 
TITLE III—MAXIMIZING UTILIZATION 
OF THE ISS AND LOW-EARTH ORBIT 
SEC. 301. OPERATION OF THE ISS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) after 15 years of continuous human presence in low- 
Earth orbit, the ISS continues to overcome challenges and 
operate safely; 
(2) the ISS is a unique testbed for future space exploration 
systems development, including long-duration space travel; 
51 USC 50111 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 23 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(3) the expansion of partnerships, scientific research, and 
commercial applications of the ISS is essential to ensuring 
the greatest return on investments made by the United States 
and its international space partners in the development, 
assembly, and operations of that unique facility; 
(4) utilization of the ISS will sustain United States leader-
ship and progress in human space exploration by— 
(A) facilitating the commercialization and economic 
development of low-Earth orbit; 
(B) serving as a testbed for technologies and a platform 
for scientific research and development; and 
(C) serving as an orbital facility enabling research 
upon— 
(i) the health, well-being, and performance of 
humans in space; and 
(ii) the development of in-space systems enabling 
human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit; and 
(5) the ISS provides a platform for fundamental, micro-
gravity, discovery-based space life and physical sciences 
research that is critical for enabling space exploration, pro-
tecting humans in space, increasing pathways for commercial 
space development that depend on advances in basic research, 
and contributes to advancing science, technology, engineering, 
and mathematics research. 
(b) OBJECTIVES.—The primary objectives of the ISS program 
shall be— 
(1) to achieve the long term goal and objectives under 
section 202 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312); and 
(2) to pursue a research program that advances knowledge 
and provides other benefits to the Nation. 
(c) CONTINUATION OF THE ISS.—Section 501 of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(42 U.S.C. 18351) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 501. CONTINUATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. 
‘‘(a) POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES.—It shall be the policy 
of the United States, in consultation with its international partners 
in the ISS program, to support full and complete utilization of 
the ISS through at least 2024. 
‘‘(b) NASA ACTION.—In furtherance of the policy set forth in 
subsection (a), NASA shall— 
‘‘(1) 
pursue 
international, 
commercial, 
and 
intragovernmental means to maximize ISS logistics supply, 
maintenance, and operational capabilities, reduce risks to ISS 
systems sustainability, and offset and minimize United States 
operations costs relating to the ISS; 
‘‘(2) utilize, to the extent practicable, the ISS for the 
development of capabilities and technologies needed for the 
future of human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit; 
and 
‘‘(3) utilize, if practical and cost effective, the ISS for 
Science Mission Directorate missions in low-Earth orbit.’’. 
SEC. 302. TRANSPORTATION TO ISS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that reliance on foreign carriers 
for United States crew transfer is unacceptable, and the Nation’s 
human space flight program must acquire the capability to launch 
51 USC 50111 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 24 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
United States government astronauts on vehicles using United 
States rockets from United States soil as soon as is safe, reliable, 
and affordable to do so. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM AND 
COMMERCIAL RESUPPLY SERVICES PROGRAM.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) once developed and certified to meet the Administra-
tion’s safety and reliability requirements, United States 
commercially provided crew transportation systems can serve 
as the primary means of transporting United States government 
astronauts and international partner astronauts to and from 
the ISS and serving as ISS crew rescue vehicles; 
(2) previous budgetary assumptions used by the Adminis-
tration in its planning for the Commercial Crew Program 
assumed significantly higher funding levels than were author-
ized and appropriated by Congress; 
(3) credibility in the Administration’s budgetary estimates 
for the Commercial Crew Program can be enhanced by an 
independently developed cost estimate; 
(4) such credibility in budgetary estimates is an important 
factor in understanding program risk; 
(5) United States access to low-Earth orbit is paramount 
to the continued success of the ISS and ISS National Labora-
tory; 
(6) a stable and successful Commercial Resupply Services 
Program and Commercial Crew Program are critical to ensuring 
timely provisioning of the ISS and to reestablishing the capa-
bility to launch United States government astronauts from 
United States soil into orbit, ending reliance upon Russian 
transport of United States government astronauts to the ISS 
which has not been possible since the retirement of the Space 
Shuttle program in 2011; 
(7) NASA should build upon the success of the Commercial 
Orbital Transportation Services Program and Commercial 
Resupply Services Program that have allowed private sector 
companies to partner with NASA to deliver cargo and scientific 
experiments to the ISS since 2012; 
(8) the 21st Century Launch Complex Program has enabled 
significant modernization and infrastructure improvements at 
launch sites across the United States to support NASA’s 
Commercial Resupply Services Program and other civil and 
commercial space flight missions; and 
(9) the 21st Century Launch Complex Program should be 
continued in a manner that leverages State and private invest-
ments to achieve the goals of that program. 
(c) REAFFIRMATION.—Congress reaffirms— 
(1) its commitment to the use of a commercially developed, 
private sector launch and delivery system to the ISS for crew 
missions as expressed in the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109– 
155; 119 Stat. 2895), the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110– 
422; 122 Stat. 4779), and the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18301 
et seq.); and 
(2) the requirement under section 50111(b)(1)(A) of title 
51, United States Code, that the Administration shall make 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 25 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
use of United States commercially provided ISS crew transfer 
and crew rescue services to the maximum extent practicable. 
(d) USE
OF
NON-UNITED
STATES
HUMAN
SPACE
FLIGHT 
TRANSPORTATION CAPABILITIES.—Section 201(a) of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(42 U.S.C. 18311(a)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) USE
OF
NON-UNITED
STATES
HUMAN
SPACE
FLIGHT 
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Federal Government may not 
acquire human space flight transportation services from a for-
eign entity unless— 
‘‘(A) no United States Government-operated human 
space flight capability is available; 
‘‘(B) no United States commercial provider is available; 
and 
‘‘(C) it is a qualified foreign entity. 
‘‘(2) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
‘‘(A) COMMERCIAL
PROVIDER.—The term ‘commercial 
provider’ means any person providing human space flight 
transportation services, primary control of which is held 
by persons other than the Federal Government, a State 
or local government, or a foreign government. 
‘‘(B) QUALIFIED FOREIGN ENTITY.—The term ‘qualified 
foreign entity’ means a foreign entity that is in compliance 
with all applicable safety standards and is not prohibited 
from providing space transportation services under other 
law. 
‘‘(C) UNITED STATES COMMERCIAL PROVIDER.—The term 
‘United States commercial provider’ means a commercial 
provider, organized under the laws of the United States 
or of a State, that is more than 50 percent owned by 
United States nationals. 
‘‘(3) ARRANGEMENTS WITH FOREIGN ENTITIES.—Nothing in 
this subsection shall prevent the Administrator from negoti-
ating or entering into human space flight transportation 
arrangements with foreign entities to ensure safety of flight 
and continued ISS operations.’’. 
(e) COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM.— 
(1) OBJECTIVE.—The objective of the Commercial Crew Pro-
gram shall be to assist in the development and certification 
of commercially provided transportation that— 
(A) can carry United States government astronauts 
safely, reliably, and affordably to and from the ISS; 
(B) can serve as a crew rescue vehicle; and 
(C) can accomplish subparagraphs (A) and (B) as soon 
as practicable. 
(2) PRIMARY CONSIDERATION.—The objective described in 
paragraph (1) shall be the primary consideration in the acquisi-
tion strategy for the Commercial Crew Program. 
(3) SAFETY.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall protect the 
safety of government astronauts by ensuring that each 
commercially provided transportation system under this 
subsection meets all applicable human rating requirements 
in accordance with section 403(b)(1) of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
2010 (42 U.S.C. 18342(b)(1)). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 26 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(B) LESSONS LEARNED.—Consistent with the findings 
and recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investiga-
tion Board, the Administration shall ensure that safety 
and the minimization of the probability of loss of crew 
are the critical priorities of the Commercial Crew Program. 
(4) COST
MINIMIZATION.—The Administrator shall strive 
through the competitive selection process to minimize the life 
cycle cost to the Administration through the planned period 
of commercially provided crew transportation services. 
(f) COMMERCIAL CARGO PROGRAM.—Section 401 of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(42 U.S.C. 18341) is amended by striking ‘‘Commercial Orbital 
Transportation Services’’ and inserting ‘‘Commercial Resupply Serv-
ices’’. 
(g) COMPETITION.—It is the policy of the United States that, 
to foster the competitive development, operation, improvement, and 
commercial availability of space transportation services, and to 
minimize the life cycle cost to the Administration, the Administrator 
shall procure services for Federal Government access to and return 
from the ISS, whenever practicable, via fair and open competition 
for well-defined, milestone-based, Federal Acquisition Regulation- 
based contracts under section 201(a) of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
18311(a)). 
(h) TRANSPARENCY.— 
(1) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
cost transparency and schedule transparency aid in effective 
program management and risk assessment. 
(2) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall, to the greatest 
extent practicable and in a manner that does not add costs 
or schedule delays to the program, ensure all Commercial Crew 
Program and Commercial Resupply Services Program providers 
provide evidence-based support for their costs and schedules. 
(i) ISS CARGO RESUPPLY SERVICES LESSONS LEARNED.—Not 
later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Con-
gress a report that— 
(1) identifies the lessons learned to date from previous 
and existing Commercial Resupply Services contracts; 
(2) indicates whether changes are needed to the manner 
in which the Administration procures and manages similar 
services prior to the issuance of future Commercial Resupply 
Services procurement opportunities; and 
(3) identifies any lessons learned from the Commercial 
Resupply Services contracts that should be applied to the 
procurement and management of commercially provided crew 
transfer services to and from the ISS or to other future procure-
ments. 
SEC. 303. ISS TRANSITION PLAN. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
(1) NASA has been both the primary supplier and consumer 
of human space flight capabilities and services of the ISS and 
in low-Earth orbit; and 
(2) according to the National Research Council report 
‘‘Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a 
U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration’’ extending ISS 
51 USC 50111 
note. 
Deadline. 
Reports. 
Contracts. 
Contracts. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 27 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
beyond 2020 to 2024 or 2028 will have significant negative 
impacts on the schedule of crewed missions to Mars, without 
significant increases in funding. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) an orderly transition for United States human space 
flight activities in low-Earth orbit from the current regime, 
that relies heavily on NASA sponsorship, to a regime where 
NASA is one of many customers of a low-Earth orbit commercial 
human space flight enterprise may be necessary; and 
(2) decisions about the long-term future of the ISS impact 
the ability to conduct future deep space exploration activities, 
and that such decisions regarding the ISS should be considered 
in the context of the human exploration roadmap under section 
432 of this Act. 
(c) REPORTS.—Section 50111 of title 51, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) ISS TRANSITION PLAN.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator, in coordination with 
the ISS management entity (as defined in section 2 of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition 
Authorization Act of 2017), ISS partners, the scientific user 
community, and the commercial space sector, shall develop 
a plan to transition in a step-wise approach from the current 
regime that relies heavily on NASA sponsorship to a regime 
where NASA could be one of many customers of a low-Earth 
orbit non-governmental human space flight enterprise. 
‘‘(2) REPORTS.—Not later than December 1, 2017, and 
biennially thereafter until 2023, the Administrator shall submit 
to the Committee 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 includes— 
‘‘(A) a description of the progress in achieving the 
Administration’s deep space human exploration objectives 
on ISS and prospects for accomplishing future mission 
requirements, space exploration objectives, and other 
research objectives on future commercially supplied low- 
Earth orbit platforms or migration of those objectives to 
cis-lunar space; 
‘‘(B) the steps NASA is taking and will take, including 
demonstrations that could be conducted on the ISS, to 
stimulate and facilitate commercial demand and supply 
of products and services in low-Earth orbit; 
‘‘(C) an identification of barriers preventing the 
commercialization of low-Earth orbit, including issues 
relating to policy, regulations, commercial intellectual prop-
erty, data, and confidentiality, that could inhibit the use 
of the ISS as a commercial incubator; 
‘‘(D) the criteria for defining the ISS as a research 
success; 
‘‘(E) the criteria used to determine whether the ISS 
is meeting the objective under section 301(b)(2) of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition 
Authorization Act of 2017; 
‘‘(F) an assessment of whether the criteria under sub-
paragraphs (D) and (E) are consistent with the research 
areas defined in, and recommendations and schedules 
under, the current National Academies of Sciences, 
Assessment. 
Criteria. 
Criteria. 
