General responsibilities

human space flight, in accordance with section 20302 of this title; aeronautics research and development; and robotic missions to study the Moon and other planets and their moons, and to deepen understanding of astronomy, astrophysics, and other areas of science that can be productively studied from space; Earth science research and research on the Sun-Earth connection through the development and operation of research satellites and other means; support of university research in space science, Earth science, and microgravity science; and research on microgravity, including research that is not directly related to human exploration. consult and coordinate to the extent appropriate with other relevant Federal agencies, including through the National Science and Technology Council; encouraging the work of entrepreneurs who are seeking to develop new means to launch satellites, crew, or cargo; contracting with the private sector for crew and cargo services, including to the International Space Station, to the extent practicable; using commercially available products (including software) and services to the extent practicable to support all Administration activities; and encouraging commercial use and development of space to the greatest extent practicable; and involve other nations to the extent appropriate. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023], the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall jointly establish a process through which scientifically-valid yield determinations can be assessed for space launch vehicles while in flight. Not later than 90 days after the completion of the LOX-Methane Assessment working group process, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes a description of the effects of the LOX-Methane Assessment on existing and future maximum credible event analyses and any resulting effects on commercial space launch, civil space activities, and national security. The congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives]. The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. The term ‘LOX-Methane Assessment working group’ means the ongoing interagency working group studying the explosive characteristics of liquid oxygen and methane and comprised of representatives from the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The term ‘launch vehicle’ has the meaning given such term in section 50902(11) of title 51, United States Code.” the necessary elements of a ground system infrastructure are in place to enable the preparation and use of the Space Launch System, specifically the Block 1 (at least 70 mt), Block 1B (at least 105 mt), and Block 2 (at least 130 mt) variants of the Space Launch System; and not fewer than 2 bays of the vehicle assembly building of such ground system infrastructure are outfitted and dedicated to support Space Launch System stacking and preparations. After the first crewed lunar landing of the Administration’s Moon to Mars activities, the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, seek to carry out a flight rate of 2 integrated Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle missions annually until the lunar activities needed to enable a human mission to Mars are completed so as to maintain the critical human spaceflight production and operations skills necessary for the safety of human spaceflight activities in deep space. The Administrator is authorized to maintain 2 operational mobile launch platforms to enable the launch of multiple configurations of the Space Launch System. In implementing paragraph (1), the Administrator shall take all necessary steps to develop and complete a second mobile launch platform, to be in place by 2026, to support the first launch of the Block 1B variant of the Space Launch System. Such second mobile launch platform shall be sized and constructed to accommodate the Block 2 variant of the Space Launch System. to address the cost, schedule, and performance challenges in the development of the Mobile Launch–2 platform; and to ensure that such platform is ready for operational use on a schedule that aligns with the current plans for an Artemis IV launch, which is currently anticipated in 2027; and not later than 90 days after such date of enactment, a report that contains a list of the key milestones required for completing each of the Space Launch System variants, and an estimated date on which such milestones will be completed. To meet the capability requirements under section 302(c)(2) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)(2)), the Administrator shall continue development of the Exploration Upper Stage for the Space Launch System on a schedule consistent with the Artemis IV lunar mission. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the development and scheduled availability of the Exploration Upper Stage for the Artemis IV lunar mission. To meet the requirements under section 302(c)(3) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)(3)), the Administrator may initiate development of a main propulsion test article for the integrated Exploration Upper Stage element of the Space Launch System, consistent with cost and schedule constraints, particularly for long-lead propulsion hardware needed for flight.” to increase capabilities; to enhance safety; to support propulsion development and testing; and to foster the improvement of Government and commercial space transportation and exploration. infrastructure and other facilities and systems relating to rocket propulsion test stands and rocket propulsion testing; enhancements to test facility capacity and flexibility; and such other projects as the Administrator considers appropriate to meet the goals described in that subsection. to the extent practicable and appropriate, prioritize investments in projects that enhance test and flight certification capabilities, including for large thrust-level atmospheric and altitude engines and engine systems, and multi-engine integrated test capabilities; continue to make underutilized test facilities available for commercial use on a reimbursable basis; and the Space Launch System and the Exploration Upper Stage of the Space Launch System; in-space propulsion to support exploration missions; or nuclear propulsion testing. Nothing in this section shall preclude a NASA program, including the Space Launch System and the Exploration Upper Stage of the Space Launch System, from using the modernized test infrastructure developed under this section. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this division [Aug. 9, 2022], the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the use of the authority under section 30102 of title 51, United States Code, to promote increased use of NASA rocket propulsion test infrastructure for research, development, testing, and evaluation activities by other Federal agencies, firms, associations, corporations, and educational institutions. An assessment of prior use, if any, of the authority under section 30102 of title 51, United States Code, to improve testing infrastructure. An analysis of any barrier to implementation of such authority for the purpose of promoting increased use of NASA rocket propulsion test infrastructure.” the report entitled ‘An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe’ published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine outlines key scientific questions and methods on the search for the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe; and the interaction of lifeforms with their environment, a central focus of astrobiology research, is a topic of broad significance to life sciences research in space and on Earth. the scientific priorities of the most recent decadal surveys on planetary science and astrobiology and astronomy and astrophysics of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; and the objective described in section 20102(d)(10) of title 51, United States Code. The program under paragraph (1) shall include activities relating to astronomy, biology, geology, and planetary