The NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024 outlines numerous provisions for NASA's operations and budgeting, including funding for fiscal year 2025, various space exploration and technology initiatives such as the Artemis program and human lunar landing capabilities, support for scientific research, STEM education, policy development, and collaboration with international and commercial partners. The Act addresses advanced technologies in aviation, plans for the future of the International Space Station, and emphasizes maintaining a balanced science portfolio while advancing NASA's exploration and operational capabilities.

The Definitions section of this Act explains key terms such as "Administrator," referring to the head of NASA; "cislunar space," describing the space between low-Earth orbit and the Moon; "commercial provider," identifying non-governmental space service providers; "deep space," meaning areas beyond low-Earth orbit; and others including "ISS" for International Space Station, "NASA," "Orion" for a specific spacecraft, "Space Launch System" for a NASA rocket, and "United States Government astronaut" as defined under specific U.S. law, excluding international astronauts.

For fiscal year 2025, the United States Congress has authorized a budget of approximately $25.2 billion for NASA, with specific allocations for different areas such as about $7.6 billion for Exploration, $4.5 billion for Space Operations, $7.3 billion for Science, and smaller amounts for Technology, Aeronautics, Education, and other services.

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 revised section of the bill allows the President to invite international partners to join the U.S. in missions to Mars but specifies that after January 1, 2025, NASA must ensure foreign contributions are not on the critical path unless certain conditions are met, such as having a low risk of failure and preparing plans to handle potential issues. If such contributions are made, NASA must report the plans to congressional committees at least 30 days in advance.

Congress emphasizes the importance of space exploration, particularly on the Moon and Mars, for scientific and economic benefits and maintaining U.S. leadership in space activities. The bill outlines that NASA should work with international partners and the private sector, ensure safe and frequent lunar missions, and utilize U.S.-based companies for moon exploration services.

Congress reaffirms its support for the development of the Space Launch System and commits to a specific flight rate. The NASA Administrator is tasked with assessing the system's use by entities outside of NASA and identifying any challenges or opportunities. Additionally, the Administrator must report on NASA's progress and any findings from the assessment to the relevant congressional committees within 180 days.

Congress urges the continuation of the Moon to Mars program, emphasizing the development of safe lunar landing systems through U.S. companies. They require reports on government contributions, agreements, costs, and milestones related to these efforts, and ask NASA and its partners to address any challenges to ensure timely progress.

Congress outlines the importance of NASA developing advanced spacesuit technologies for future space exploration, requiring partnerships with U.S. commercial providers, and mandates internal expertise retention at NASA, specifically at the Johnson Space Center. The bill also demands reports and assessments on current spacesuit capabilities and future plans for testing, transitioning, and using these suits, with a focus on safety and compliance with existing laws.

The section mandates the Comptroller General to deliver a report to Congress within 270 days after the act becomes law. This report should detail the U.S. government's plans for human space flight capabilities and assess NASA's preparedness to manage the deorbiting of the International Space Station by the end of 2031.

The amended section of the United States Code allows for the use of various microgravity platforms to conduct microgravity research as decided by the Administrator, instead of exclusively using the International Space Station.

Congress emphasizes the importance of the International Space Station (ISS) for its unparalleled capabilities, international cooperation, and critical research, and asserts that NASA should maximize ISS use to meet exploration goals and uphold U.S. leadership in space. Additionally, it clarifies that current U.S. law does not restrict ISS operations beyond a specified year, and an amendment is made to the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 to enhance ISS efficiency.

Congress expresses its support for commercial missions on the International Space Station (ISS) to help develop a low-Earth orbit economy. The Administrator may enable private missions to the ISS, and a report is required within 18 months to evaluate the number and impact of these missions, cost reimbursements, compliance with laws, and their alignment with U.S. interests.

The section requires the Administrator to provide a report to Congress within 180 days of the law's enactment, detailing the costs, benefits, risks, training needs, and legal issues, including liability, related to launching U.S. Government personnel on commercial suborbital vehicles.

The section discusses the plan for safely bringing down the International Space Station (ISS) when it gets too old. It states that NASA should work with private companies in the U.S. to develop the ability to deorbit the ISS without affecting ongoing activities. Before making any deals, NASA must get an independent cost estimate and report their plans and costs for this project to Congress.

NASA is tasked with developing a strategy to enhance its research and operations in low-Earth orbit through both crewed and uncrewed platforms, in collaboration with commercial partners, while ensuring U.S. leadership in space activities. The Administrator must report on NASA's needs and engage commercial entities to develop low-Earth orbit platforms, using U.S. launch services, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and preparing market assessments for these services by 2025.

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 authorizes the Administrator to commission a study on using power purchase agreements for lunar surface power. This study will assess the facilities required, forecast demand, and explore legal issues, with input from various stakeholders, and a report on the findings may be submitted to Congress within 24 months.

Congress suggests that improving cryogenic fluid valve technology will help make space vehicles more reliable and efficient. Within 90 days of this law being enacted, an independent research group should start reviewing these technologies to explore ways of enhancing them, with findings to be reported within 18 months.

Congress recognizes the importance of communication and navigation systems for lunar exploration and directs NASA to develop and maintain robust infrastructure, including the LunaNet and LCRNS projects, to support these efforts. Additionally, NASA is encouraged to procure services from commercial providers when possible, while ensuring that these services are self-sustaining without relying solely on government support.

This section provides definitions for terms related to advanced air mobility, such as advanced air mobility (AAM) itself, regional air mobility, urban air mobility, and unmanned aircraft systems. It also defines what qualifies as an eligible institution and describes what an X-plane is, emphasizing their characteristics and technological features.