Coordination. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 28 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
Engineering, and Medicine Decadal Survey on Biological 
and Physical Sciences in Space; 
‘‘(G) any necessary contributions that ISS extension 
would make to enabling execution of the human exploration 
roadmap under section 432 of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 
2017; 
‘‘(H) the cost estimates for operating the ISS to achieve 
the criteria required under subparagraphs (D) and (E) and 
the contributions identified under subparagraph (G); 
‘‘(I) the cost estimates for extending operations of the 
ISS to 2024, 2028, and 2030; 
‘‘(J) an evaluation of the feasible and preferred service 
life of the ISS beyond the period described in section 503 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18353), through at 
least 2028, as a unique scientific, commercial, and space 
exploration-related facility, including— 
‘‘(i) a general discussion of international partner 
capabilities and prospects for extending the partner-
ship; 
‘‘(ii) the cost associated with extending the service 
life; 
‘‘(iii) an assessment on the technical limiting fac-
tors of the service life of the ISS, including a list 
of critical components and their expected service life 
and availability; and 
‘‘(iv) such other information as may be necessary 
to fully describe the justification for and feasibility 
of extending the service life of the ISS, including the 
potential scientific or technological benefits to the Fed-
eral Government, public, or to academic or commercial 
entities; 
‘‘(K) an identification of the necessary actions and an 
estimate of the costs to deorbit the ISS once it has reached 
the end of its service life; 
‘‘(L) the impact on deep space exploration capabilities, 
including a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s, if the 
preferred service life of the ISS is extended beyond 2024 
and NASA maintains a flat budget profile; and 
‘‘(M) an evaluation of the functions, roles, and respon-
sibilities for management and operation of the ISS and 
a determination of— 
‘‘(i) those functions, roles, and responsibilities the 
Federal Government should retain during the lifecycle 
of the ISS; 
‘‘(ii) those functions, roles, and responsibilities that 
could be transferred to the commercial space sector; 
‘‘(iii) the metrics that would indicate the commer-
cial space sector’s readiness and ability to assume the 
functions, roles, and responsibilities described in clause 
(ii); and 
‘‘(iv) any necessary changes to any agreements 
or other documents and the law to enable the activities 
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B). 
‘‘(3) DEMONSTRATIONS.—If additional Government crew, 
power, and transportation resources are available after meeting 
Evaluation. 
Determination. 
Cost estimate. 
Assessment. 
Evaluation. 
Cost estimate. 
Cost estimate. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 29 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
the Administration’s requirements for ISS activities defined 
in the human exploration roadmap and related research, dem-
onstrations identified under paragraph (2) may— 
‘‘(A) test the capabilities needed to meet future mission 
requirements, space exploration objectives, and other 
research objectives described in paragraph (2)(A); and 
‘‘(B) 
demonstrate 
or 
test 
capabilities, 
including 
commercial modules or deep space habitats, Environmental 
Control and Life Support Systems, orbital satellite 
assembly, exploration space suits, a node that enables a 
wide variety of activity, including multiple commercial mod-
ules and airlocks, additional docking or berthing ports for 
commercial crew and cargo, opportunities for the commer-
cial space sector to cost share for transportation and other 
services on the ISS, other commercial activities, or services 
obtained through alternate acquisition approaches.’’. 
SEC. 304. SPACE COMMUNICATIONS. 
(a) PLAN.—The Administrator shall develop a plan, in consulta-
tion with relevant Federal agencies, to meet the Administration’s 
projected space communication and navigation needs for low-Earth 
orbit and deep space operations in the 20-year period following 
the date of enactment of this Act. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The plan shall include— 
(1) the lifecycle cost estimates and a 5-year funding profile; 
(2) the performance capabilities required to meet the 
Administration’s projected space communication and navigation 
needs; 
(3) the measures the Administration will take to sustain 
the existing space communications and navigation architecture; 
(4) an identification of the projected space communications 
and navigation network and infrastructure needs; 
(5) a description of the necessary upgrades to meet the 
needs identified in paragraph (4), including— 
(A) an estimate of the cost of the upgrades; 
(B) a schedule for implementing the upgrades; and 
(C) an assessment of whether and how any related 
missions will be impacted if resources are not secured 
at the level needed; 
(6) the cost estimates for the maintenance of existing space 
communications network capabilities necessary to meet the 
needs identified in paragraph (4); 
(7) the criteria for prioritizing resources for the upgrades 
described in paragraph (5) and the maintenance described in 
paragraph (6); 
(8) an estimate of any reimbursement amounts the 
Administration may receive from other Federal agencies; 
(9) an identification of the projected Tracking and Data 
Relay Satellite System needs in the 20-year period following 
the date of enactment of this Act, including in support of 
relevant Federal agencies, and cost and schedule estimates 
to maintain and upgrade the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite 
System to meet the projected needs; 
(10) the measures the Administration is taking to meet 
space communications needs after all Tracking and Data Relay 
Satellite System third-generation communications satellites are 
operational; and 
Time period. 
Criteria. 
Assessment. 
Cost estimates. 
Consultation. 
Time period. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 30 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(11) the measures the Administration is taking to mitigate 
threats to electromagnetic spectrum use. 
(c) SCHEDULE.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit the plan to the 
appropriate committees of Congress. 
SEC. 305. INDEMNIFICATION; NASA LAUNCH SERVICES AND REENTRY 
SERVICES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 20148. Indemnification; NASA launch services and reentry 
services 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Under such regulations in conformity with 
this section as the Administrator shall prescribe taking into account 
the availability, cost, and terms of liability insurance, any contract 
between the Administration and a provider may provide that the 
United States will indemnify the provider against successful claims 
(including reasonable expenses of litigation or settlement) by third 
parties for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property 
resulting from launch services and reentry services carried out 
under the contract that the contract defines as unusually hazardous 
or nuclear in nature, but only to the extent the total amount 
of successful claims related to the activities under the contract— 
‘‘(1) is more than the amount of insurance or demonstration 
of financial responsibility described in subsection (c)(3); and 
‘‘(2) is not more than the amount specified in section 
50915(a)(1)(B). 
‘‘(b) TERMS OF INDEMNIFICATION.—A contract made under sub-
section (a) that provides indemnification shall provide for— 
‘‘(1) notice to the United States of any claim or suit against 
the provider for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage 
to property; and 
‘‘(2) control of or assistance in the defense by the United 
States, at its election, of that claim or suit and approval of 
any settlement. 
‘‘(c) LIABILITY INSURANCE OF THE PROVIDER.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The provider under subsection (a) shall 
obtain liability insurance or demonstrate financial responsi-
bility in amounts to compensate for the maximum probable 
loss from claims by— 
‘‘(A) a third party for death, bodily injury, or property 
damage or loss resulting from a launch service or reentry 
service carried out under the contract; and 
‘‘(B) the United States Government for damage or loss 
to Government property resulting from a launch service 
or reentry service carried out under the contract. 
‘‘(2) MAXIMUM PROBABLE LOSSES.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall determine 
the maximum probable losses under subparagraphs (A) 
and (B) of paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after 
the date that the provider requests such a determination 
and submits all information the Administrator requires. 
‘‘(B) REVISIONS.—The Administrator may revise a 
determination under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph 
if the Administrator determines the revision is warranted 
based on new information. 
Determination. 
Deadline. 
Notice. 
Contracts. 
Regulations. 
Contracts. 
51 USC 20148. 
Deadline. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 31 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
‘‘(3) AMOUNT OF INSURANCE.—For the total claims related 
to one launch or reentry, a provider shall not be required 
to obtain insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility of 
more than— 
‘‘(A)(i) $500,000,000 under paragraph (1)(A); or 
‘‘(ii) $100,000,000 under paragraph (1)(B); or 
‘‘(B) the maximum liability insurance available on the 
world market at reasonable cost. 
‘‘(4) COVERAGE.—An insurance policy or demonstration of 
financial responsibility under this subsection shall protect the 
following, to the extent of their potential liability for involve-
ment in launch services or reentry services: 
‘‘(A) The Government. 
‘‘(B) Personnel of the Government. 
‘‘(C) Related entities of the Government. 
‘‘(D) Related entities of the provider. 
‘‘(E) Government astronauts. 
‘‘(d) NO INDEMNIFICATION WITHOUT CROSS-WAIVER.—Notwith-
standing subsection (a), the Administrator may not indemnify a 
provider under this section unless there is a cross-waiver between 
the Administration and the provider as described in subsection 
(e). 
‘‘(e) CROSS-WAIVERS.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator, on behalf of the 
United States and its departments, agencies, and instrumental-
ities, shall reciprocally waive claims with a provider under 
which each party to the waiver agrees to be responsible, and 
agrees to ensure that its related entities are responsible, for 
damage or loss to its property, or for losses resulting from 
any injury or death sustained by its employees or agents, 
as a result of activities arising out of the performance of the 
contract. 
‘‘(2) LIMITATION.—The waiver made by the Government 
under paragraph (1) shall apply only to the extent that the 
claims are more than the amount of insurance or demonstration 
of financial responsibility required under subsection (c)(1)(B). 
‘‘(f) WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.—Indemnification under subsection 
(a) may exclude claims resulting from the willful misconduct of 
the provider or its related entities. 
‘‘(g) CERTIFICATION OF JUST AND REASONABLE AMOUNT.—No 
payment may be made under subsection (a) unless the Adminis-
trator or the Administrator’s designee certifies that the amount 
is just and reasonable. 
‘‘(h) PAYMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Upon the approval by the Administrator, 
payments under subsection (a) may be made from funds appro-
priated for such payments. 
‘‘(2) LIMITATION.—The Administrator shall not approve pay-
ments under paragraph (1), except to the extent provided in 
an appropriation law or to the extent additional legislative 
authority is enacted providing for such payments. 
‘‘(3) ADDITIONAL
APPROPRIATIONS.—If the Administrator 
requests additional appropriations to make payments under 
this subsection, then the request for those appropriations shall 
be made in accordance with the procedures established under 
section 50915. 
‘‘(i) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 32 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The authority to indemnify under this 
section shall not create any rights in third persons that would 
not otherwise exist by law. 
‘‘(2) OTHER AUTHORITY.—Nothing in this section may be 
construed as prohibiting the Administrator from indemnifying 
a provider or any other NASA contractor under other law, 
including under Public Law 85–804 (50 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.). 
‘‘(3) ANTI-DEFICIENCY
ACT.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this section— 
‘‘(A) all obligations under this section are subject to 
the availability of funds; and 
‘‘(B) nothing in this section may be construed to require 
obligation or payment of funds in violation of sections 1341, 
1342, 1349 through 1351, and 1511 through 1519 of title 
31, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘Anti- 
Deficiency Act’). 
‘‘(j) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.—The Administrator may 
not provide indemnification under this section for an activity that 
requires a license or permit under chapter 509. 
‘‘(k) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) GOVERNMENT
ASTRONAUT.—The term ‘government 
astronaut’ has the meaning given the term in section 50902. 
‘‘(2) LAUNCH SERVICES.—The term ‘launch services’ has the 
meaning given the term in section 50902. 
‘‘(3) PROVIDER.—The term ‘provider’ means a person that 
provides domestic launch services or domestic reentry services 
to the Government. 
‘‘(4) REENTRY SERVICES.—The term ‘reentry services’ has 
the meaning given the term in section 50902. 
‘‘(5) RELATED ENTITY.—The term ‘related entity’ means a 
contractor or subcontractor. 
‘‘(6) THIRD PARTY.—The term ‘third party’ means a person 
except— 
‘‘(A) the United States Government; 
‘‘(B) related entities of the Government involved in 
launch services or reentry services; 
‘‘(C) a provider; 
‘‘(D) related entities of the provider involved in launch 
services or reentry services; or 
‘‘(E) a government astronaut.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of contents for sub-
chapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 20147 the 
following: 
‘‘20148. Indemnification; NASA launch services and reentry services.’’. 
51 USC 
prec. 20101. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 33 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
TITLE IV—ADVANCING HUMAN DEEP 
SPACE EXPLORATION 
Subtitle A—Human Space Flight and 
Exploration Goals and Objectives 
SEC. 411. HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT AND EXPLORATION LONG-TERM 
GOALS. 
Section 202(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-
tration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(a)) is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) LONG-TERM GOALS.—The long-term goals of the human 
space flight and exploration efforts of NASA shall be— 
‘‘(1) to expand permanent human presence beyond low- 
Earth orbit and to do so, where practical, in a manner involving 
international, academic, and industry partners; 
‘‘(2) crewed missions and progress toward achieving the 
goal in paragraph (1) to enable the potential for subsequent 
human exploration and the extension of human presence 
throughout the solar system; and 
‘‘(3) to enable a capability to extend human presence, 
including potential human habitation on another celestial body 
and a thriving space economy in the 21st Century.’’. 
SEC. 412. KEY OBJECTIVES. 
Section 202(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-
tration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(b)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting 
a semicolon; 
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(5) to achieve human exploration of Mars and beyond 
through the prioritization of those technologies and capabilities 
best suited for such a mission in accordance with the stepping 
stone approach to exploration under section 70504 of title 51, 
United States Code.’’. 
SEC. 413. VISION FOR SPACE EXPLORATION. 
Section 20302 of title 51, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘in cis-lunar space or’’ 
after ‘‘sustained human presence’’; 
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows: 
‘‘(b) FUTURE EXPLORATION OF MARS.—The Administrator shall 
manage human space flight programs, including the Space Launch 
System and Orion, to enable humans to explore Mars and other 
destinations by defining a series of sustainable steps and conducting 
mission planning, research, and technology development on a time-
table that is technically and fiscally possible, consistent with section 
70504.’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) ORION.—The term ‘Orion’ means the multipurpose crew 
vehicle described under section 303 of the National Aeronautics 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 34 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
18323). 
‘‘(2) SPACE
LAUNCH
SYSTEM.—The term ‘Space Launch 
System’ means has the meaning given the term in section 
3 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18302).’’. 
SEC. 414. STEPPING STONE APPROACH TO EXPLORATION. 
Section 70504 of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 70504. Stepping stone approach to exploration 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administration— 
‘‘(1) may conduct missions to intermediate destinations in 
sustainable steps in accordance with section 20302(b) of this 
title, and on a timetable determined by the availability of 
funding, in order to achieve the objective of human exploration 
of Mars specified in section 202(b)(5) of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(42 U.S.C. 18312(b)(5)); and 
‘‘(2) shall incorporate any such missions into the human 
exploration roadmap under section 432 of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act 
of 2017. 
