ASCEND Act Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act
Impact
The implementation of SB2634 is expected to enhance the availability and accessibility of satellite data for a variety of applications, including those beyond traditional scientific research. By formalizing relationships with commercial vendors, the bill could lead to an increase in the use of innovative data sources that can provide timely and relevant information regarding environmental changes, resource management, and more. This could benefit a range of stakeholders including governmental bodies, researchers, and private sector entities that require accurate Earth observation data for their activities.
Summary
SB2634, titled the "Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act" (ASCEND Act), mandates NASA to establish a program for the acquisition and dissemination of commercial Earth observation data and imagery. The bill arose from a growing recognition of the potential benefits of leveraging commercial satellite data to meet the scientific, operational, and educational needs of NASA, as well as other federal agencies and researchers. The bill aims to formalize and expand upon a previous pilot program that has actively engaged commercial vendors to provide relevant data to support Earth science research and applications.
Contention
While the bill broadly enjoys support due to its potential to improve data access for scientific and educational purposes, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of relying on commercial vendors for critical data. Questions about data accuracy, potential biases of commercial sources, and the implications of privatizing what has traditionally been considered public data are notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding SB2634. Overall, the bill's progress will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the Earth sciences community and beyond.
Provides for lifetime disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicle and transportation network company vehicle for persons convicted of human trafficking.
Provides for lifetime disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicle and transportation network company vehicle for persons convicted of human trafficking.