Us Congress House Bill HB102

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23

Caption

Space Research Innovation Act This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a university-affiliated research center to fund analyses and engineering support related to cis-lunar and deep-space missions and interplanetary research. Entities eligible to participate in the center include institutions of higher education, operators of federally funded research and development centers, and nonprofit research institutions.

Impact

The bill mandates that eligible entities to participate in the research center include institutions of higher education, operators of federally funded research and development centers, and nonprofit research institutions. By broadening the scope of potential collaboration, the bill aims to harness a diverse range of expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the United States' capabilities in space exploration. The establishment of this center could also lead to accelerated advancements in related technologies that support both governmental and commercial space endeavours.

Summary

House Bill 102, known as the Space Research Innovation Act, aims to empower the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a university-affiliated research center. This center is intended to provide critical analyses and engineering support focusing on cis-lunar and deep-space missions, as well as facilitating interplanetary research. The establishment of such a center is seen as a strategic move to enhance collaboration between academic institutions and NASA, thereby fostering innovation in space exploration technologies and methodologies.

Contention

While the bill is largely favorable in advancing U.S. interests in space research, discussions around its implementation may highlight concerns regarding funding and prioritization. There may be apprehensions regarding how resources will be allocated among various institutional participants and whether sufficient accountability measures will be established to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the research produced. Critics may also question the long-term sustainability of such initiatives amid potential budget constraints and the changing political landscape surrounding federal funding for NASA.