[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 442 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
S.442
One Hundred Fifteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the third day of January, two thousand and seventeen
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.
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 directorates.
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 acquisition 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.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
(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 Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
(10) Orion.--The term ``Orion'' means the multipurpose crew
vehicle described under section 303 of the National Aeronautics 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.
(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 Administrations
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 balanced 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 Program;
(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 Constitution 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, technology,
and exploration accrue over decades-long timeframes, and a
disruption of such investments could prevent returns from being
fully realized.
(2) Past challenges to the continuity of such investments,
particularly threats regarding the cancellation of authorized
programs with bipartisan and bicameral support, have disrupted
completion of major space systems thereby--
(A) impeding planning and pursuit of national objectives 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 agreement on the path forward
for NASA's core missions in science, space technology, aeronautics,
human space flight and exploration, 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 American
scientists, engineers, and leaders, and to creating the
opportunity for economic development of low-Earth orbit.
(5) NASA has made measurable progress in the development and
testing of the Space Launch System and Orion exploration 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;
(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
leadership 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, microgravity,
discovery-based space life and physical sciences research that is
critical for enabling space exploration, protecting 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 Administration
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 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 Congress that--
(1) once developed and certified to meet the Administration'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 Administration
in its planning for the Commercial Crew Program assumed
significantly higher funding levels than were authorized 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 Laboratory;
(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 capability 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 investments 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 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 foreign 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 negotiating 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 Program
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 acquisition
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 Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18342(b)(1)).
(B) Lessons learned.--Consistent with the findings and
recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation 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
Services''.
(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 Congress 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 procurements.
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 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 Technology 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 property, 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
subparagraphs (D) and (E) are consistent with the research
areas defined in, and recommendations and schedules under, the
current National Academies of Sciences, 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 partnership;
``(ii) the cost associated with extending the service
life;
``(iii) an assessment on the technical limiting factors
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
Federal 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
responsibilities 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 commercial
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 the
Administration's requirements for ISS activities defined in the
human exploration roadmap and related research, demonstrations
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 modules and airlocks,
additional docking or berthing ports for commercial crew and
cargo, opportunities for the commercial 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 consultation
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
(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 enactment 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:
``Sec. 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 subsection
(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 responsibility
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.
``(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
involvement 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.--Notwithstanding
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 instrumentalities, 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 Administrator 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 appropriated
for such payments.
``(2) Limitation.--The Administrator shall not approve payments
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.--
``(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 subchapter 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.''.
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 Administration
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 Administration
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 timetable 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 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:
``Sec. 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 Aeronautics 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 Aeronautics
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
(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 utilization
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 Committee 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 Transportation 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 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.
(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.--
(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 commitment 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 exploration missions,
using them beginning with the uncrewed mission, 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 requirements 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 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)).
(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 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)).
(2) Contents.--The report shall detail--
(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 Exploration Upper
Stages, by 2021;
(3) subsequent missions beginning with EM-3 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
(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 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.
(h) Utilization Report.--
(1) In general.--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)).
(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 variant 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.
(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 Congress.
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 Aeronautics
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 compelling
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, scientific
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 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.
(8) In addition to the 2014 report described in paragraph (1),
there are 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 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 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 international,
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 exploration
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, services,
research, and technology if those opportunities provide cost-
savings, accelerate program schedules, or otherwise benefit the
goals and objectives developed under subparagraph (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 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
demonstrate 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 entities
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 requirements
and phasing of required technology development activities, the
management strategy to be followed, related ISS activities,
planned international collaborative activities, potential
commercial contributions, and other activities 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 milestones;
(E) developing the robotic and precursor missions and
activities that will demonstrate, test, and develop key
technologies and capabilities essential for achieving human
missions to Mars, including long-duration human operations
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;
(F) demonstrating and testing 1 or more habitat modules in
cis-lunar space to prepare for Mars missions;
(G) using public-private, firm fixed-price partnerships,
where practicable;
(H) collaborating with international, 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 exploration.--As part
of the human exploration roadmap, the Administrator shall include a
critical decision plan--
(A) identifying and defining key decisions guiding human
space exploration priorities and plans that need to be made
before June 30, 2020, including decisions that may guide human
space exploration capability development, precursor missions,
long-term missions, and activities;
(B) defining decisions needed to maximize efficiencies and
resources for reaching the near, intermediate, and long-term
goals and 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 technologies
during the 2-year period prior to the submission of the
human exploration roadmap; and
(ii) the expected goals and achievements in the
following 2- year period.
