The NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024 outlines various sections, including funding for fiscal year 2025, plans for space exploration, space operations, technology development, aeronautics research, and science missions. It also includes provisions for STEM education, policy guidelines for NASA, and reports to Congress, aiming to support NASA's programs and maintain America's presence and capabilities in space exploration and research.

In this section, several important terms related to space exploration are defined, such as "Administrator" which refers to the leader of NASA, "cislunar space" for the area between Earth's lower orbit and the Moon, and "ISS" for the International Space Station. It also specifies what "commercial provider" means, indicating entities offering space services controlled by non-governmental bodies.

For the fiscal year 2025, the United States Congress has approved a total budget of $25,224,640,000 for NASA. This includes specific allocations for various departments such as $7,618,200,000 for Exploration Systems, $4,473,500,000 for Space Operations, $7,334,200,000 for Science, and smaller amounts for areas such as Aeronautics Research, STEM Engagement, and safety services, among others.

Congress emphasizes the importance of continuing its space exploration efforts, highlighting NASA's progress with space launch systems and international collaborations. The bill supports leveraging private sector services and maintaining consistent goals to ensure U.S. leadership and competitiveness in space exploration.

The Artemis program, as stated by Congress, aims to explore outer space and the Moon, with potential benefits like inspiring new generations and supporting technological leadership. The program emphasizes understanding lunar resources such as water ice, engaging international partners, and using commercial capabilities to support lunar exploration and future missions, including crewed Mars missions.

Congress reaffirms its support for the full development and regular launch schedule of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew vehicle. Additionally, NASA is tasked with evaluating the demand for SLS from other entities, identifying potential obstacles, and proposing solutions, with a report due to Congress within 180 days.

Congress reaffirms the Moon to Mars program's inclusion of human-rated lunar landing systems and sets forth guidelines for developing these capabilities by NASA and commercial providers in the U.S. The section also mandates reporting on contributions, agreements, challenges, and alternative approaches if current plans cannot be met.

Congress recognizes the importance of developing advanced spacesuit capabilities for future space missions and emphasizes NASA's role in maintaining expertise and collaborating with the private sector. It mandates NASA to acquire U.S.-made spacesuits, conduct necessary testing, transition from outdated suits, and submit reports analyzing spacesuit programs and their compliance with legal requirements.

The section requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress within 270 days on the U.S. Government's plans and preparedness for human space flight, ensuring continuous operation of these missions, and the strategy for safely deorbiting the International Space Station by 2031.

Congress believes that the International Space Station (ISS) is crucial for the United States' space capabilities, international cooperation, and scientific research. They think NASA should maximize the use of the ISS to achieve space exploration goals and amend previous legislation to reflect this focus on fully utilizing the ISS for important research and development activities.

Congress expresses that nongovernmental missions on the International Space Station (ISS) can help both government and private entities learn about future commercial space endeavors. It allows the Administrator to make agreements with U.S. companies for such missions and requires a report in 18 months about the number, costs, and impacts of these missions, ensuring they align with U.S. laws and interests.

The Administrator must submit a report to Congress within 180 days of the law's enactment, detailing the expenses, benefits, risks, necessary training, and legal issues, such as liability, related to using commercial suborbital vehicles to send U.S. Government personnel into space.

Congress states that the aging International Space Station (ISS) will need to be safely deorbited, and NASA is tasked with acquiring deorbit capabilities from U.S. commercial providers without affecting ongoing ISS activities. Additionally, NASA must report on the costs and plans for the deorbit process to Congress, including an independent cost estimate and details on financial responsibilities, ensuring transparency and coordination among ISS partners.

The section outlines NASA's strategy for developing commercial platforms in low-Earth orbit, emphasizing a mix of crewed and uncrewed options, and supporting U.S. leadership and international partnerships. It authorizes agreements with commercial providers to achieve these goals, requires use of U.S. launch services, and ensures astronaut safety through rigorous certification and safety standards.

