Summary
Provides funding for NASA in 2026 and gives direction for its space exploration, science, and technology programs, including the Artemis moon missions.
What problem does this solve?
NASA's funding and program goals need to be regularly updated by law to keep up with new challenges and opportunities in space. This act provides new funding and sets clear goals for NASA's work, such as exploring the Moon and Mars, and developing new technologies.
Who does this affect?
- NASA and its employees
- Aerospace and technology companies
- Scientists and academic institutions
What does this bill do?
Authorizes funding for fiscal year 2026
Approves over $24.4 billion for NASA for the 2026 fiscal year, divided among its various programs like Exploration, Science, and Space Operations.
Continues the artemis program
Reaffirms support for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and prepare for future missions to Mars, using both government and commercial capabilities.
Requires commercial lunar landers
Directs NASA to support the development of and buy human-rated lunar landing services from at least two different U.S. commercial companies.
Plans for life after the international space station
Requires a strategy for the U.S. to maintain a presence in low-Earth orbit after the ISS is retired, including support for private space stations.
Acquires a vehicle to deorbit the ISS
Directs NASA to buy a deorbit vehicle from a U.S. commercial provider to safely dispose of the International Space Station at the end of its life.
Directs a mars sample return program
Instructs NASA to lead a program to bring scientifically chosen samples from the surface of Mars back to Earth for study.
Formalizes planetary defense office
Officially establishes the Planetary Defense Coordination Office within NASA to find, track, and plan responses to threats from near-Earth objects like asteroids.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 813
Header:
Restriction on Federal funds relating to certain space and scientific activiti
Restricts cooperation with China
Bans NASA and other science agencies from using funds for bilateral work with China or Chinese-owned companies, unless specific safety checks are met and Congress is notified.
Creates a public-private talent exchange program
Establishes a program allowing NASA employees to be temporarily assigned to private sector companies, and for private sector employees to be assigned to NASA.
Establishes commercial satellite data program
Creates a formal program for NASA's Earth Science Division to buy Earth observation data and imagery from commercial satellite companies to support research.
What is the real world impact?
•
Ensures U.S. leadership in space
Addresses the rise of other spacefaring nations by funding ambitious U.S. programs like Artemis. This ensures the U.S. remains the top country in space exploration and can set the rules for future activities on the Moon and beyond.
•
Boosts the private space industry
Directs NASA to buy services and partner with private companies for things like lunar landers, space stations, and satellite data. This helps grow the commercial space economy by providing government contracts and support.
•
Provides stable funding and clear goals for NASA
Authorizes a specific budget for NASA for fiscal year 2026. This gives the agency the financial stability and clear direction from Congress needed to plan and execute long-term, complex missions like returning to the Moon and exploring Mars.
When does this start?
The provisions in this bill will take effect once it is signed into law, with several reports and plans due to Congress on specific deadlines.
ISS deorbit cost estimate
An independent cost estimate for the vehicle that will deorbit the International Space Station must be obtained within 30 days of the bill's enactment.
Mars sample return plan
NASA must provide Congress with a detailed plan, timeline, and cost estimate for the Mars Sample Return program within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
Low-earth orbit strategy
A strategy for a robust U.S. presence in low-Earth orbit after the ISS must be submitted to Congress within 210 days of the bill's enactment.
Commercial space station market survey
The results of a market survey for commercial low-Earth orbit platforms must be provided to Congress by November 15, 2026.
Aeronautics decadal survey
The results of a new decadal survey for civil aeronautics research must be sent to Congress within two years of the bill's enactment.