‘‘(b) COST-EFFECTIVENESS.—In order to maximize the cost- 
effectiveness of the long-term space exploration and utilization 
activities of the United States, the Administrator shall take all 
necessary steps, including engaging international, academic, and 
industry partners, to ensure that activities in the Administration’s 
human space exploration program balance how those activities 
might also help meet the requirements of future exploration and 
utilization activities leading to human habitation on the surface 
of Mars. 
‘‘(c) COMPLETION.—Within budgetary considerations, once an 
exploration-related project enters its development phase, the 
Administrator shall seek, to the maximum extent practicable, to 
complete that project without undue delays. 
‘‘(d) INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION.—In order to achieve the 
goal of successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface 
of Mars, the President may invite the United States partners in 
the ISS program and other nations, as appropriate, to participate 
in an international initiative under the leadership of the United 
States.’’. 
SEC. 415. UPDATE OF EXPLORATION PLAN AND PROGRAMS. 
Section 70502(2) of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘(2) implement an exploration research and technology 
development program to enable human and robotic operations 
consistent with section 20302(b) of this title;’’. 
SEC. 416. REPEALS. 
(a) SPACE SHUTTLE CAPABILITY ASSURANCE.—Section 203 of 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18313) is amended— 
(1) by striking subsection (b); 
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘subsection (c)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘subsection (b)’’; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 35 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
(b) and (c), respectively. 
(b) SHUTTLE PRICING POLICY FOR COMMERCIAL AND FOREIGN 
USERS.—Chapter 703 of title 51, United States Code, and the item 
relating to that chapter in the table of chapters for that title, 
are repealed. 
(c) SHUTTLE PRIVATIZATION.—Section 50133 of title 51, United 
States Code, and the item relating to that section in the table 
of sections for chapter 501 of that title, are repealed. 
SEC. 417. ASSURED ACCESS TO SPACE. 
Section 70501 of title 51, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) POLICY STATEMENT.—In order to ensure continuous United 
States participation and leadership in the exploration and utiliza-
tion of space and as an essential instrument of national security, 
it is the policy of the United States to maintain an uninterrupted 
capability for human space flight and operations— 
‘‘(1) in low-Earth orbit; and 
‘‘(2) beyond low-Earth orbit once the capabilities described 
in section 421(f) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 become 
available.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘Committee on Science 
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
describing the progress being made toward developing the Crew 
Exploration Vehicle and the Crew Launch Vehicle’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives describing 
the progress being made toward developing the Space Launch 
System and Orion’’. 
Subtitle B—Assuring Core Capabilities for 
Exploration 
SEC. 421. SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM, ORION, AND EXPLORATION GROUND 
SYSTEMS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) NASA has made steady progress in developing and 
testing the Space Launch System and Orion exploration sys-
tems with the successful Exploration Flight Test of Orion in 
December of 2014, the final qualification test firing of the 
5-segment Space Launch System boosters in June 2016, and 
a full thrust, full duration test firing of the RS–25 Space 
Launch System core stage engine in August 2016. 
(2) Through the 21st Century Launch Complex program 
and Exploration Ground Systems programs, NASA has made 
significant progress in transforming exploration ground systems 
infrastructure to meet NASA’s mission requirements for the 
Space Launch System and Orion and to modernize NASA’s 
launch complexes to the benefit of the civil, defense, and 
commercial space sectors. 
(b) SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.— 
51 USC 20301 
note. 
51 USC 
prec. 50101. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 36 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(1) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
use of the Space Launch System and Orion, with contributions 
from partnerships with the private sector, academia, and the 
international community, is the most practical approach to 
reaching the Moon, Mars, and beyond. 
(2) REAFFIRMATION.—Congress reaffirms the policy and 
minimum capability requirements for the Space Launch System 
under section 302 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322). 
(c) SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM, ORION, 
AND EXPLORATION GROUND SYSTEMS.—It is the sense of Congress 
that— 
(1) as the United States works to send humans on a series 
of missions to Mars in the 2030s, the United States national 
space program should continue to make progress on its commit-
ment by fully developing the Space Launch System, Orion, 
and related Exploration Ground Systems; 
(2) using the Space Launch System and Orion for a wide 
range of contemplated missions will facilitate the national 
defense, science, and exploration objectives of the United States; 
(3) the United States should have continuity of purpose 
for the Space Launch System and Orion in deep space explo-
ration missions, using them beginning with the uncrewed mis-
sion, EM–1, planned for 2018, followed by the crewed mission, 
EM–2, in cis-lunar space planned for 2021, and for subsequent 
missions beginning with EM–3 extending into cis-lunar space 
and eventually to Mars; 
(4) the President’s annual budget requests for the Space 
Launch System and Orion development, test, and operational 
phases should strive to accurately reflect the resource require-
ments of each of those phases; 
(5) the fully integrated Space Launch System, including 
an upper stage needed to go beyond low-Earth orbit, will safely 
enable human space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond; 
and 
(6) the Administrator should budget for and undertake 
a robust ground test and uncrewed and crewed flight test 
and demonstration program for the Space Launch System and 
Orion in order to promote safety and reduce programmatic 
risk. 
(d) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall continue the develop-
ment of the fully integrated Space Launch System, including an 
upper stage needed to go beyond low-Earth orbit, in order to safely 
enable human space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond 
over the course of the next century as required in section 302(c) 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authoriza-
tion Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)). 
(e) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
the appropriate committees of Congress a report addressing 
the ability of Orion to meet the needs and the minimum capa-
bility requirements described in section 303(b)(3) of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)). 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report shall detail— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 37 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(A) those components and systems of Orion that ensure 
it is in compliance with section 303(b)(3) of that Act (42 
U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)); 
(B) the expected date that Orion, integrated with a 
vehicle other than the Space Launch System, could be 
available to transport crew and cargo to the ISS; 
(C) any impacts to the deep space exploration missions 
under subsection (f) of this section due to enabling Orion 
to meet the minimum capability requirements described 
in section 303(b)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)) 
and conducting the mission described in subparagraph (B) 
of this paragraph; and 
(D) the overall cost and schedule impacts associated 
with enabling Orion to meet the minimum capability 
requirements described in section 303(b)(3) of that Act 
(42 U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)) and conducting the mission 
described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. 
(f) EXPLORATION MISSIONS.—The Administrator shall continue 
development of— 
(1) an uncrewed exploration mission to demonstrate the 
capability of both the Space Launch System and Orion as 
an integrated system by 2018; 
(2) subject to applicable human rating processes and 
requirements, a crewed exploration mission to demonstrate the 
Space Launch System, including the Core Stage and Explo-
ration Upper Stages, by 2021; 
(3) subsequent missions beginning with EM–3 at oper-
ational flight rate sufficient to maintain safety and operational 
readiness using the Space Launch System and Orion to extend 
into cis-lunar space and eventually to Mars; and 
(4) a deep space habitat as a key element in a deep space 
exploration architecture along with the Space Launch System 
and Orion. 
(g) OTHER USES.—The Administrator shall assess the utility 
of the Space Launch System for use by the science community 
and for other Federal Government launch needs, including consider-
ation of overall cost and schedule savings from reduced transit 
times and increased science returns enabled by the unique capabili-
ties of the Space Launch System. 
(h) UTILIZATION REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator, in consultation with 
the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intel-
ligence, shall prepare a report that addresses the effort and 
budget required to enable and utilize a cargo variant of the 
130-ton Space Launch System configuration described in section 
302(c) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)). 
(2) CONTENTS.—In preparing the report, the Administrator 
shall— 
(A) consider the technical requirements of the scientific 
and national security communities related to a cargo vari-
ant of the Space Launch System; and 
(B) directly assess the utility and estimated cost 
savings obtained by using a cargo variant of the Space 
Launch System for national security and space science 
missions. 
Assessment. 
Consultation. 
Assessment. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 38 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(3) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of Con-
gress. 
Subtitle C—Journey to Mars 
SEC. 431. FINDINGS ON HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION. 
Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) In accordance with section 204 of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(124 Stat. 2813), the National Academies of Sciences, 
Engineering, and Medicine, through its Committee on Human 
Spaceflight, conducted a review of the goals, core capabilities, 
and direction of human space flight, and published the findings 
and recommendations in a 2014 report entitled, ‘‘Pathways 
to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Program 
of Human Space Exploration’’. 
(2) The Committee on Human Spaceflight included leaders 
from the aerospace, scientific, security, and policy communities. 
(3) With input from the public, the Committee on Human 
Spaceflight concluded that many practical and aspirational 
rationales for human space flight together constitute a compel-
ling case for continued national investment and pursuit of 
human space exploration toward the horizon goal of Mars. 
(4) According to the Committee on Human Spaceflight, 
the rationales include economic benefits, national security, 
national prestige, inspiring students and other citizens, sci-
entific discovery, human survival, and a sense of shared destiny. 
(5) The Committee on Human Spaceflight affirmed that 
Mars is the appropriate long-term goal for the human space 
flight program. 
(6) The Committee on Human Spaceflight recommended 
that NASA define a series of sustainable steps and conduct 
mission planning and technology development as needed to 
achieve the long-term goal of placing humans on the surface 
of Mars. 
(7) Expanding human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and 
advancing toward human missions to Mars requires early plan-
ning and timely decisions to be made in the near-term on 
the necessary courses of action for commitments to achieve 
short-term and long-term goals and objectives. 
(8) In addition to the 2014 report described in paragraph 
(1), there are several independently developed reports or con-
cepts that describe potential Mars architectures or concepts 
and identify Mars as the long-term goal for human space explo-
ration, including NASA’s ‘‘The Global Exploration Roadmap’’ 
of 2013, ‘‘NASA’s Journey to Mars–Pioneering Next Steps in 
Space Exploration’’ of 2015, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s 
‘‘Minimal Architecture for Human Journeys to Mars’’ of 2015, 
and Explore Mars’ ‘‘The Humans to Mars Report 2016’’. 
SEC. 432. HUMAN EXPLORATION ROADMAP. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) expanding human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and 
advancing toward human missions to Mars in the 2030s 
51 USC 20302 
note. 
51 USC 20302 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 39 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
requires early strategic planning and timely decisions to be 
made in the near-term on the necessary courses of action for 
commitments to achieve short-term and long-term goals and 
objectives; 
(2) for strong and sustained United States leadership, a 
need exists to advance a human exploration roadmap, 
addressing exploration objectives in collaboration with inter-
national, academic, and industry partners; 
(3) an approach that incrementally advances toward 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 develop a human 
exploration roadmap, including a critical decision plan, to 
expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit to the surface 
of Mars and beyond, considering potential interim destinations 
such as cis-lunar space and the moons of Mars. 
(2) 
SCOPE.—The 
human 
exploration 
roadmap 
shall 
include— 
(A) an integrated set of exploration, science, and other 
goals and objectives of a United States human space explo-
ration program to achieve the long-term goal of human 
missions near or on the surface of Mars in the 2030s; 
(B) opportunities for international, academic, and 
industry partnerships for exploration-related systems, serv-
ices, research, and technology if those opportunities provide 
cost-savings, accelerate program schedules, or otherwise 
benefit the goals and objectives developed under subpara-
graph (A); 
(C) sets and sequences of precursor missions 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), 
including 
anticipated 
timelines and missions for the Space Launch System 
and Orion; 
(D) an identification of the specific capabilities and 
technologies, including the Space 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 elements, objectives, 
and activities advance the human exploration of Mars; 
(F) an assessment of potential human health and other 
risks, including radiation exposure; 
(G) mitigation plans, whenever possible, to address 
the risks identified in subparagraph (F); 
(H) a description of those technologies already under 
development across the Federal Government or by other 
Mitigation plans. 
Assessment. 
Plan. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 40 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
entities that facilitate the goals and objectives developed 
under subparagraph (A); 
(I) a specific process for the evolution of the capabilities 
of the fully integrated Orion with the Space Launch System 
and a description of how these systems facilitate the goals 
and objectives developed under subparagraph (A) and dem-
onstrate the capabilities and technologies described in 
subparagraph (D); 
(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 development of such capabilities and technologies; 
(K) a framework for international cooperation in the 
development of all capabilities and technologies identified 
under this section, including an assessment of the risks 
posed by relying on international partners for capabilities 
and technologies on the critical path of development; 
(L) a process for partnering with nongovernmental enti-
ties using Space Act Agreements or other acquisition 
instruments for future human space exploration; and 
(M) include information on the phasing of planned 
intermediate destinations, Mars mission risk areas and 
potential risk mitigation approaches, technology require-
ments and phasing of required technology development 
activities, the management strategy to be followed, related 
ISS activities, planned international collaborative activi-
ties, potential commercial contributions, and other activi-
ties relevant to the achievement of the goal established 
in this section. 