The section mandates that within 270 days, the NASA Administrator must submit a report to Congress assessing the risks and potential consequences of losing access to low-Earth orbit, which could impact NASA and private research efforts. The report should explore how this gap might affect U.S. science and competitiveness and suggest preventative strategies, including extending the International Space Station's operational life, investing in commercial space stations, and collaborating with international partners.

The Administrator is required to keep a regular schedule of flights to the International Space Station to ensure the health and safety of its crew and make the most of its operations, as long as funding is available. However, if the Station's safety needs a decrease in flights or its operation ends, the Administrator can ask Congress for a waiver to this requirement.

NASA is encouraged by Congress to conduct research to better understand and reduce the hazards of space debris, which is vital for the safety of space missions and can aid broader space operations. This research may include improving space environment models, using findings from NASA’s space weather programs, and sharing new technologies with other stakeholders.

Under Section 310, federal funds cannot be used by NASA, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, or the National Space Council to engage in certain activities with China, like creating policies or hosting official visitors, unless these actions are cleared by a new law. However, exceptions are allowed if these agencies confirm, with the FBI's help, that the actions pose no security risks or involve officials linked to human rights violations, and they must report such exceptions to Congress and the FBI 30 days beforehand, detailing the activities planned.

The amendment to Section 9 of the Small Business Act allows the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in addition to the Department of Education, to have more flexibility in participating in SBIR Phase II projects.

The section proposes a study to evaluate the use of power purchase agreements for developing lunar surface power. The study would identify necessary facilities, forecast demand, explore policy issues, and involve consultation with various agencies and international partners, with a report due to Congress within 24 months.

Congress believes that improving cryogenic fluid valve technology will help make space vehicles more reliable and efficient. An independent organization will review current technologies and suggest improvements, with a report due within 18 months.

Congress highlights the importance of reliable communication and navigation for exploring the Moon and encourages developing commercial capabilities to support these needs. The Administrator is authorized to create a strong lunar communication system and must work with various sectors to establish standards and explore commercial service options to assist NASA’s lunar exploration.

The section expresses Congress's belief in the importance of the United States leading efforts to create a time standard for the Moon and other celestial bodies to support space exploration and cooperation. NASA is tasked with developing strategies for this lunar time standard in collaboration with various governmental and private organizations to ensure accuracy, resilience, and future adaptability.

The section provides definitions for key terms related to air mobility. It explains that "advanced air mobility" includes both "urban air mobility," which involves flying within or between cities, and "regional air mobility," which is moving by air between two places using advanced aircraft. The section also defines related concepts like unmanned aircraft systems and traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft.

The section describes a study that must be done by NASA, working with industry and academia, to evaluate past and future projects involving experimental aircraft. This study will identify new technologies to test on aircraft and learn lessons from past projects to improve future performances and innovations.

Congress emphasizes the importance of hypersonic research for advancing aeronautical and space technologies and maintaining U.S. leadership in these fields. NASA, in collaboration with other agencies, industry, and academic institutions, is tasked with continuing and updating hypersonic research efforts, and must report progress to Congress.

The section requires that within one year of the law being enacted, NASA's Administrator must send a report to Congress about the progress of NASA's activities, specifically focusing on the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology Program and related research partnerships as outlined in the 2022 NASA Authorization Act.

Congress has determined that it is crucial to support research and development in autonomous aviation to keep the U.S. competitive as air travel becomes more automated. The Administrator will work with the FAA, other federal agencies, and experts from the academic and industry sectors to continue researching unmanned aircraft systems and new ways of moving in the air, and will update Congress on the progress in about 18 months.

The section outlines a plan for NASA to use its tools and technologies to develop better ways to respond to wildfires using aircraft. It includes goals like improving aircraft management, sharing information in real-time, creating a platform for tracking aircraft, and coordinating with various government agencies. The section also restricts the purchase of drones from certain foreign entities unless deemed necessary and requires annual reports on these activities.

The section allows the Administrator to conduct research on new technologies for hydrogen-powered aviation, depending on funding availability, and requires a report of the research findings to be submitted to Congress within 18 months after the act is passed.