science. In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall coordinate efforts with the life sciences program of the [National Aeronautics and Space] Administration. In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Administrator may invest in the development of new instrumentation and sensor technology. In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Administrator may support, as appropriate, merit-reviewed, competitively selected research on technosignatures.” The Administrator, in collaboration with other relevant Federal agencies and with industry, shall take all necessary steps to carry out research and development, ground-based testing and in-space testing, and other associated activities to enable the use of space nuclear propulsion in Administration robotic and human exploration activities, including in cargo missions to Mars in the late 2020’s and crewed missions to Mars in the 2030’s. The Administrator shall establish a space nuclear propulsion program to carry out the activities described in paragraph (1). Research and development in both nuclear electric and nuclear thermal propulsion technology maturation efforts, to the extent practicable, and the development of consistent figures of merit across both nuclear electric and nuclear thermal systems, as recommended by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the report entitled ‘Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration’, so as to inform a down-selection of a nuclear electric or nuclear thermal propulsion system by 2026, or as early as practicable. Ground-based testing, to the extent practicable, including not less than 1 ground-based test of a full-scale, integrated nuclear propulsion system before any in-space test or demonstration of such system. In-space demonstration of a nuclear propulsion system in the late 2020’s, which may be carried out as a cargo mission to Mars. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 9, 2022], the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan to achieve an in-space flight test of a nuclear propulsion system that could support the first crewed mission to Mars in the 2030’s. A timeline to mature enabling technologies and an outline of major milestones for integration of such technologies into the larger nuclear propulsion system. A cost estimate for maturing such technologies. A description of facility requirements for the program under paragraph (2) associated with such technologies. A description of the manner in which the Administrator will use the efforts described in paragraph (2)(B) to determine whether the in-space flight test should demonstrate a nuclear electric propulsion system or a nuclear thermal propulsion system. An identification of any policy or regulatory challenges or barriers to conducting such in-space test or any precursor ground-based testing, and a description of options for addressing such challenges or barriers. The Administrator shall establish a program for research, testing, and development of a space nuclear surface power reactor design. develop a plan and timeline for the program established under paragraph (1), taking into consideration mission needs; and include in such plan opportunities for participation by United States commercial entities. 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 plan developed under subparagraph (A). The Administrator shall carry out a needs assessment for facilities and technical capabilities required to support ground-based testing of a full-scale, full-power integrated nuclear propulsion system. The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall consider the potential development of facilities that will support long-term research and development of space nuclear propulsion systems. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the assessment carried out under paragraph (1).” The Administrator shall prioritize the use of low-enriched uranium, including high-assay low-enriched uranium, for space nuclear research and development, including ground and in-space testing and other related demonstration activities carried out under this title [see Short Title of 2022 Amendment note set out under section 10101 of this title]. The Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, collaborate and coordinate with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Energy, and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies on technology development, knowledge exchange, lessons learned regarding nuclear power and propulsion technologies, common fuels, flight demonstrations, and operational systems production for space applications. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 9, 2022], the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that details the actions taken and planned, including a timeline for such actions, to implement subsection (a).” NASA has made steady progress in developing and testing the Space Launch System and Orion exploration systems 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. 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. 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. 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). 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 commitment by fully developing the Space Launch System, Orion, and related Exploration Ground Systems; 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; the United States should have continuity of purpose for the Space Launch System and Orion in deep space exploration missions, using them beginning with the uncrewed mission, Artemis I, planned for 2018, followed by the crewed mission, Artemis II, in cis-lunar space planned for 2021, and for subsequent missions beginning with Artemis III extending into cis-lunar space and eventually to Mars; 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 requirements of each of those phases; 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 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. The Administrator shall continue the development 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 Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)). Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 21, 2017], the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report addressing the ability of Orion to meet the needs and the minimum capability 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)). 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)); 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; 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 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. an uncrewed exploration mission to demonstrate the capability of both the Space Launch System and Orion as an integrated system by 2018; subject to applicable human rating processes and requirements, a crewed exploration mission to demonstrate the Space Launch System, including the Core Stage and Exploration Upper Stages, by 2021; subsequent missions beginning with Artemis III at operational 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 a deep space habitat as a key element in a deep space exploration architecture along with the Space Launch System and Orion. 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 consideration of overall cost and schedule savings from reduced transit times and increased science returns enabled by the unique capabilities of the Space Launch System. The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, 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)). consider the technical requirements of the scientific and national security communities related to a cargo variant of the Space Launch System; and 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. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 21, 2017], the Administrator shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of Congress.” 