(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 technologies and capabilities being 
developed by industry for commercial purposes; 
(C) establishing an organizational approach to ensure 
collaboration and coordination among NASA’s Mission 
Directorates 
under 
section 
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 extending human exploration missions into cis- 
lunar space, including anticipated timelines and mile-
stones; 
(E) developing the robotic and precursor missions and 
activities that will demonstrate, test, and develop key tech-
nologies and capabilities 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, environmental control life 
support systems, Mars lander and ascent vehicle, entry, 
descent, landing, ascent, Mars surface systems, and in- 
situ resource utilization; 
Assessment. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 41 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(F) demonstrating and testing 1 or more habitat mod-
ules in cis-lunar space to prepare for Mars missions; 
(G) using public-private, firm fixed-price partnerships, 
where practicable; 
(H) collaborating with international, academic, and 
industry partners, when appropriate; 
(I) any risks to human health and sensitive onboard 
technologies, including radiation exposure; 
(J) any risks identified through research outcomes 
under the NASA Human Research Program’s Behavioral 
Health Element; and 
(K) the recommendations and ideas of several 
independently developed reports or concepts 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
EXPLO-
RATION.—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 activi-
ties; 
(B) defining decisions needed to maximize efficiencies 
and resources for reaching the near, intermediate, and 
long-term goals and objectives 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 System and Orion to extend human 
exploration from cis-lunar space to the surface of Mars. 
(5) REPORTS.— 
(A) 
INITIAL
HUMAN
EXPLORATION
ROADMAP.—The 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress— 
(i) 
an 
initial 
human 
exploration 
roadmap, 
including a critical decision plan, before December 1, 
2017; and 
(ii) an updated human exploration roadmap 
periodically as the Administrator considers necessary 
but not less than biennially. 
(B) CONTENTS.—Each human exploration roadmap 
under this paragraph shall include a description of— 
(i) the achievements and goals accomplished in 
the process of developing such capabilities and tech-
nologies during the 2-year period prior to the submis-
sion of the human exploration roadmap; and 
(ii) the expected goals and achievements in the 
following 2- year period. 
(C) SUBMISSION
WITH
BUDGET.—Each human explo-
ration roadmap under this section shall be included in 
the budget for that fiscal year transmitted to Congress 
under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code. 
Time periods. 
Plan. 
Deadline. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 42 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
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 appropriate committees 
of Congress a detailed plan for achieving 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 findings: 
(1) NASA initially estimated that the Asteroid Robotic 
Redirect Mission would launch in December 2020 and cost 
no more than $1,250,000,000, excluding launch and operations. 
(2) On July 15, 2016, NASA conducted its Key Decision 
Point–B review of the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission or 
approval for Phase B in mission formulation. 
(3) During the Key Decision Point–B review, NASA esti-
mated that costs have grown to $1,400,000,000 excluding 
launch and operations for 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 Council— 
(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 propulsion mission 
will contribute more directly to the goal of sending humans 
to Mars if the mission is focused entirely on development 
and validation of the solar electric propulsion stage; and 
(C) determined that other possible motivations for 
acquiring and maneuvering a boulder, such as asteroid 
science and planetary defense, do not have value commen-
surate with their probable cost. 
(5) The Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission is competing 
for resources with other critical exploration development pro-
grams, including the Space Launch System, Orion, commercial 
crew, and a habitation module. 
(6) In 2014, the NASA Advisory Council recommended that 
NASA conduct an independent cost and technical assessment 
of the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission. 
(7) In 2015, the NASA Advisory Council recommended that 
NASA preserve the following key objectives if the program 
needed to be descoped: 
(A) Development of high power solar electric propul-
sion. 
(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 program and highlighted that choices 
would need to be made about the program’s content. 
Deadline. 
Plan. 
Evaluation. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 43 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the technological and scientific goals of the Asteroid 
Robotic Redirect Mission have not been demonstrated to Con-
gress to be commensurate with the cost; and 
(2) alternative missions may provide a more cost effective 
and scientifically beneficial means to demonstrate the tech-
nologies needed for a human mission to Mars that would other-
wise be demonstrated by the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission. 
(c) EVALUATION AND REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 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 alter-
native approaches under subparagraph (A) to future human 
space exploration compared to scientific and technical bene-
fits of the Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission; 
(C) 
the 
commercial 
benefits 
of 
the 
alternative 
approaches identified in subparagraph (A), including the 
impact on the development of domestic solar electric propul-
sion technology to bolster United States competitiveness 
in the global marketplace; and 
(D) a comparison of the estimated costs of the alter-
native approaches identified in subparagraph (A); and 
(2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report on the evaluation under paragraph (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 contract with an 
independent, non-governmental systems engineering 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 estimates, for 
the technical development, test, fielding, 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 President’s budget request 
for fiscal year 2017 under section 1105 of title 31, United 
States Code. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment 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 Administrator shall 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Cost estimates. 
Plan. 
Contracts. 
Study. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 44 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
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’’. 
SEC. 442. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) Human space exploration can pose significant chal-
lenges and is full of substantial risk, which has ultimately 
claimed the lives of 24 NASA 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 impair-
ment, bone demineralization, and behavioral health and 
performance risks, and may be exposed to galactic cosmic radi-
ation. 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 
nervous system, cardiovascular system, immune function, and 
vision. 
(3) To advance the goal of long-duration and exploration 
space flight missions, United States government astronaut Scott 
Kelly participated in a 1-year twins study in space while his 
identical twin brother, former United States government astro-
naut Mark Kelly, acted as a human control specimen on Earth, 
providing an understanding of the physical, behavioral, micro-
biological, 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 govern-
ment astronauts during their active employment, given the 
unknown long-term health consequences of long-duration space 
exploration, the Administration has requested statutory 
authority from Congress to provide medical monitoring, diag-
nosis, and treatment to former United States government astro-
nauts for psychological and medical conditions associated with 
human space flight. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the United States should continue to seek the unknown 
and lead the world in space exploration and scientific discovery 
as the Administration prepares for long-duration and explo-
ration space flight in deep space and an eventual mission 
to Mars; 
(2) data relating to the health of astronauts will become 
increasingly valuable to improving our understanding of many 
diseases humans face on Earth; 
(3) the Administration should provide the type of moni-
toring, diagnosis, and treatment described in subsection (a) 
Scott Kelly. 
Mark Kelly. 
To Research, 
Evaluate, Assess, 
and Treat 
Astronauts Act. 
51 USC 10101 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 45 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
only for conditions the Administration considers unique to the 
training or exposure to the space flight environment of United 
States government 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 government astronaut’s private 
health insurance; 
(5) expanded data acquired from such monitoring, diag-
nosis, 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 
astronaut 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 how the human body adjusts 
to weightlessness, isolation, radiation, and the stress of 
long-duration space flight; and 
(B) will help support the physical and mental well- 
being of astronauts during longer space exploration mis-
sions in the future. 
SEC. 443. MEDICAL MONITORING AND RESEARCH RELATING 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 provision of law, 
the Administrator may provide for— 
‘‘(1) the medical monitoring and diagnosis of a former 
United States government astronaut or a former payload spe-
cialist for conditions that the Administrator considers poten-
tially 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 associated with human space flight, 
including scientific and medical tests for psychological and med-
ical conditions. 
‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) NO COST SHARING.—The medical monitoring, diagnosis, 
or treatment described in subsection (a) shall be provided with-
out any deductible, copayment, or other cost sharing obligation. 
‘‘(2) ACCESS TO LOCAL SERVICES.—The medical 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 govern-
ment astronaut or former payload specialist for that former 
United States government astronaut or former payload spe-
cialist to travel to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, as 
determined by the Administrator. 
‘‘(3) SECONDARY PAYMENT.—Payment or reimbursement for 
the medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment described in 
51 USC 20149. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 46 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
subsection (a) shall be secondary to any obligation of the United 
States Government or any third party under any other provision 
of law or contractual agreement to pay for or provide such 
medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment. Any costs for items 
and services that may be provided by the Administrator for 
medical monitoring, 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 specialist 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 Administrator may pro-
vide for conditional payments for or provide medical monitoring, 
diagnosis, or treatment described in subsection (a) that is obli-
gated to be paid for or provided by the United States or any 
third party under any other provision of law or contractual 
agreement to pay for or provide such medical monitoring, diag-
nosis, or treatment if— 
‘‘(A) payment for (or the provision of) such medical 
monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment services has not been 
made (or provided) or cannot reasonably be expected to 
be made (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 monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment. 
‘‘(c) EXCLUSIONS.—The Administrator may not— 
‘‘(1) provide for medical monitoring or diagnosis of a former 
United States government astronaut or former payload spe-
cialist 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 govern-
ment astronaut or former payload specialist under subsection 
(a) for any psychological or medical condition that is not associ-
ated with human space flight; or 
‘‘(3) require a former United States government astronaut 
or former payload specialist to participate in the medical moni-
toring, diagnosis, or treatment authorized under subsection 
(a). 
‘‘(d) PRIVACY.—Consistent with applicable provisions of Federal 
law relating to privacy, the Administrator shall protect the privacy 
of all medical records generated under subsection (a) and accessible 
to the Administration. 
‘‘(e) REGULATIONS.—The Administrator shall promulgate 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 inter-
national partner astronaut. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 47 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
‘‘(g) DATA USE AND DISCLOSURE.—The Administrator may use 
or disclose data acquired in the course of medical monitoring, diag-
nosis, or treatment of a former United States government astronaut 
or a former payload specialist under subsection (a), in accordance 
with subsection (d). Former United States government astronaut 
or former payload specialist participation in medical monitoring, 
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.’’. 
(c) ANNUAL REPORTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each fiscal year, not later than the date 
of submission of the President’s annual budget request for 
that fiscal year under section 1105 of title 31, United States 
Code, the Administrator shall publish a report, in accordance 
with applicable Federal privacy laws, on the activities 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 activi-
ties under section 20149 of title 51, United States Code, and 
a 5-year budget estimate. 
(3) SUBMISSION
TO
CONGRESS.—The Administrator shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress each report 
under paragraph (1) not later than the date of submission 
of the President’s annual budget request for that fiscal year 
under section 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 Administrator shall enter into 
an arrangement with an independent external organization 
to undertake an independent cost estimate of the cost to the 
Administration 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 Mission Assurance. 
(2) SUBMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the inde-
pendent cost estimate under paragraph (1). 
(e) PRIVACY STUDY.— 
(1) STUDY.—The Administrator shall carry out a study 
on any potential privacy or legal issues related 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 Congress a report containing the 
results of the study carried out under paragraph (1). 
(f) INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT.—The Inspector General of 
NASA shall periodically audit or review, as the Inspector General 
51 USC 20149 
note. 
Budget estimate. 
51 USC 20149 
note. 
51 USC 
prec. 20101. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 48 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
considers necessary to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, the activi-
ties 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 activities, 
consisting of research and analysis grant programs, technology 
development, suborbital research activities, and small, medium, 
and large space missions, contributes to a robust and productive 
science program and serves as a catalyst for innovation and 
discovery; and 
(2) the Administrator should set science priorities by fol-
lowing the guidance provided by the scientific community 
through the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
Medicine’s decadal surveys. 
(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 planetary 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 cadence of planetary 
exploration; and 
(4) robotic planetary exploration is a key component of 
preparing for future human exploration. 
(b) MISSION PRIORITIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with the priorities estab-
lished in the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey, 
the Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest extent prac-
ticable, the completion of a balanced set of Discovery, New 
Frontiers, and Flagship missions at the cadence recommended 
by the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey. 
(2) MISSION PRIORITY ADJUSTMENTS.—Consistent with the 
set of missions described in paragraph (1), and while 
maintaining the continuity of scientific data and steady develop-
ment of capabilities and technologies, the Administrator may 
seek, if necessary, adjustments to mission priorities, schedule, 
and scope in light of changing budget projections. 
SEC. 503. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the James Webb Space Telescope will— 
(A) significantly advance our understanding of star 
and planet formation, and improve our knowledge of the 
early universe; and 
(B) support United States leadership in astrophysics; 
51 USC 20301 
note. 
51 USC 20301 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 49 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(2) consistent with annual Government Accountability 
Office reviews of the James Webb Space Telescope program, 
the Administrator should continue 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 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 integrated testing 
is appropriately timed and sufficiently comprehensive to enable 
potential issues to be identified and addressed early enough 
to be handled within 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 Congress 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 under-
standing of the universe; and 
(2) the Administrator, to the extent practicable, should 
make progress on the technologies and capabilities needed to 
position the Administration to meet the objectives, as outlined 
in the 2010 National Academies’ Astronomy and Astrophysics 
Decadal Survey, in a way that maximizes the scientific produc-
tivity of meeting those objectives for the resources invested. 
(b) CONTINUITY
OF DEVELOPMENT.—The Administrator shall 
ensure that the concept definition and pre-formulation activities 
of the WFIRST mission continue while the James Webb Space 
Telescope is being completed. 
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 understanding of 
Mars; 
(B) should help determine whether life previously 
existed on that planet; and 
(C) should provide opportunities to gather knowledge 
and demonstrate technologies that address the challenges 
of future human expeditions to Mars. 
SEC. 506. EUROPA. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) Studies of Europa, Jupiter’s moon, indicate that Europa 
may provide a habitable environment, as it contains key 
ingredients known to support life. 
(2) In 2012, using the Hubble Space Telescope, NASA sci-
entists observed water vapor around the south polar region 
of Europa, which provides potential evidence of water plumes 
in that region. 