NASA relies on high-performance chase aircraft for its programs but is facing maintenance challenges due to an aging fleet. Congress requests that NASA, within 60 days of this act and every six months after, presents a strategy for collaborating with the Department of Defense, acquiring aircraft parts, and potentially borrowing or sharing aircraft to ensure continued support for research and pilot training.

Congress emphasizes the importance of collaborating with colleges and universities in aeronautics research, as these institutions offer valuable expertise and innovation. This partnership not only advances technology but also inspires students to pursue STEM careers and helps build a skilled workforce in aeronautics.

The section describes a national program led by the Administrator to organize competitions for high school and undergraduate students to design and demonstrate unmanned aircraft systems. It explains the grant process for selecting a competition administrator, outlines criteria for awarding grants, and specifies the responsibilities of the competition administrator, including curriculum development, supporting diverse participation, and linking activities to STEM careers and NASA missions.

Congress is setting up a detailed study, called a "decadal survey," to decide the main goals and strategies for U.S. civil aeronautics research and development from 2025 to 2035. They want experts to suggest priorities that keep the U.S. as a leader in this field and to help make aviation safe and sustainable, with the results being shared with key committees in the House and Senate within two years.

The text describes a section of a bill where the Administrator may create a program to advance research and technology in commercial hypersonic aircraft by providing testing opportunities. It restricts funding for certain technologies, requires strategic planning and reporting, and mandates collaboration with defense and aviation authorities while ensuring no agreements are made with certain foreign entities.

Congress emphasizes the importance of maintaining a diverse and well-funded science program that includes research grants, technology development, and various space missions, while relying on guidance from scientific experts. Additionally, it reaffirms the U.S. policy to sustain a regular schedule of different size science missions as outlined in prior legislation.

Congress expresses that NASA should balance its ambitious science missions with cost control to prevent budget issues affecting other projects; within 12 months, the Comptroller General must review and report on NASA's cost cap practices for missions, their effectiveness, and potential improvements, including past experiences and impacts of cost overestimations.

The section amends Title 51 of the United States Code by adding the phrase “, significant changes to the NASA budget” to section 20305(c) when referring to the reexamination of decadal surveys.

The section requires the Administrator to deliver a report to Congress within 180 days, detailing efforts to comply with certain U.S. laws related to Landsat, the possibilities of using private sector data for Landsat, potential tradeoffs or impacts of using such data, and recommendations for the federal government to address these issues or enhance private sector involvement.

The section amends the 2010 NASA Authorization Act to include a focus on commercial Earth observation data, which the federal government may use to fulfill its Earth observation needs. Additionally, it requires a report from the Comptroller General assessing how well this focus on commercial data is implemented in the updated civil Earth observation strategic plan.

Congress outlines a program for NASA to buy and share commercial satellite data to support scientific research and education. The program emphasizes working with U.S. vendors, ensures data can be publicly shared for science, and requires NASA to report regularly on partnerships and data use.

The section outlines a program within NASA's Earth Science Division to buy and use commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery to meet various needs, such as scientific and educational objectives. It emphasizes transparency in data usage, allows NASA to set flexible licensing terms, prefers U.S. vendors where possible, and requires annual reporting to Congress on agreements, vendors, license terms, and how the data is being utilized.

Congress emphasizes the importance of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, and requires NASA and other agencies to assess and report on available technologies for detecting these gases. They aim to collaborate with multiple organizations to improve detection, including defining "methane super-emitters" and exploring partnerships to enhance monitoring capabilities.

Congress highlights NASA's role in supporting agriculture through its Earth science data, which is used to inform farming decisions, conserve resources, and improve crop management. The section encourages partnerships with federal agencies and others to share this data, making it more accessible for improving agricultural practices.

Congress expresses that planetary science missions not only help us learn more about the solar system and humanity's place in it but also enhance space technology. They support NASA's balanced approach to funding various mission types and reaffirm that NASA should follow decadal survey guidelines to complete missions, with flexibility to adjust priorities based on budget changes.