(C) Submission with budget.--Each human exploration 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.
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 estimated 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 commensurate with
their probable cost.
(5) The Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission is competing for
resources with other critical exploration development programs,
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 propulsion.
(B) Ability to maneuver in a low gravity environment in
deep space.
(8) In January 2015 and July 2015, the NASA Advisory Council
expressed its concern to NASA about the potential for growing costs
for the program and highlighted that choices would need to be made
about the program's content.
(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 Congress to
be commensurate with the cost; and
(2) alternative missions may provide a more cost effective and
scientifically beneficial means to demonstrate the technologies
needed for a human mission to Mars that would otherwise be
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
alternative approaches under subparagraph (A) to future human
space exploration compared to scientific and technical benefits
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 propulsion technology to
bolster United States competitiveness in the global
marketplace; and
(D) a comparison of the estimated costs of the alternative
approaches identified in 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 enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a report on the study, including findings and
recommendations regarding the Mars 2033 human space flight mission
described in subsection (a).
(d) Assessment.--Not later than 60 days after the date the report
is submitted under subsection (c), the Administrator shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress an assessment by the NASA
Advisory Council of whether the proposal for a Mars human space flight
mission to be launched in 2033 is in the strategic interests of the
United States in space exploration.
Subtitle D--TREAT Astronauts Act
SEC. 441. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``To Research, Evaluate, Assess,
and Treat Astronauts Act'' or the ``TREAT Astronauts Act''.
SEC. 442. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Human space exploration can pose significant challenges 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 impairment, bone
demineralization, and behavioral health and performance risks, and
may be exposed to galactic cosmic radiation. Exposure to high
levels of radiation and microgravity can result in acute and long-
term health consequences that can increase the risk of cancer and
tissue degeneration and have potential effects on the
musculoskeletal system, central 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 astronaut Mark Kelly,
acted as a human control specimen on Earth, providing an
understanding of the physical, behavioral, microbiological, and
molecular reaction of the human body to an extended period of time
in space.
(4) Since the Administration currently provides medical
monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment for United States government
astronauts during their active employment, given the unknown long-
term health consequences of long-duration space exploration, the
Administration has requested statutory authority from Congress to
provide medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment to former
United States government astronauts for psychological and medical
conditions associated with human space flight.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of 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 exploration 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 monitoring,
diagnosis, and treatment described in subsection (a) only for
conditions the Administration considers unique to the training or
exposure to the space flight environment of United States
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, diagnosis, and
treatment should be used to tailor treatment, inform the
requirements for new space flight medical hardware, and develop
controls in order to prevent disease occurrence in the 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 missions 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:
``Sec. 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 specialist for
conditions that the Administrator considers potentially associated
with human space flight; and
``(2) the treatment of a former United States government
astronaut or a former payload specialist for conditions that the
Administrator considers associated with human space flight,
including scientific and medical tests for psychological and
medical conditions.
``(b) Requirements.--
``(1) No cost sharing.--The medical monitoring, diagnosis, or
treatment described in subsection (a) shall be provided without 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 government
astronaut or former payload specialist for that former United
States government astronaut or former payload specialist to travel
to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, as determined by the
Administrator.
``(3) Secondary payment.--Payment or reimbursement for the
medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment described in 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 provide for
conditional payments for or provide medical monitoring, diagnosis,
or treatment described in subsection (a) that is obligated to be
paid for or provided by the United States or any third party under
any other provision of law or contractual agreement to pay for or
provide such medical monitoring, diagnosis, 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 specialist
under subsection (a) for any psychological or medical condition
that is not potentially associated with human space flight;
``(2) provide for treatment of a former United States
government astronaut or former payload specialist under subsection
(a) for any psychological or medical condition that is not
associated with human space flight; or
``(3) require a former United States government astronaut or
former payload specialist to participate in the medical monitoring,
diagnosis, or treatment authorized under subsection (a).