(3) For decades, the Europa mission has consistently 
ranked as a high priority mission for the scientific community. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 50 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(4) The Europa mission was ranked as the top priority 
mission in the previous Planetary Science Decadal Survey and 
ranked as the second-highest priority in the current Planetary 
Science Decadal Survey. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the Europa mission could provide another avenue in 
which to capitalize on our Nation’s current investment in the 
Space Launch System that would significantly reduce the 
transit time for such a deep space mission; and 
(2) a scientific, robotic exploration mission to Europa, as 
prioritized in both Planetary Science Decadal Surveys, should 
be supported. 
SEC. 507. CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATION OF POLICY AND PURPOSE. 
Section 20102(d) of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(10) The search for life’s origin, evolution, distribution, 
and future in the universe.’’. 
SEC. 508. EXTRASOLAR PLANET EXPLORATION STRATEGY. 
(a) STRATEGY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academies to develop a science 
strategy for the study and exploration of extrasolar planets, 
including the use of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, 
the James Webb Space Telescope, a potential Wide-Field 
Infrared Survey Telescope mission, or any other telescope, 
spacecraft, or instrument, as appropriate. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The strategy shall— 
(A) outline key scientific questions; 
(B) identify the most promising research in the field; 
(C) indicate the extent to which the mission priorities 
in existing decadal surveys address the key extrasolar 
planet research and exploration goals; 
(D) identify opportunities for coordination with inter-
national partners, commercial partners, and not-for-profit 
partners; and 
(E) make recommendations regarding the activities 
under subparagraphs (A) through (D), as appropriate. 
(b) USE
OF
STRATEGY.—The Administrator shall use the 
strategy— 
(1) to inform roadmaps, strategic plans, and other activities 
of the Administration as they relate to extrasolar planet 
research and exploration; and 
(2) to provide a foundation for future activities and initia-
tives related to extrasolar planet research and exploration. 
(c) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall 
submit to the Administrator and to the appropriate committees 
of Congress a report containing the strategy developed under sub-
section (a). 
SEC. 509. ASTROBIOLOGY STRATEGY. 
(a) STRATEGY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academies to develop a science 
strategy for astrobiology that would outline key scientific ques-
tions, identify the most promising research in the field, and 
51 USC 20301 
note. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
51 USC 20301 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 51 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
indicate the extent to which the mission priorities in existing 
decadal surveys address the search for life’s origin, evolution, 
distribution, and future in the Universe. 
(2) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The strategy shall include rec-
ommendations for coordination with international partners. 
(b) USE
OF
STRATEGY.—The Administrator shall use the 
strategy developed under subsection (a) in planning and funding 
research and other activities and initiatives in the field of 
astrobiology. 
(c) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall 
submit to the Administrator and to the appropriate committees 
of Congress a report containing the strategy developed under sub-
section (a). 
SEC. 510. ASTROBIOLOGY PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. 
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 describing how the Administration can expand 
collaborative partnerships to study life’s origin, evolution, distribu-
tion, and future in the universe. 
SEC. 511. NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS. 
Section 321 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion Authorization Act of 2005 (51 U.S.C. note prec. 71101) is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) PROGRAM REPORT.—The Director of the Office of Science 
and Technology Policy and the Administrator shall submit to the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition 
Authorization Act of 2017, an initial report that provides— 
‘‘(1) recommendations for carrying out the Survey program 
and an associated proposed budget; 
‘‘(2) an analysis of possible options that the Administration 
could employ to divert an object on a likely collision course 
with Earth; and 
‘‘(3) a description of the status of efforts to coordinate 
and cooperate with other countries to discover hazardous 
asteroids and comets, plan a mitigation strategy, and imple-
ment that strategy in the event of the discovery of an object 
on a likely collision course with Earth. 
‘‘(f) ANNUAL REPORTS.—After the initial report under subsection 
(e), the Administrator shall annually transmit to the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report that includes— 
‘‘(1) a summary of all activities carried out under subsection 
(d) since the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017, 
including the progress toward achieving 90 percent completion 
of the survey described in subsection (d); and 
‘‘(2) a summary of expenditures for all activities carried 
out under subsection (d) since the date of enactment of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition 
Authorization Act of 2017. 
Summaries. 
Analysis. 
Strategy. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
51 USC note 
prec. 71101. 
Deadline. 
Reports. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00049
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 52 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
‘‘(g) ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator, in collaboration with 
other relevant Federal agencies, shall carry out a technical and 
scientific assessment of the capabilities and resources— 
‘‘(1) to accelerate the survey described in subsection (d); 
and 
‘‘(2) to expand the Administration’s Near-Earth Object Pro-
gram to include the detection, tracking, cataloguing, and 
characterization of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects 
less than 140 meters in diameter. 
‘‘(h) TRANSMITTAL.—Not later than 270 days after the date 
of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Transition Authorization Act of 2017, the Administrator shall 
transmit the results of the assessment under subsection (g) to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
the House of Representatives.’’. 
SEC. 512. NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. 
(a) SENSE
OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
the Administration should seek to leverage the capabilities of the 
private sector and philanthropic organizations to the maximum 
extent practicable in carrying out the Near-Earth Object Survey 
Program in order to meet the goal of that program under section 
321(d)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2005 (51 U.S.C. note prec. 71101(d)(1)). 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report describing how the Administration 
can expand collaborative partnerships to detect, track, catalogue, 
and categorize near-Earth objects. 
SEC. 513. ASSESSMENT OF SCIENCE MISSION EXTENSIONS. 
Section 30504 of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 30504. Assessment of science mission extensions 
‘‘(a) ASSESSMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall carry out tri-
ennial reviews within each of the Science divisions to assess 
the cost and benefits of extending the date of the termination 
of data collection for those missions that exceed their planned 
missions’ lifetime. 
‘‘(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting an assessment under 
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider whether and 
how extending missions impacts the start of future missions. 
‘‘(b) CONSULTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL BENE-
FITS OF INSTRUMENTS ON MISSIONS.—When deciding whether to 
extend a mission that has an operational component, the Adminis-
trator shall— 
‘‘(1) consult with any affected Federal agency; and 
‘‘(2) take into account the potential benefits of instruments 
on missions that are beyond their planned mission lifetime. 
‘‘(c) REPORTS.—The Administrator shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives, at the same time as the submission to Congress 
of the Administration’s annual budget request for each fiscal year, 
Deadline. 
Reviews. 
Deadline. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 53 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
a report detailing any assessment under subsection (a) that was 
carried out during the previous year.’’. 
SEC. 
514. 
STRATOSPHERIC 
OBSERVATORY 
FOR 
INFRARED 
ASTRONOMY. 
The Administrator may not terminate science operations of 
the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy before 
December 31, 2017. 
SEC. 515. RADIOISOTOPE POWER SYSTEMS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) exploration of the outer reaches of the solar system 
is enabled by radioisotope power systems; 
(2) establishing continuity in the production of the material 
needed for radioisotope power systems is essential to 
maintaining the availability of such systems for future deep 
space exploration missions; and 
(3) Federal agencies supporting the Administration through 
the production of such material should do so in a cost effective 
manner so as not to impose excessive reimbursement require-
ments on the Administration. 
(b) ANALYSIS OF REQUIREMENTS AND RISKS.—The Director of 
the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Administrator, 
in consultation with the heads of other Federal agencies, shall 
conduct an analysis of— 
(1) the requirements of the Administration for radioisotope 
power system material that is needed to carry out planned, 
high priority robotic missions in the solar system and other 
surface exploration activities beyond low-Earth orbit; and 
(2) the risks to missions of the Administration in meeting 
those requirements, or any additional requirements, due to 
a lack of adequate radioisotope power system material. 
(c) CONTENTS OF ANALYSIS.—The analysis conducted under sub-
section (b) shall— 
(1) detail the Administration’s current projected mission 
requirements and associated timeframes for radioisotope power 
system material; 
(2) explain the assumptions used to determine the Adminis-
tration’s requirements for the material, including— 
(A) the planned use of advanced thermal conversion 
technology such as advanced thermocouples and Stirling 
generators and converters; and 
(B) the risks and implications of, and contingencies 
for, any delays or unanticipated technical challenges 
affecting or related to the Administration’s mission plans 
for the anticipated use of advanced thermal conversion 
technology; 
(3) assess the risk to the Administration’s programs of 
any potential delays in achieving the schedule and milestones 
for planned domestic production of radioisotope power system 
material; 
(4) outline a process for meeting any additional Administra-
tion requirements for the material; 
(5) estimate the incremental costs required to increase 
the amount of material produced each year, if such an increase 
is needed to support additional Administration requirements 
for the material; 
Cost estimate. 
Assessment. 
Consultation. 
Termination 
date. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00051
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 54 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(6) detail how the Administration and other Federal agen-
cies will manage, operate, and fund production facilities and 
the design and development of all radioisotope power systems 
used by the Administration and other Federal agencies as nec-
essary; 
(7) specify the steps the Administration will take, in con-
sultation with the Department of Energy, to preserve the infra-
structure and workforce necessary for production of radioisotope 
power systems and ensure that its reimbursements to the 
Department of Energy associated with such preservation are 
equitable and justified; and 
(8) detail how the Administration has implemented or 
rejected the recommendations from the National Research 
Council’s 2009 report titled ‘‘Radioisotope Power Systems: An 
Imperative for Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Space Explo-
ration.’’ 
(d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit the 
results of the analysis to the appropriate committees of Congress. 
SEC. 516. ASSESSMENT OF MARS ARCHITECTURE. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator shall enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, 
and Medicine to assess— 
(1) the Administration’s Mars exploration architecture and 
its responsiveness to the strategies, priorities, and guidelines 
put forward by the National Academies’ planetary science 
decadal surveys and other relevant National Academies Mars- 
related reports; 
(2) the long-term goals of the Administration’s Mars Explo-
ration Program and such program’s ability to optimize the 
science return, given the current fiscal posture of the program; 
(3) the Mars exploration architecture’s relationship to 
Mars-related activities to be undertaken by foreign agencies 
and organizations; and 
(4) the extent to which the Mars exploration architecture 
represents a reasonably balanced mission portfolio. 
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
the results of the assessment to the appropriate committees of 
Congress. 
SEC. 517. COLLABORATION. 
The Administration shall continue to develop first-of-a-kind 
instruments that, once proved, can be transitioned to other agencies 
for operations. Whenever responsibilities for the development of 
sensors or for measurements are transferred to the Administration 
from another agency, the Administration shall seek, to the extent 
possible, to be reimbursed for the assumption of such responsibil-
ities. 
TITLE VI—AERONAUTICS 
SEC. 601. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON AERONAUTICS. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) a robust aeronautics research portfolio will help main-
tain the United States status as a leader in aviation, enhance 
Reimbursement. 
51 USC 20113 
note. 
Consultation. 
Reimbursements. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00052
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 55 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
the competitiveness of the United States in the world economy, 
and improve the quality of life of all citizens; 
(2) aeronautics research is essential to the Administration’s 
mission, continues to be an important core element of the 
Administration’s mission, and should be supported; 
(3) the Administrator should coordinate and consult with 
relevant Federal agencies and the private sector to minimize 
duplication of efforts and leverage resources; and 
(4) carrying aeronautics research to a level of maturity 
that allows the Administration’s research results to be trans-
ferred to the users, whether private or public sector, is critical 
to their eventual adoption. 
SEC. 602. TRANSFORMATIVE AERONAUTICS RESEARCH. 
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should look 
strategically into the future and ensure that the Administration’s 
Center personnel are at the leading edge of aeronautics research 
by encouraging investigations into the early-stage advancement 
of new processes, novel concepts, and innovative technologies that 
have the potential to meet national aeronautics needs. 
SEC. 603. HYPERSONIC RESEARCH. 
(a) ROADMAP FOR HYPERSONIC RESEARCH.—Not later than 1 
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, 
in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, 
shall develop and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
a research and development roadmap for hypersonic aircraft 
research. 
(b) OBJECTIVE.—The objective of the roadmap is to explore 
hypersonic science and technology using air-breathing propulsion 
concepts, through a mix of theoretical work, basic and applied 
research, and development of flight research demonstration vehicles. 
(c) CONTENTS.—The roadmap shall recommend appropriate 
Federal agency contributions, coordination efforts, and technology 
milestones. 
SEC. 604. SUPERSONIC RESEARCH. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
(1) the ability to fly commercial aircraft over land at super-
sonic speeds without adverse impacts on the environment or 
on local communities could open new global markets and enable 
new transportation capabilities; and 
(2) continuing the Administration’s research program is 
necessary to assess the impact in a relevant environment of 
commercial supersonic flight operations and provide the basis 
for establishing appropriate sonic boom standards for such 
flight operations. 
(b) ROADMAP FOR SUPERSONIC RESEARCH.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop and 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a roadmap 
that allows for flexible funding profiles for supersonic aero-
nautics research and development. 
(2) OBJECTIVE.—The objective of the roadmap is to develop 
and demonstrate, in a relevant environment, airframe and 
propulsion technologies to minimize the environmental impact, 
including noise, of supersonic overland flight in an efficient 
and economical manner. 
Deadline. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Deadline. 