The section amends U.S. law to require regular updates to NASA's plans for dealing with objects from space that might hit Earth, and establishes the Planetary Defense Coordination Office to identify, track, and warn about potentially harmful near-Earth objects, as well as to help plan responses if one poses a threat.

The Planetary Defense Coordination Office is a part of NASA's Planetary Science Division, tasked with handling threats from near-Earth objects. This office's responsibilities include surveying, identifying, and tracking potentially dangerous objects, warning about possible impacts, exploring mitigation strategies, and assisting in government planning for response to potential impacts.

The section authorizes the Administrator of NASA to conduct a program focused on achieving scientific objectives for the Moon, within the Science Mission Directorate. The Administrator, in coordination with other directorates, is tasked with setting high-priority lunar science goals and ensuring the necessary tools are developed for both human and robotic exploration of the Moon.

Congress expresses that NASA's support for commercial lunar delivery services is beneficial and authorizes a program to procure these services from U.S. providers. NASA must ensure funding from mission directorates, conduct market research, manage program implementation, and coordinate efforts with the Moon to Mars Program to align delivery service goals.

The section emphasizes that Congress acknowledges the importance of NASA's current lunar and Martian missions, which are outperforming their expected lifetimes, and highlights plans to bolster future operations on the Moon and Mars by developing a strategic plan that may involve partnerships with private and international entities.

The Administrator is tasked with leading a Mars Sample Return program, depending on funding, to bring samples from Mars back to Earth for scientific study, following the National Academies' recommendations. The program should uphold US leadership in Mars exploration, maintain NASA's Mars landing and operation capabilities, keep essential expertise, and ensure the planetary science division stays balanced without needing major budget increases. The Administrator must provide Congress with a detailed plan and timeline for the program within 180 days of the Act's enactment, aiming for the best scientific results within budget.

The section requires the Administrator to provide a report to Congress within 90 days about any studies conducted in the last five years on the possibility of safely boosting the Hubble Space Telescope, including using private sector technologies.

The bill allows the Administrator to start a project to develop technology and ideas for future space missions in astrophysics. This project will involve activities like assessing mission needs, technology capabilities, and costs, with annual reports on progress starting in 2025.

The Administrator is required to keep working on the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope according to the instructions found in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022.

The Administrator should avoid taking actions that would stop or reduce the science operations of the Chandra X-Ray Telescope until after the next review of mission extensions for NASA's Astrophysics division is completed as outlined by the relevant laws and NASA's review process.

Congress acknowledges the importance of NASA's heliophysics research in understanding the Sun and its effects on Earth, emphasizing its role in enhancing space weather forecasting and protecting national security and infrastructure. NASA is encouraged to maintain a balanced research portfolio and manage programs to regularly offer opportunities for small and mid-sized missions and missions of opportunity.

The section mandates the Administrator of NASA, with input from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to study how commercial data could enhance space weather research. This study should assess commercial data and technology capabilities, recommend ways for the government to use these resources, explore partnership opportunities, and deliver a report to Congress within 270 days of the Act being passed.

Congress views the Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission as a chance to make groundbreaking scientific discoveries about Earth's upper atmosphere. By September 5, 2024, the Administrator is required to send a report to Congress detailing the timeline and budget necessary to launch this mission by the end of the decade, in line with the heliophysics decadal survey's recommendations.

The section describes the establishment of FireSense, a NASA project aimed at improving wildland fire management by using advanced technology and data to enhance prediction, monitoring, and recovery efforts. It emphasizes interagency collaboration, data sharing, and periodic evaluation, while also highlighting the need for support and coordination with federal agencies, local governments, private sector entities, and academic institutions.

The section outlines the responsibilities of NASA and other agencies in improving the management of wildland fires by incorporating recommendations from the National Wildland Fire Management and Mitigation Commission. It involves enhancing data collection, supporting research, deploying new technologies, and working with different government levels to address wildland fire risks, with periodic evaluations and reporting to Congress about their progress.