``(d) Privacy.--Consistent with applicable provisions of Federal
law relating to privacy, the Administrator shall 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 international partner astronaut.
``(g) Data Use and Disclosure.--The Administrator may use or
disclose data acquired in the course of medical monitoring, diagnosis,
or treatment of a former United States government astronaut or a former
payload specialist under subsection (a), in accordance with 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 activities 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 independent cost
estimate under paragraph (1).
(e) Privacy Study.--
(1) Study.--The Administrator shall carry out a study on any
potential privacy or legal issues 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 considers
necessary to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, the activities of the
Administration under section 20149 of title 51, United States Code.
TITLE V--ADVANCING SPACE SCIENCE
SEC. 501. MAINTAINING A BALANCED SPACE SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.
(a) Sense of Congress on Science Portfolio.--Congress reaffirms the
sense of Congress that--
(1) a balanced and adequately funded set of 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
following 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 established
in the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey, the
Administrator 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.
(2) Mission priority adjustments.--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.
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;
(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 contractor
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 understanding 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 productivity 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 scientists
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.
(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
international 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
initiatives 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 subsection (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
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.
(2) Recommendations.--The strategy shall include
recommendations 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 subsection (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,
distribution, and future in the universe.
SEC. 511. NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS.
Section 321 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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 implement 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.
``(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 Program
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 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 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:
``Sec. 30504. Assessment of science mission extensions
``(a) Assessments.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall carry out triennial
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 Benefits of
Instruments on Missions.--When deciding whether to extend a mission
that has an operational component, the Administrator 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 Committee 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, 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 requirements 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 subsection
(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
Administration'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 Administration
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;
(6) detail how the Administration and other Federal agencies
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 necessary;
(7) specify the steps the Administration will take, in
consultation with the Department of Energy, to preserve the
infrastructure 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 Exploration.''
(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
Exploration 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 responsibilities.
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 maintain
the United States status as a leader in aviation, enhance 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 transferred 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
supersonic 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 aeronautics 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.
(3) Contents.--The roadmap shall include--
(A) the baseline research as embodied by the
Administration'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 overland
flight;
(C) a research plan to address the challenges under
subparagraph (B), including a project timeline for
accomplishing 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
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.
(d) Propulsion Technologies.--A goal of propulsion technologies
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 Administrator 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 Administrator
shall consider--
(1) the recommendations of the National Academies' review of
the Administration's Space Technology roadmaps and priorities; 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 Administrator
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 organize and
manage the Administration's Small Business Innovation Research Program
and Small Business Technology Transfer Program 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, programs,
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 leveraged
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.
(g) Report.--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--
(1) 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
(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 subsection
(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 systems;
(2) ensure the NASA Chief Information Officer has the
appropriate resources and insight to oversee NASA information
technology and information security operations and investments;
(3) provide an information technology program management
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 technology and information
security management and oversight;
(5) review the portfolio of information technology investments
and spending, including information technology-related investments
included as part of activities within NASA mission directorates
that may not be considered information technology, to ensure
investments are recognized and reported appropriately 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 Administration-
wide information technology operations, investments, and
security measures and the NASA Chief Information Officer's
visibility and involvement into information technology
oversight and access to those resources;
(B) the effectiveness and challenges of the
Administration'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 investments that exceed a
defined monetary threshold, including any potential impacts of
such authority on the Administration's missions, flights
programs and projects, research activities, and Center
operations.
(3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
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 recommendations.
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;
(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 information
technology policies are effectively and efficiently implemented
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 accordance 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 paragraph (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 guidelines.