Consultation. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 56 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(3) CONTENTS.—The roadmap shall include— 
(A) the baseline research as embodied by the Adminis-
tration’s existing research on supersonic flight; 
(B) a list of specific technological, environmental, and 
other challenges that must be overcome to minimize the 
environmental impact, including noise, of supersonic over-
land flight; 
(C) a research plan to address the challenges under 
subparagraph (B), including a project timeline for accom-
plishing relevant research goals; 
(D) a plan for coordination with stakeholders, including 
relevant government agencies and industry; and 
(E) a plan for how the Administration will ensure 
that sonic boom research is coordinated as appropriate 
with relevant Federal agencies. 
SEC. 605. ROTORCRAFT RESEARCH. 
(a) ROADMAP FOR ROTORCRAFT RESEARCH.—Not later than 1 
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, 
in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, 
shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
a roadmap for research relating to rotorcraft and other runway- 
independent air vehicles. 
(b) OBJECTIVE.—The objective of the roadmap is to develop 
and demonstrate improved safety, noise, and environmental impact 
in a relevant environment. 
(c) CONTENTS.—The roadmap shall include specific goals for 
the research, a timeline for implementation, metrics for success, 
and guidelines for collaboration and coordination with industry 
and other Federal agencies. 
TITLE VII—SPACE TECHNOLOGY 
SEC. 701. SPACE TECHNOLOGY INFUSION. 
(a) SENSE
OF CONGRESS
ON SPACE TECHNOLOGY.—It is the 
sense of Congress that space technology is critical— 
(1) to developing technologies and capabilities that will 
make the Administration’s core missions more affordable and 
more reliable; 
(2) to enabling a new class of Administration missions 
beyond low-Earth orbit; and 
(3) to improving technological capabilities and promote 
innovation for the Administration and the Nation. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY.—It is 
the sense of Congress that advancing propulsion technology would 
improve the efficiency of trips to Mars and could shorten travel 
time to Mars, reduce astronaut health risks, and reduce radiation 
exposure, consumables, and mass of materials required for the 
journey. 
(c) POLICY.—It is the policy of the United States that the 
Administrator shall develop technologies to support the Administra-
tion’s core missions, as described in section 2(3) of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(42 U.S.C. 18301(3)), and support sustained investments in early 
stage innovation, fundamental research, and technologies to expand 
the boundaries of the national aerospace enterprise. 
51 USC 20301 
note. 
Timeline. 
Guidelines. 
Deadline. 
Consultation. 
Lists. 
Plans. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00054
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 57 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(d) PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES.—A goal of propulsion tech-
nologies developed under subsection (c) shall be to significantly 
reduce human travel time to Mars. 
SEC. 702. SPACE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM. 
(a) SPACE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.—The Adminis-
trator shall conduct a space technology program (referred to in 
this section as the ‘‘Program’’) to research and develop advanced 
space technologies that could deliver innovative solutions across 
the Administration’s space exploration and science missions. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the Program, the Adminis-
trator shall consider— 
(1) the recommendations of the National Academies’ review 
of the Administration’s Space Technology roadmaps and prior-
ities; and 
(2) the applicable enabling aspects of the stepping stone 
approach to exploration under section 70504 of title 51, United 
States Code. 
(c) REQUIREMENTS.—In conducting the Program, the Adminis-
trator shall— 
(1) to the extent practicable, use a competitive process 
to select research and development projects; 
(2) to the extent practicable and appropriate, use small 
satellites and the Administration’s suborbital and ground-based 
platforms to demonstrate space technology concepts and 
developments; and 
(3) as appropriate, partner with other Federal agencies, 
universities, private industry, and foreign countries. 
(d) SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS.—The Administrator shall orga-
nize and manage the Administration’s Small Business Innovation 
Research Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Pro-
gram within the Program. 
(e) NONDUPLICATION CERTIFICATION.—The Administrator shall 
submit a budget for each fiscal year, as transmitted to Congress 
under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, that avoids 
duplication of projects, programs, or missions conducted by Program 
with other projects, programs, or missions conducted by another 
office or directorate of the Administration. 
(f) COLLABORATION, COORDINATION, AND ALIGNMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall— 
(A) ensure that the Administration’s projects, pro-
grams, and activities in support of technology research 
and development of advanced space technologies are fully 
coordinated and aligned; 
(B) ensure that the results the projects, programs, 
and activities under subparagraph (A) are shared and lever-
aged within the Administration; and 
(C) ensure that the organizational responsibility for 
research and development activities in support of human 
space exploration not initiated as of the date of enactment 
of this Act is established on the basis of a sound rationale. 
(2) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
projects, programs, and missions being conducted by the Human 
Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate in support of 
research and development of advanced space technologies and 
systems focusing on human space exploration should continue 
in that Directorate. 
51 USC 20301 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00055
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 58 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(g) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report— 
(1) comparing the Administration’s space technology invest-
ments with the high-priority technology areas identified by 
the National Academies in the National Research Council’s 
report on the Administration’s Space Technology Roadmaps; 
and 
(2) including— 
(A) identification of how the Administration will 
address any gaps between the agency’s investments and 
the recommended technology areas, including a projection 
of funding requirements; and 
(B) identification of the rationale described in sub-
section (f)(1)(C). 
(h) ANNUAL REPORT.—The Administrator shall include in the 
Administration’s annual budget request for each fiscal year the 
rationale for assigning organizational responsibility for, in the year 
prior to the budget fiscal year, each initiated project, program, 
and mission focused on research and development of advanced 
technologies for human space exploration. 
TITLE VIII—MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY 
Subtitle A—Agency Information 
Technology and Cybersecurity 
SEC. 811. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GOVERNANCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall, in a manner that 
reflects the unique nature of NASA’s mission and expertise— 
(1) ensure the NASA Chief Information Officer, Mission 
Directorates, and Centers have appropriate roles in the 
management, governance, and oversight processes related to 
information 
technology 
operations 
and 
investments 
and 
information security programs for the protection of NASA sys-
tems; 
(2) ensure the NASA Chief Information Officer has the 
appropriate resources and insight to oversee NASA information 
technology and information security operations and invest-
ments; 
(3) provide an information technology program manage-
ment framework to increase the efficiency and effectiveness 
of information technology investments, including relying on 
metrics for identifying and reducing potential duplication, 
waste, and cost; 
(4) improve the operational linkage between the NASA 
Chief Information Officer and each NASA mission directorate, 
center, and mission support office to ensure both agency and 
mission needs are considered in agency-wide information tech-
nology and information security management and oversight; 
(5) review the portfolio of information technology invest-
ments and spending, including information technology-related 
investments included as part of activities within NASA mission 
directorates that may not be considered information technology, 
Review. 
51 USC 20111 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00056
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 59 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
to ensure investments are recognized and reported appro-
priately based on guidance from the Office of Management 
and Budget; 
(6) consider appropriate revisions to the charters of 
information technology boards and councils that inform 
information technology investment and operation decisions; and 
(7) consider whether the NASA Chief Information Officer 
should have a seat on any boards or councils described in 
paragraph (6). 
(b) GAO STUDY.— 
(1) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the United States 
shall conduct a study of the effectiveness of the Administration’s 
Information Technology Governance in ensuring information 
technology resources are aligned with agency missions and 
are cost effective and secure. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The study shall include an assessment of— 
(A) the resources available for overseeing Administra-
tion-wide information technology operations, investments, 
and security measures and the NASA Chief Information 
Officer’s visibility and involvement into information tech-
nology oversight and access to those resources; 
(B) the effectiveness and challenges of the Administra-
tion’s information technology structure, decision making 
processes and authorities, including impacts on its ability 
to implement information security; and 
(C) the impact of NASA Chief Information Officer 
approval authority over information technology invest-
ments that exceed a defined monetary threshold, including 
any potential impacts of such authority on the Administra-
tion’s missions, flights programs and projects, research 
activities, and Center operations. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to 
the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing the 
results of the study under paragraph (1), including any rec-
ommendations. 
SEC. 812. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subsection (b), the Administrator 
shall develop an information technology strategic plan to guide 
NASA information technology management and strategic objectives. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—In developing the strategic plan, the 
Administrator shall ensure that the strategic plan addresses— 
(1) the deadline under section 306(a) of title 5, United 
States Code; and 
(2) the requirements under section 3506 of title 44, United 
States Code. 
(c) CONTENTS.—The strategic plan shall address, in a manner 
that reflects the unique nature of NASA’s mission and expertise— 
(1) near and long-term goals and objectives for leveraging 
information technology; 
(2) a plan for how NASA will submit to Congress of a 
list of information technology projects, including completion 
dates and risk level in accordance with guidance from the 
Office of Management and Budget; 
51 USC 20111 
note. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Assessment. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00057
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 60 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(3) an implementation overview for an agency-wide 
approach to information technology investments and operations, 
including reducing barriers to cross-center collaboration; 
(4) coordination by the NASA Chief Information Officer 
with centers and mission directorates to ensure that informa-
tion technology policies are effectively and efficiently imple-
mented across the agency; 
(5) a plan to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of 
information technology investments, including a description of 
how unnecessarily duplicative, wasteful, legacy, or outdated 
information technology across NASA will be identified and 
eliminated, and a schedule for the identification and elimination 
of such information technology; 
(6) a plan for improving the information security of agency 
information 
and 
agency 
information 
systems, 
including 
improving security control assessments and role-based security 
training of employees; and 
(7) submission by NASA to Congress of information 
regarding high risk projects and cybersecurity risks. 
(d) CONGRESSIONAL
OVERSIGHT.—The Administrator shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the strategic 
plan under subsection (a) and any updates thereto. 
SEC. 813. CYBERSECURITY. 
(a) FINDING.—Congress finds that the security of NASA 
information and information systems is vital to the success of 
the mission of the agency. 
(b) INFORMATION SECURITY PLAN.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall implement 
the information security plan developed under paragraph (2) 
and take such further actions as the Administrator considers 
necessary to improve the information security system in accord-
ance with this section. 
(2) INFORMATION SECURITY PLAN.—Subject to paragraphs 
(3) and (4), the Administrator shall develop an agency-wide 
information security plan to enhance information security for 
NASA information and information infrastructure. 
(3) REQUIREMENTS.—In developing the plan under para-
graph (2), the Administrator shall ensure that the plan— 
(A) reflects the unique nature of NASA’s mission and 
expertise; 
(B) is informed by policies, standards, guidelines, and 
directives on information security required for Federal 
agencies; 
(C) is consistent with the standards and guidelines 
under section 11331 of title 40, United States Code; and 
(D) meets applicable National Institute of Standards 
and Technology information security standards and guide-
lines. 
(4) CONTENTS.—The plan shall address— 
(A) an overview of the requirements of the information 
security system; 
(B) an agency-wide risk management framework for 
information security; 
Deadline. 
51 USC 20111 
note. 
Coordination. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00058
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 61 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(C) a description of the information security system 
management controls and common controls that are nec-
essary to ensure compliance with information security- 
related requirements; 
(D) an identification and assignment of roles, respon-
sibilities, and management commitment for information 
security at the agency; 
(E) 
coordination 
among 
organizational 
entities, 
including between each center, facility, mission directorate, 
and mission support office, and among agency entities 
responsible for different aspects of information security; 
(F) the need to protect the information security of 
mission-critical systems and activities and high-impact and 
moderate-impact information systems; and 
(G) a schedule of frequent reviews and updates, as 
necessary, of the plan. 
SEC. 814. SECURITY MANAGEMENT OF FOREIGN NATIONAL ACCESS. 
The Administrator shall notify the appropriate committees of 
Congress when the agency has implemented the information tech-
nology security recommendations from the National Academy of 
Public Administration on foreign national access management, 
based on reports from January 2014 and March 2016. 
SEC. 815. CYBERSECURITY OF WEB APPLICATIONS. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall, in a manner that reflects the unique 
nature of NASA’s mission and expertise— 
(1) develop a plan, including such actions and milestones 
as are necessary, to fully remediate security vulnerabilities 
of NASA web applications within a timely fashion after dis-
covery; and 
(2) provide an update on its plan to implement the rec-
ommendation from the NASA Inspector General in the audit 
report dated July 10, 2014, (IG–14–023) to remove from the 
Internet or otherwise secure all NASA web applications in 
development or testing mode. 
Subtitle B—Collaboration Among Mission 
Directorates and Other Matters 
SEC. 821. COLLABORATION AMONG MISSION DIRECTORATES. 
The 
Administrator 
shall 
encourage 
an 
interdisciplinary 
approach among all NASA mission directorates and divisions, when-
ever appropriate, for projects or missions— 
(1) to improve coordination, and encourage collaboration 
and early planning on scope; 
(2) to determine areas of overlap or alignment; 
(3) to find ways to leverage across divisional perspectives 
to maximize outcomes; and 
(4) to be more efficient with resources and funds. 
SEC. 822. NASA LAUNCH CAPABILITIES COLLABORATION. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 
51 USC 50131 
note. 
51 USC 20111 
note. 
Deadline. 
Plans. 
Notification. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00059
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 62 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(1) The Launch Services Program is responsible for the 
acquisition, management, and technical oversight of commercial 
launch services for NASA’s science and robotic missions. 
(2) The Commercial Crew Program is responsible for the 
acquisition, management, and technical oversight of commercial 
crew transportation systems. 
(3) The Launch Services Program and Commercial Crew 
Program have worked together to gain exceptional technical 
insight into the contracted launch service providers that are 
common to both programs. 
(4) The Launch Services Program has a long history of 
oversight of 12 different launch vehicles and over 80 launches. 