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 the Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] should set science priorities by following the guidance provided by the scientific community through the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s decadal surveys. It is the policy of the United States to ensure, to the extent practicable, a steady cadence of large, medium, and small science missions.” Administration [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] support for planetary science is critical to enabling greater understanding of the solar system and the origin of the Earth; the United States leads the world in planetary science and can augment its success in that area with appropriate international, academic, and industry partnerships; a mix of small, medium, and large planetary science missions is required to sustain a steady cadence of planetary exploration; and robotic planetary exploration is a key component of preparing for future human exploration. In accordance with the priorities established in the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey, the Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, 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. Consistent with the set of missions described in paragraph (1), and while maintaining the continuity of scientific data and steady development of capabilities and technologies, the Administrator may seek, if necessary, adjustments to mission priorities, schedule, and scope in light of changing budget projections.” The Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] 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. outline key scientific questions; identify the most promising research in the field; indicate the extent to which the mission priorities in existing decadal surveys address the key extrasolar planet research and exploration goals; identify opportunities for coordination with international partners, commercial partners, and not-for-profit partners; and make recommendations regarding the activities under subparagraphs (A) through (D), as appropriate. to inform roadmaps, strategic plans, and other activities of the Administration [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] as they relate to extrasolar planet research and exploration; and to provide a foundation for future activities and initiatives related to extrasolar planet research and exploration. Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 21, 2017], the National Academies shall submit to the Administrator and to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate] a report containing the strategy developed under subsection (a).” The Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academies to develop a science strategy for astrobiology that would outline key scientific questions, identify the most promising research in the field, and 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. The strategy shall include recommendations for coordination with international partners. 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. Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 21, 2017], the National Academies shall submit to the Administrator and to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate] a report containing the strategy developed under subsection (a).” to developing technologies and capabilities that will make the Administration [National Aeronautics and Space Administration]’s core missions more affordable and more reliable; to enabling a new class of Administration missions beyond low-Earth orbit; and to improving technological capabilities and promote innovation for the Administration and the Nation. 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. It is the policy of the United States that the Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] shall develop technologies to support the Administration’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. A goal of propulsion technologies developed under subsection (c) shall be to significantly reduce human travel time to Mars. The Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] 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 [National Aeronautics and Space Administration]’s space exploration and science missions. the recommendations of the National Academies’ review of the Administration’s Space Technology roadmaps and priorities; and the applicable enabling aspects of the stepping stone approach to exploration under section 70504 of title 51, United States Code. to the extent practicable, use a competitive process to select research and development projects; 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 as appropriate, partner with other Federal agencies, universities, private industry, and foreign countries. The Administrator shall organize and manage the Administration’s Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Program within the Program. 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 [the] Program with other projects, programs, or missions conducted by another office or directorate of the Administration. ensure that the Administration’s projects, programs, and activities in support of technology research and development of advanced space technologies are fully coordinated and aligned; ensure that the results [of] the projects, programs, and activities under subparagraph (A) are shared and leveraged within the Administration; and 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 [Mar. 21, 2017] is established on the basis of a sound rationale. 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. comparing the Administration’s space technology investments 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 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 identification of the rationale described in subsection (f)(1)(C). 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.” The Administrator shall ensure that the Administration carries out a balanced set of programs that shall include, at a minimum, programs in— scientific research, which shall include, at a minimum— In carrying out the programs of the Administration, the Administrator shall— work closely with the private sector, including by— In this section: The term ‘appropriate congressional committees’ means the following: The Administrator shall ensure that— The Administrator shall submit to Congress— not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 9, 2022], a report on the steps the Administrator and industry partners are taking— The Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, continue to carry out a program to modernize rocket propulsion test infrastructure at NASA facilities— Projects funded under the program described in subsection (a) may include— In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall— ensure that no project carried out under this program adversely impacts, delays, or defers testing or other activities associated with facilities used for Government programs, including— The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: It is the sense of Congress that— The Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] shall continue to implement a collaborative, multidisciplinary science and technology development program to search for evidence of the existence or historical existence of life beyond Earth in support of— The program established under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: The plan required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: The Administrator shall— Congress makes the following findings: It is the sense of Congress that— The report shall detail— The Administrator shall continue development of— In preparing the report, the Administrator shall— Congress reaffirms the sense of Congress that— Congress finds that— The strategy shall— The Administrator shall use the strategy— It is the sense of Congress that space technology is critical— In conducting the Program, the Administrator shall consider— In conducting the Program, the Administrator shall— The Administrator shall— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress a report— including— (Source: (Pub. L. 111–314, § 3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3355.))