(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;
(C) a description of the information security system
management controls and common controls that are necessary to
ensure compliance with information security-related
requirements;
(D) an identification and assignment of roles,
responsibilities, 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 technology
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 discovery; and
(2) provide an update on its plan to implement the
recommendation 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, whenever
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:
(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 expertise 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, collaboration, 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 Services of
the Senate of counterfeit electronic parts in the Department of
Defense supply chain from 2009 through 2010 uncovered 1,800 cases
and over 1,000,000 counterfeit parts and exposed the threat such
counterfeit parts pose to service members and national security.
(2) Since 2010, the Comptroller General of the United States
has identified in 3 separate reports the risks and challenges
associated with counterfeit parts and counterfeit prevention at
both the Department of Defense and NASA, including inconsistent
definitions of counterfeit parts, poorly targeted quality control
practices, and potential barriers to improvements 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 regulations
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
(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
Administrator considers necessary to remedy the use or
inclusion 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 covered 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 covered
contractor as Government property in accordance with part
45 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
(3) Suppliers of electronic parts.--In revising the regulations
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 exclusively
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 suppliers
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
electronic 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 States
Code, pursuant to which NASA may identify suppliers 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
subcontractor, 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,
transistor, 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 engagement of
Administration scientists and engineers in the Administration'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 Fellowship
Program, reflect the Administration's successful commitment 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 underserved 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 engagement
with the public and education opportunities for students via all
the Administration's mission directorates to the maximum extent
practicable.
(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 Administration's near-term
outreach plans for advancing space law education.
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
Directorate 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 Administration
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405).
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 engineers, 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 acquisition
programs and contracts that follow lead system integrator
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 simultaneously 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;
(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 contractor
or any affiliate of the contractor from participating as a prime
contractor or a major subcontractor in the development of a system
under the program; and
(4) establish such limited exceptions to the requirement in
paragraphs (2) and (3) as the Administrator considers necessary to
ensure that the Administration has continued access to advice on
systems architecture and systems engineering matters from highly
qualified contractors with domain experience 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 galaxies
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 have
been designated by Congress and the Administration as priority
investments;
(4) contractors are currently holding program funding,
estimated 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 independent
reviews of projects and programs at lifecycle milestones;
(2) how the Administration ensures the independence of the
individuals who conduct those reviews prior to their assignment;
(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
(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
infrastructure, as their condition is hampering the effectiveness
and efficiency of research performed by both the Administration and
industry participants making use of Administration facilities, 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 elsewhere;
(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 modernize
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 laboratory
needs as the Administrator deems appropriate.
(b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that the
Administration maintain reliable and efficient facilities and
infrastructure 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 facilities
and infrastructure plan.
(2) Goal.--The goal of the plan is to position the
Administration to have the facilities and infrastructure, including
laboratories, 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
infrastructure 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, Development,
Test, and Evaluation Infrastructure Plan;
(iii) 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.); 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 infrastructure,
including laboratories and equipment;
(E) criteria for--
(i) prioritizing deferred maintenance tasks;
(ii) maintaining, repairing, upgrading, or modernizing
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, milestones,
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 Administration's use of
existing authorities to out-grant, lease, excess to the General
Services Administration, sell, decommission, demolish, or otherwise
transfer property, facilities, or infrastructure.
(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 Federal 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 Agreement'
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 wherever
possible; and
(3) the delay in the Office of Science and Technology Policy's
submission of a report on the status of international coordination
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)).
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 Congress
a report on the solicitation and review under subparagraph (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 significant value in
furtherance of NASA's mission.
(b) Funded Space Act Agreements.--To the extent appropriate, the
Administrator shall seek to maximize the value of contributions
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 nonexclusive
basis;
(B) in a manner that ensures all non-government parties
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 Agreement--
(A) utilizing a competitive selection process when
exclusive 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 committed NASA resources
and the expected benefits to agency objectives for each agreement, with
appropriate redactions for proprietary, sensitive, or classified
information, not later than 60 days after such agreement is signed by
the parties.
(e) Annual Reports.--
(1) Requirement.--Not later than 90 days after the end of each
fiscal year, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
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 technology
and industrial base available for meeting Administration
needs; and
(ii) has fostered within the technology and industrial
base new relationships and practices that support the
United States; and
(C) the total amount of value received by the Federal
Government during the fiscal year under that agreement.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.