Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5600

Caption

A bill to authorize programs for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for fiscal year 2025, and for other purposes.

Impact

The bill is designed to foster the development of a commercially led low-Earth orbit economy, which is seen as essential for maintaining U.S. competitive advantage in space activities. It encourages NASA to collaborate with private sector entities for the provisioning of services previously handled by government-operated facilities, marking a significant transition in how NASA operates in low-Earth orbit. Furthermore, the support of emerging technologies in aerospace, including hydrogen aviation, is aimed at enhancing both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in aviation.

Summary

SB5600, the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2024, primarily focuses on authorized programs and funding for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for fiscal year 2025. This legislation reaffirms the commitment of Congress to various NASA programs including the Artemis program, commercial low-Earth orbit initiatives, and advancements in aeronautics and space technology. It lays down a framework to ensure continued United States leadership in space exploration and addresses key areas such as lunar landing capabilities and Mars Sample Return operations.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SB5600 include concerns about the rapid transition from government-led initiatives to commercial operations, particularly regarding safety, reliability, and the potential loss of U.S. control over critical space missions. Additionally, the bill includes provisions restricting federal funds from being used to collaborate with Chinese space entities, which may provoke discussions regarding international space cooperation and the geopolitical implications of space exploration policies. The focus on commercial partnerships also raises questions about ensuring equitable access to space research benefits for various stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB933

NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025

US SB5601

A bill to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.

US HB8958

NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024

US HB1368

DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination ActThis bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Specifically, the bill authorizes DOE and NASA to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NASA may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., dark matter), develop ways to support large voluntary data sets on space and aeronautical information, promote multi-agency data sharing, and support NASA's access to DOE research infrastructure. DOE and NASA must jointly report on their collaboration.

US HB108

Space Research Innovation ActThis bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a university-affiliated research center to fund analyses and engineering support related to cislunar 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.

US SB5629

A bill to support marine carbon dioxide removal activities, and for other purposes.

US HR370

Supporting May 2 as "National Space Day" in recognition of the significant positive impact the aerospace community has and will continue to have on the United States of America.

US HR1380

Supporting the designation of July 20, 2024 as "National Moon Day".

US HB10529

To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.

US HB7339

To make revisions in title 51, United States Code, as necessary to keep the title current, and to make technical amendments to improve the United States Code.

Similar Bills

US HB3560

National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Research and Development Act

US HB477

Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics Act or the MACH ActThis bill permits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a research program to facilitate the testing of high-speed aircraft and related technologies, to be known as the Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics Program.Within a specified time period, NASA must develop a strategic plan for such research. NASA must also consult with the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration on these efforts. Under the program, NASA may not (1) fund the development of hypersonic and related technologies; or (2) enter into an agreement with certain foreign entities of concern, including entities owned or controlled by China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia. 

US SB933

NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025

US HB8787

ORBITS Act of 2024 Orbital Sustainability Act of 2024

US HB6093

Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2023 Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023

US HB2600

ASCEND Act Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act

US SB1437

ASCEND Act Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act

US HB8958

NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024