(5) Co-location of the Launch Services Program and 
Commercial Crew Program has enabled the Commercial Crew 
Program to efficiently obtain the launch vehicle technical exper-
tise of and provide engineering and analytical support to the 
Commercial Crew Program. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the Launch Services Program and Commercial Crew 
Program each benefit from communication and coordination 
of launch manifests, technical information, and common launch 
vehicle insight between the programs; and 
(2) such communication and coordination is enabled by 
the co-location of the programs. 
(c) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall pursue a strategy 
for acquisition of crewed transportation services and non-crewed 
launch services that continues to enhance communication, collabora-
tion, and coordination between the Launch Services Program and 
the Commercial Crew Program. 
SEC. 823. DETECTION AND AVOIDANCE OF COUNTERFEIT PARTS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) A 2012 investigation by the Committee on Armed Serv-
ices of the Senate of counterfeit electronic parts in the Depart-
ment of Defense supply chain from 2009 through 2010 uncov-
ered 1,800 cases and over 1,000,000 counterfeit parts and 
exposed the threat such counterfeit parts pose to service mem-
bers and national security. 
(2) Since 2010, the Comptroller General of the United 
States has identified in 3 separate reports the risks and chal-
lenges associated with counterfeit parts and counterfeit preven-
tion at both the Department of Defense and NASA, including 
inconsistent definitions of counterfeit parts, poorly targeted 
quality control practices, and potential barriers to improve-
ments to these practices. 
(b) SENSE
OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
the presence of counterfeit electronic parts in the NASA supply 
chain poses a danger to United States government astronauts, 
crew, and other personnel and a risk to the agency overall. 
(c) REGULATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 270 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall revise the 
NASA Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to 
improve the detection and avoidance of counterfeit electronic 
parts in the supply chain. 
(2) CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES.—In revising the regula-
tions under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall— 
Deadline. 
51 USC note 
prec. 30301. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00060
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 63 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(A) require each covered contractor— 
(i) to detect and avoid the use or inclusion of 
any counterfeit parts in electronic parts or products 
that contain electronic parts; 
(ii) to take such corrective actions as the Adminis-
trator considers necessary to remedy the use or inclu-
sion described in clause (i); and 
(iii) including a subcontractor, to notify the 
applicable NASA contracting officer not later than 30 
calendar days after the date the covered contractor 
becomes aware, or has reason to suspect, that any 
end item, component, part or material contained in 
supplies purchased by NASA, or purchased by a cov-
ered contractor or subcontractor for delivery to, or on 
behalf of, NASA, contains a counterfeit electronic part 
or suspect counterfeit electronic part; and 
(B) prohibit the cost of counterfeit electronic parts, 
suspect counterfeit electronic parts, and any corrective 
action described under subparagraph (A)(ii) from being 
included as allowable costs under agency contracts, 
unless— 
(i)(I) the covered contractor has an operational 
system to detect and avoid counterfeit electronic parts 
and suspect counterfeit electronic parts that has been 
reviewed and approved by NASA or the Department 
of Defense; and 
(II) the covered contractor has provided the 
notice under subparagraph (A)(iii); or 
(ii) the counterfeit electronic parts or suspect 
counterfeit electronic parts were provided to the cov-
ered contractor as Government property in accordance 
with part 45 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. 
(3) SUPPLIERS OF ELECTRONIC PARTS.—In revising the regu-
lations under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall— 
(A) require NASA and covered contractors, including 
subcontractors, at all tiers— 
(i) to obtain electronic parts that are in production 
or currently available in stock from— 
(I) the original manufacturers of the parts or 
their authorized dealers; or 
(II) suppliers who obtain such parts exclu-
sively from the original manufacturers of the parts 
or their authorized dealers; and 
(ii) to obtain electronic parts that are not in 
production or currently available in stock from sup-
pliers that meet qualification requirements established 
under subparagraph (C); 
(B) establish documented requirements consistent with 
published industry standards or Government contract 
requirements for— 
(i) notification of the agency; and 
(ii) inspection, testing, and authentication of elec-
tronic parts that NASA or a covered contractor, 
including a subcontractor, obtains from any source 
other than a source described in subparagraph (A); 
(C) establish qualification requirements, consistent 
with the requirements of section 2319 of title 10, United 
Notification. 
Deadline. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00061
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 64 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
States Code, pursuant to which NASA may identify sup-
pliers that have appropriate policies and procedures in 
place to detect and avoid counterfeit electronic parts and 
suspect counterfeit electronic parts; and 
(D) authorize a covered contractor, including a subcon-
tractor, to identify and use additional suppliers beyond 
those identified under subparagraph (C) if— 
(i) the standards and processes for identifying such 
suppliers comply with established industry standards; 
(ii) the covered contractor assumes responsibility 
for the authenticity of parts provided by such suppliers 
under paragraph (2); and 
(iii) the selection of such suppliers is subject to 
review and audit by NASA. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) COVERED CONTRACTOR.—The term ‘‘covered contractor’’ 
means a contractor that supplies an electronic part, or a product 
that contains an electronic part, to NASA. 
(2) ELECTRONIC PART.—The term ‘‘electronic part’’ means 
a discrete electronic component, including a microcircuit, tran-
sistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode, that is intended for use 
in a safety or mission critical application. 
SEC. 824. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) United States competitiveness in the 21st century 
requires engaging the science, technology, engineering, and 
mathematics (referred to in this section as ‘‘STEM’’) talent 
in all States; 
(2) the Administration is uniquely positioned to educate 
and inspire students and the broader public on STEM subjects 
and careers; 
(3) the Administration’s Education and Communication 
Offices, Mission Directorates, and Centers have been effective 
in delivering educational content because of the strong engage-
ment of Administration scientists and engineers in the Adminis-
tration’s education and outreach activities; 
(4) the Administration’s education and outreach programs, 
including the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive 
Research (EPSCoR) and the Space Grant College and Fellow-
ship Program, reflect the Administration’s successful commit-
ment to growing and diversifying the national science and 
engineering workforce; and 
(5) in order to grow and diversify the Nation’s engineering 
workforce, it is vital for the Administration to bolster programs, 
such as High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware 
(HUNCH) program, that conduct outreach activities to under-
served rural communities, vocational schools, and tribal colleges 
and universities and encourage new participation in the STEM 
workforce. 
(b) CONTINUATION OF EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES 
AND PROGRAMS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall continue engage-
ment with the public and education opportunities for students 
via all the Administration’s mission directorates to the max-
imum extent practicable. 
51 USC note 
prec. 40901. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00062
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 65 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the Administra-
tion’s near-term outreach plans for advancing space law edu-
cation. 
SEC. 
825. 
LEVERAGING 
COMMERCIAL 
SATELLITE 
SERVICING 
CAPABILITIES ACROSS MISSION DIRECTORATES. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) Refueling and relocating aging satellites to extend their 
operational lifetimes is a capacity that NASA will substantially 
benefit from and is important for lowering the costs of ongoing 
scientific, national security, and commercial satellite operations. 
(2) The technologies involved in satellite servicing, such 
as dexterous robotic arms, propellant transfer systems, and 
solar electric propulsion, are all critical capabilities to support 
a human exploration mission to Mars. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) satellite servicing is a vital capability that will bolster 
the capacity and affordability of NASA’s ongoing scientific and 
human exploration operations while simultaneously enhancing 
the ability of domestic companies to compete in the global 
marketplace; and 
(2) future NASA satellites and spacecraft across mission 
directorates should be constructed in a manner that allows 
for servicing in order to maximize operational longevity and 
affordability. 
(c) LEVERAGING OF CAPABILITIES.—The Administrator shall— 
(1) identify orbital assets in both the Science Mission Direc-
torate and the Human Exploration and Operations Mission 
Directorate that could benefit from satellite servicing-related 
technologies; and 
(2) work across all NASA mission directorates to evaluate 
opportunities for the private sector to perform such services 
or advance technical capabilities by leveraging the technologies 
and techniques developed by NASA programs and other 
industry programs. 
SEC. 826. FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES. 
(a) DEVELOPMENT OF PAYLOADS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In order to conduct necessary research, 
the Administrator shall continue and, as the Administrator 
considers appropriate, expand the development of technology 
payloads for— 
(A) scientific research; and 
(B) investigating new or improved capabilities. 
(2) FUNDS.—For the purpose of carrying out paragraph 
(1), the Administrator shall make funds available for— 
(A) flight testing; 
(B) payload development; and 
(C) hardware related to subparagraphs (A) and (B). 
(b) REAFFIRMATION OF POLICY.—Congress reaffirms that the 
Administrator should provide flight opportunities for payloads to 
microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes as authorized 
by section 907 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405). 
51 USC 70102 
note. 
Evaluation. 
51 USC 50131 
note. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00063
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 66 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
SEC. 827. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SMALL CLASS LAUNCH MISSIONS. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) Venture Class Launch Services contracts awarded under 
the Launch Services Program will expand opportunities for 
future dedicated launches of CubeSats and other small satellites 
and small orbital science missions; and 
(2) principal investigator-led small orbital science missions, 
including CubeSat class, Small Explorer (SMEX) class, and 
Venture class, offer valuable opportunities to advance science 
at low cost, train the next generation of scientists and engi-
neers, and enable participants to acquire skills in systems 
engineering and systems integration that are critical to 
maintaining the Nation’s leadership in space and to enhancing 
United States innovation and competitiveness abroad. 
SEC. 828. BASELINE AND COST CONTROLS. 
Section 30104(a)(1) of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘Procedural Requirements 7120.5c, dated March 22, 
2005’’ and inserting ‘‘Procedural Requirements 7120.5E, dated 
August 14, 2012’’. 
SEC. 829. COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM. 
Section 50116(a) of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting ‘‘, while protecting national security’’ after ‘‘research 
community’’. 
SEC. 830. AVOIDING ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN 
MAJOR ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION PROGRAMS. 
(a) REVISED REGULATIONS REQUIRED.—Not later than 270 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
revise the Administration Supplement to the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation to provide uniform guidance and recommend revised 
requirements for organizational conflicts of interest by contractors 
in major acquisition programs in order to address the elements 
identified in subsection (b). 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The revised regulations under subsection (a) 
shall, at a minimum— 
(1) address organizational conflicts of interest that could 
potentially arise as a result of— 
(A) lead system integrator contracts on major acquisi-
tion programs and contracts that follow lead system inte-
grator contracts on such programs, particularly contracts 
for production; 
(B) the ownership of business units performing systems 
engineering and technical assistance functions, professional 
services, or management support services in relation to 
major acquisition programs by contractors who simulta-
neously own business units competing to perform as either 
the prime contractor or the supplier of a major subsystem 
or component for such programs; 
(C) the award of major subsystem contracts by a prime 
contractor for a major acquisition program to business units 
or other affiliates of the same parent corporate entity, 
and particularly the award of subcontracts for software 
integration or the development of a proprietary software 
system architecture; or 
(D) the performance by, or assistance of, contractors 
in technical evaluations on major acquisition programs; 
Deadline. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
51 USC note 
prec. 30301. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00064
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 67 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(2) require the Administration to request advice on systems 
architecture and systems engineering matters with respect to 
major acquisition programs from objective sources independent 
of the prime contractor; 
(3) require that a contract for the performance of systems 
engineering and technical assistance functions for a major 
acquisition program contains a provision prohibiting the con-
tractor or any affiliate of the contractor from participating 
as a prime contractor or a major subcontractor in the develop-
ment of a system under the program; and 
(4) establish such limited exceptions to the requirement 
in paragraphs (2) and (3) as the Administrator considers nec-
essary to ensure that the Administration has continued access 
to advice on systems architecture and systems engineering 
matters from highly qualified contractors with domain experi-
ence and expertise, while ensuring that such advice comes 
from sources that are objective and unbiased. 
SEC. 831. PROTECTION OF APOLLO LANDING SITES. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Director of the Office of Science and 
Technology Policy, in consultation with relevant Federal agencies 
and stakeholders, shall assess the issues relating to protecting 
and preserving historically important Apollo Program lunar landing 
sites and Apollo program artifacts residing on the lunar surface, 
including those pertaining to Apollo 11 and Apollo 17. 
(b) CONTENTS.—In conducting the assessment, the Director 
shall include— 
(1) a determination of what risks to the protection and 
preservation of those sites and artifacts exist or may exist 
in the future; 
(2) a determination of what measures are required to 
ensure such protection and preservation; 
(3) a determination of the extent to which additional 
domestic legislation or international treaties or agreements will 
be required; and 
(4) specific recommendations for protecting and preserving 
those lunar landing sites and artifacts. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Director shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress the results of the assessment. 
SEC. 832. NASA LEASE OF NON-EXCESS PROPERTY. 
Section 20145(g) of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘10 years after December 26, 2007’’ and inserting 
‘‘December 31, 2018’’. 
SEC. 833. TERMINATION LIABILITY. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the ISS, the Space Launch System, and the Orion 
will enable the Nation to continue operations in low-Earth 
orbit and to send its astronauts to deep space; 
(2) the James Webb Space Telescope will revolutionize 
our understanding of star and planet formation and how gal-
axies evolved, and will advance the search for the origins of 
our universe; 
(3) as a result of their unique capabilities and their critical 
contribution to the future of space exploration, these systems 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Determinations. 