The section amends the United States Code related to the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program by specifying how funding should be allocated among space grant consortia, prioritizing equal shares for each U.S. state, certain territories, and program administration. Additionally, it mandates an external review of the program to evaluate its effectiveness and propose any necessary updates, with a report due to Congress within nine months.

The section discusses how the NASA Administrator can organize or support STEM activities to help students learn about technical jobs in space and aeronautics. These activities could use existing government programs and may involve engaging students in various educational institutions to explore and prepare for careers in technical fields. The Administrator must report progress on these activities to Congress within a year of the Act's enactment.

Section 801 amends section 30104 of title 51 in the U.S. Code by updating a reference from “7120.5E, dated August 14, 2012” to “7120.5F, dated August 3, 2021”.

The section mandates adding “and Congress” to a part of U.S. law where the NASA advisory council is involved, ensuring that the council provides advice to both NASA and Congress. This amendment will automatically end on September 30, 2028, when the law will revert to its original wording.

The section requires the Comptroller General to send a report to Congress within a year, reviewing how NASA creates and manages cost estimates for missions before they begin. The report may also offer recommendations and evaluate NASA's cost monitoring during mission development.

The section proposes changes to a law regarding how cost estimates for certain projects are handled. It specifies that an estimate, not an analysis, must be completed after the preliminary design review, and no funds can be spent until Congress is informed of the life-cycle cost estimate.

The Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy is required to submit a yearly report to Congress by January 1, starting in 2025, detailing their activities from the past year and their goals for the next year.

The section allows NASA to receive funds from other federal agencies for scientific or engineering research and education, provided those funds are used for similar purposes. NASA must report annually on the transfers and provide a detailed report three years after the enactment on how the transfers have helped its mission and any challenges it faced.

The section outlines that NASA's Administrator must arrange for an independent evaluation of how well NASA's procedures reduce risks in their launch services. Additionally, within 180 days of this law being enacted, the Administrator needs to provide Congress with a report of the evaluation and NASA's response to its findings, if applicable.

The section mandates that within 180 days, a report be submitted to Congress by NASA and the Department of Commerce, exploring the idea of creating an institute for space resources to support U.S. leadership in space. This report should evaluate whether a virtual or physical institute is best, and consider partnerships with universities and industries to improve knowledge about using space resources effectively.

NASA must send any reports or notices to both the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation at the same time as they are sent to any other committee. Additionally, if the U.S. signs an international space agreement, NASA's Administrator must send a report with a copy of the agreement to these committees.

The section discusses how NASA's rules allow changes to contracts if NASA facilities are not accessible to contractors. During such times, NASA can change deadlines, cancel or reschedule work, or adjust the contract terms as needed.

The section requires the Comptroller General of the United States to report to Congress within a year on NASA’s fire and emergency services at launch and reentry facilities. This report will evaluate current capabilities, future demands, and how these are influenced by increased launch activities and commercial partnerships, and assess if these services can fully meet all current and future demands on NASA property.

The section establishes a program allowing NASA employees to temporarily work in private companies and vice versa, under specific terms and conditions. It includes rules for assignments, agreements, duration limits, and procedures to manage conflicts of interest, while ensuring that such exchanges benefit NASA's mission without compromising federal ethics or incurring unauthorized costs.

The section requires the NASA Administrator to submit a report to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment, detailing intellectual property issues in agreements entered under the Space Act, industry feedback on these issues, and how NASA's intellectual property policies differ from those of other federal agencies.

The section requires the NASA Administrator to create a mentoring program for employees at different career stages to support their growth and leadership potential, with particular attention to underrepresented groups in STEM. Additionally, within 180 days after the law is enacted, the Administrator must update the relevant congressional committees about how this program is being implemented.

The bill allows the Administrator to make a deal with the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, to pay for moving the town's drinking water wells from NASA property to another location on the town's land. This agreement can last up to five years and needs to be reported to Congress within 18 months of the bill's enactment.

NASA employees can talk about their scientific research as long as they follow NASA's rules about scientific integrity, and nothing in this Act changes that.