Consultation. 
Historic 
preservation. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00065
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 68 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
have been designated by Congress and the Administration as 
priority investments; 
(4) contractors are currently holding program funding, esti-
mated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, to cover 
the potential termination liability should the Government 
choose to terminate a program for convenience; 
(5) as a result, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars 
are unavailable for meaningful work on these programs; 
(6) according to the Government Accountability Office, the 
Administration procures most of its goods and services through 
contracts, and it terminates very few of them; 
(7) in fiscal year 2010, the Administration terminated 28 
of 16,343 active contracts and orders, a termination rate of 
about 0.17 percent; and 
(8) the Administration should vigorously pursue a policy 
on termination liability that maximizes the utilization of its 
appropriated funds to make maximum progress in meeting 
established technical goals and schedule milestones on these 
high-priority programs. 
SEC. 834. INDEPENDENT REVIEWS. 
Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress a report describing— 
(1) the Administration’s procedures for conducting inde-
pendent reviews of projects and programs at lifecycle mile-
stones; 
(2) how the Administration ensures the independence of 
the individuals who conduct those reviews prior to their assign-
ment; 
(3) the internal and external entities independent of project 
and program management that conduct reviews of projects 
and programs at life cycle milestones; and 
(4) how the Administration ensures the independence of 
such entities and their members. 
SEC. 835. NASA ADVISORY COUNCIL. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator shall enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration 
to assess the effectiveness of the NASA Advisory Council and to 
make recommendations to Congress for any change to— 
(1) the functions of the Council; 
(2) the appointment of members to the Council; 
(3) the qualifications for members of the Council; 
(4) the duration of terms of office for members of the 
Council; 
(5) the frequency of meetings of the Council; 
(6) the structure of leadership and Committees of the 
Council; and 
(7) the levels of professional staffing for the Council. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out the assessment under 
subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration 
shall— 
(1) consider the impacts of broadening the Council’s role 
to include providing consultation and advice to Congress under 
section 20113(g) of title 51, United States Code; 
(2) consider the past activities of the Council and the 
activities of other analogous Federal advisory bodies; and 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Reports. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00066
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 69 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(3) any other issues that the National Academy of Public 
Administration 
determines 
could 
potentially 
impact 
the 
effectiveness of the Council. 
(c) REPORT.—The National Academy of Public Administration 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the results 
of the assessment, including any recommendations. 
(d) CONSULTATION AND ADVICE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 20113(g) of title 51, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘and Congress’’ after ‘‘advice 
to the Administration’’. 
(2) 
SUNSET.—Effective 
September 
30, 
2017, 
section 
20113(g) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘and Congress’’. 
SEC. 836. COST ESTIMATION. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) realistic cost estimating is critically important to the 
ultimate success of major space development projects; and 
(2) the Administration has devoted significant efforts over 
the past 5 years to improving its cost estimating capabilities, 
but it is important that the Administration continue its efforts 
to develop and implement guidance in establishing realistic 
cost estimates. 
(b) GUIDANCE AND CRITERIA.—The Administrator shall provide 
to its acquisition programs and projects, in a manner consistent 
with the Administration’s Space Flight Program and Project 
Management Requirements— 
(1) guidance on when to use an Independent Cost Estimate 
and Independent Cost Assessment; and 
(2) criteria to use to make a determination under paragraph 
(1). 
SEC. 837. FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the Administration must address, mitigate, and reverse, 
where possible, the deterioration of its facilities and infrastruc-
ture, as their condition is hampering the effectiveness and 
efficiency of research performed by both the Administration 
and industry participants making use of Administration facili-
ties, thus harming the competitiveness of the United States 
aerospace industry; 
(2) the Administration has a role in providing laboratory 
capabilities to industry participants that are not economically 
viable as commercial entities and thus are not available else-
where; 
(3) to ensure continued access to reliable and efficient 
world-class facilities by researchers, the Administration should 
establish strategic partnerships with other Federal agencies, 
State agencies, FAA-licensed spaceports, institutions of higher 
education, and industry, as appropriate; and 
(4) decisions on whether to dispose of, maintain, or mod-
ernize existing facilities must be made in the context of meeting 
Administration and other needs, including those required to 
meet the activities supporting the human exploration roadmap 
under section 432 of this Act, considering other national labora-
tory needs as the Administrator deems appropriate. 
51 USC 31502 
note. 
51 USC 30307 
note. 
Effective date. 
51 USC 30307 
note. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00067
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 70 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(b) POLICY.—It is the policy of the United States that the 
Administration maintain reliable and efficient facilities and infra-
structure and that decisions on whether to dispose of, maintain, 
or modernize existing facilities or infrastructure be made in the 
context of meeting future Administration needs. 
(c) PLAN.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall develop a facili-
ties and infrastructure plan. 
(2) GOAL.—The goal of the plan is to position the Adminis-
tration to have the facilities and infrastructure, including lab-
oratories, tools, and approaches, necessary to meet future 
Administration and other Federal agencies’ laboratory needs. 
(3) CONTENTS.—The plan shall identify— 
(A) current Administration and other Federal agency 
laboratory needs; 
(B) future Administration research and development 
and testing needs; 
(C) a strategy for identifying facilities and infrastruc-
ture that are candidates for disposal, that is consistent 
with the national strategic direction set forth in— 
(i) the National Space Policy; 
(ii) the National Aeronautics Research, Develop-
ment, Test, and Evaluation Infrastructure Plan; 
(iii) the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-
tration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109– 
155; 119 Stat. 2895), National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 
110–422; 122 Stat. 4779), and National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(42 U.S.C. 18301 et seq.); and 
(iv) the human exploration roadmap under section 
432 of this Act; 
(D) a strategy for the maintenance, repair, upgrading, 
and modernization of Administration facilities and infra-
structure, including laboratories and equipment; 
(E) criteria for— 
(i) prioritizing deferred maintenance tasks; 
(ii) maintaining, repairing, upgrading, or modern-
izing Administration facilities and infrastructure; and 
(iii) implementing processes, plans, and policies 
for guiding the Administration’s Centers on whether 
to maintain, repair, upgrade, or modernize a facility 
or infrastructure and for determining the type of 
instrument to be used; 
(F) an assessment of modifications needed to maximize 
usage of facilities that offer unique and highly specialized 
benefits to the aerospace industry and the American public; 
and 
(G) implementation steps, including a timeline, mile-
stones, and an estimate of resources required for carrying 
out the plan. 
(d) REQUIREMENT TO ESTABLISH POLICY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish 
and make publicly available a policy that guides the Adminis-
tration’s use of existing authorities to out-grant, lease, excess 
to the General Services Administration, sell, decommission, 
Deadline. 
Public 
information. 
Timeline. 
Estimate. 
Assessment. 
Criteria. 
Strategy. 
Strategy. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00068
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 71 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
demolish, or otherwise transfer property, facilities, or infra-
structure. 
(2) CRITERIA.—The policy shall include criteria for the use 
of authorities, best practices, standardized procedures, and 
guidelines for how to appropriately manage property, facilities, 
and infrastructure. 
(e) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
to the appropriate committees of Congress the plan developed under 
subsection (c). 
SEC. 838. HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS. 
Section 70702 of title 51, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (a)(3) to read as follows: 
‘‘(3) any other orbital or suborbital space vehicle carrying 
humans that is— 
‘‘(A) owned by the Federal Government; or 
‘‘(B) being used pursuant to a contract or Space Act 
Agreement with the Federal Government for carrying a 
government astronaut or a researcher funded by the Fed-
eral Government; or’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) GOVERNMENT
ASTRONAUT.—The term ‘government 
astronaut’ has the meaning given the term in section 50902. 
‘‘(2) SPACE ACT AGREEMENT.—The term ‘Space Act Agree-
ment’ means an agreement entered into by the Administration 
pursuant to its other transactions authority under section 
20113(e).’’. 
SEC. 839. ORBITAL DEBRIS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
(1) orbital debris poses serious risks to the operational 
space capabilities of the United States; 
(2) an international commitment and integrated strategic 
plan are needed to mitigate the growth of orbital debris wher-
ever possible; and 
(3) the delay in the Office of Science and Technology Policy’s 
submission of a report on the status of international coordina-
tion and development of orbital debris mitigation strategies 
is inconsistent with such risks. 
(b) REPORTS.— 
(1) COORDINATION.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the status 
of efforts to coordinate with foreign countries within the Inter- 
Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee to mitigate the 
effects and growth of orbital debris under section 1202(b)(1) 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18441(b)(1)). 
(2) MITIGATION STRATEGY.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office 
of Science and Technology Policy shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the status of the orbital 
debris mitigation strategy required under section 1202(b)(2) 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18441(b)(2)). 
Deadline. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00069
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 72 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
SEC. 840. REVIEW OF ORBITAL DEBRIS REMOVAL CONCEPTS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) orbital debris in low-Earth orbit poses significant risks 
to spacecraft; 
(2) such orbital debris may increase due to collisions 
between existing debris objects; and 
(3) understanding options to address and remove orbital 
debris is important for ensuring safe and effective spacecraft 
operations in low-Earth orbit. 
(b) REVIEW.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 270 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator— 
(A) in collaboration with the heads of other relevant 
Federal agencies, shall solicit and review concepts and 
options for removing orbital debris from low-Earth orbit; 
and 
(B) shall submit to the appropriate committees of Con-
gress a report on the solicitation and review under subpara-
graph (A), including recommendations on the best options 
for decreasing the risks associated with orbital debris. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The solicitation and review under 
paragraph (1) shall address the requirements for and feasibility 
of developing and implementing each of the options. 
SEC. 841. SPACE ACT AGREEMENTS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that, 
when used appropriately, Space Act Agreements can provide signifi-
cant value in furtherance of NASA’s mission. 
(b) FUNDED SPACE ACT AGREEMENTS.—To the extent appro-
priate, the Administrator shall seek to maximize the value of con-
tributions provided by other parties under a funded Space Act 
Agreement in order to advance NASA’s mission. 
(c) NON-EXCLUSIVITY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall, to the greatest 
extent practicable, issue each Space Act Agreement— 
(A) except as provided in paragraph (2), on a nonexclu-
sive basis; 
(B) in a manner that ensures all non-government par-
ties have equal access to NASA resources; and 
(C) exercising reasonable care not to reveal unique 
or proprietary information. 
(2) EXCLUSIVITY.—If the Administrator determines an 
exclusive arrangement is necessary, the Administrator shall, 
to the greatest extent practicable, issue the Space Act Agree-
ment— 
(A) utilizing a competitive selection process when exclu-
sive arrangements are necessary; and 
(B) pursuant to public announcements when exclusive 
arrangements are necessary. 
(d) TRANSPARENCY.—The Administrator shall publicly disclose 
on the Administration’s website and make available in a searchable 
format each Space Act Agreement, including an estimate of com-
mitted NASA resources and the expected benefits to agency objec-
tives for each agreement, with appropriate redactions for propri-
etary, sensitive, or classified information, not later than 60 days 
after such agreement is signed by the parties. 
(e) ANNUAL REPORTS.— 
Public 
information. 
Web posting. 
Estimate. 
Deadline. 
Determination. 
51 USC 20113 
note. 
Reports. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Deadline. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00070
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 73 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 90 days after the end 
of each fiscal year, the Administrator shall submit to the appro-
priate committees of Congress a report on the use of Space 
Act Agreement authority by the Administration during the 
previous fiscal year. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report shall include for each Space 
Act Agreement in effect at the time of the report— 
(A) an indication of whether the agreement is a 
reimbursable, non-reimbursable, or funded Space Act 
Agreement; 
(B) a description of— 
(i) the subject and terms; 
(ii) the parties; 
(iii) the responsible— 
(I) Mission Directorate; 
(II) Center; or 
(III) headquarters element; 
(iv) the value; 
(v) the extent of the cost sharing among Federal 
Government and non-Federal sources; 
(vi) the time period or schedule; and 
(vii) all milestones; and 
(C) an indication of whether the agreement was 
renewed during the previous fiscal year. 
(3) ANTICIPATED AGREEMENTS.—The report shall include 
a list of all anticipated reimbursable, non-reimbursable, and 
funded Space Act Agreements for the upcoming fiscal year. 
(4) CUMULATIVE
PROGRAM
BENEFITS.—The report shall 
include, with respect to each Space Act Agreement covered 
by the report, a summary of— 
(A) the technology areas in which research projects 
were conducted under that agreement; 
(B) the extent to which the use of that agreement— 
(i) has contributed to a broadening of the tech-
nology and industrial base available for meeting 
Administration needs; and 
(ii) has fostered within the technology and indus-
trial base new relationships and practices that support 
the United States; and 
Lists. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00071
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES
131 STAT. 74 
PUBLIC LAW 115–10—MAR. 21, 2017 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 442: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 163 (2017): 
Feb. 17, considered and passed Senate. 
Mar. 7, considered and passed House. 
DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2017): 
Mar. 21, Presidential remarks. 
(C) the total amount of value received by the Federal 
Government during the fiscal year under that agreement. 
Approved March 21, 2017. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
14:48 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 069194
PO 00000
Frm 00072
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6580
G:\STATUTES\2017\PT1 COMBINE FILES\69194PT1.001
JANICE
jmbennett on LAPBW6H6L3PROD with STATUTES