The section mandates a study to be conducted by the Administrator within one year of the Act's enactment, in collaboration with industry and academia, focusing on past and future experimental aircraft programs. It aims to identify promising technologies and systems for future demonstrations and assess lessons learned from past projects, evaluating their impact on cost, schedule, performance, and contribution to innovation in the aviation industry.

Congress believes that basic and applied research on hypersonic technologies is vital for developing high-speed flight and space systems, maintaining U.S. leadership in these fields, and should involve collaboration between NASA, the Department of Defense, universities, and industry. The Administrator is tasked with continuing this research, updating a research plan, and reporting to Congress, focusing on advancements in design, propulsion, and materials for hypersonic vehicles.

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 emphasizes the importance of research and development in autonomous aviation to maintain the U.S.'s competitive edge. It mandates collaboration among federal agencies, academia, and industry to advance various projects, including creating a holistic airspace ecosystem, managing uncrewed aerial vehicle traffic, and improving the aerospace supply chain, with the administrator required to update Congress on progress within 18 months.

The section outlines the ACERO program, where NASA is tasked with using its technology to improve how aerial responses to wildfires are managed, with goals including advanced aircraft tech, real-time data sharing, and better coordination between agencies. It also prohibits buying drones from certain foreign entities unless necessary for national interest, and requires annual reports on the program’s progress and effectiveness.

The section of the bill focuses on a research program about hydrogen aviation, which will be conducted by the Administrator based on available funding and prior studies. The research aims to explore new technologies like hydrogen storage and pumps in aircraft, and a report on the findings is to be provided to Congress within 18 months of the Act's enactment.

Congress highlights the importance of high-performance chase aircraft for NASA's research and support missions and notes challenges with maintaining their aging fleet. It requires NASA to update Congress twice a year about strategies involving collaboration with the Department of Defense, obtaining aircraft parts, using 3D printed parts, and exploring ways to acquire or borrow defense aircraft to aid their missions.

Congress believes that working with colleges and universities is important for NASA because these institutions have the research and knowledge needed to help solve complex aeronautical challenges. This collaboration also provides students the chance to work on NASA projects, inspiring them to pursue careers in fields like science and engineering, and helping to maintain the United States' leadership in aviation.

The section outlines a national pilot program led by the Administrator to host unmanned aircraft systems technology competitions for high school and undergraduate students. It details how the program will be managed, including awarding grants, developing STEM curriculum, and evaluating performances, with a focus on encouraging diversity and real-world connections to STEM careers, and concludes with a requirement to report on the program's outcomes to Congress.

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.

Congress emphasizes the importance of maintaining a well-rounded science program by funding various research and technology activities and following expert recommendations for setting NASA's scientific goals. Additionally, it supports a consistent schedule of space missions of different sizes, as stated in a 2017 NASA policy.

NASA missions often bring great scientific rewards, but they can also cost more than expected, making budgeting difficult. Congress wants a report exploring NASA's cost management, determining appropriate cost limits for different missions, evaluating how these limits affect mission variety, and assessing NASA's prediction and handling of cost overruns since 2000.

The section amends Title 51 of the United States Code by requiring NASA to consider significant changes to its budget during the reexamination of decadal surveys, which evaluate and prioritize research and program areas.

The section amends a part of U.S. law to include that ongoing operations of other missions should be considered when assessing the continuation of science missions.

The section requires the Administrator to send a report to Congress within 180 days, detailing efforts to follow specific legal requirements for Landsat, evaluating potential roles for private companies in providing Landsat data, and making recommendations on how to incorporate private sector solutions without compromising data quality or access.

The section discusses changes to a law that guide how the government uses data from private Earth observation companies. It requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to consider commercial Earth observation data for government needs and mandates a report on this implementation within a year after the next plan is updated.

Congress outlines a program for NASA to buy and share commercial satellite data to support scientific, educational, and operational needs, emphasizing purchases from U.S. companies. The program requires annual reports on agreements and licenses, ensuring data is used to advance research and is available to other federal users.

The section establishes a program within NASA's Earth Science Division to acquire and share commercial Earth remote sensing data to meet scientific and operational needs, emphasizing procurement from U.S. vendors and ensuring data transparency for publication. It also requires annual reporting to Congress on agreements, vendors, and data use under the program.

Congress emphasizes the importance of measuring greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane to understand and reduce emissions. The bill requires NASA to assess and validate an instrument for greenhouse gas observation and, along with other agencies, develop a strategy to improve monitoring capabilities, including partnerships with non-governmental organizations, to detect significant methane leaks more effectively.

NASA is directed to continue partnering with other federal agencies to share its Earth science data to help farmers improve water management and crop production. NASA should also collaborate with government and private sectors to ensure its data is used without competing against private companies and supports agricultural advancements.

Congress expresses support for planetary science missions, stating that these missions help understand the solar system and support NASA's technical advances. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced set of missions with the Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship programs, allowing adjustments based on budget changes, and suggests a launch schedule of every 36 months for Discovery missions and every 60 months for New Frontiers missions starting in fiscal year 2026.

The section of the bill focuses on amendments to the United States Code concerning planetary defense. It requires coordination with NASA to maintain and update policies on near-Earth objects, establishes the Planetary Defense Coordination Office responsible for surveying, identifying, and mitigating potentially hazardous objects, and outlines government planning for possible impacts.

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 in the text requires the Administrator to oversee a program within the Science Mission Directorate focused on achieving science goals for the Moon. This includes setting high-priority lunar science goals and developing necessary equipment, guided by expert and scientific recommendations, to support both human and robotic missions as part of the Artemis program.

Congress acknowledges the importance of commercial lunar delivery services led by the NASA Administrator and authorizes the establishment of a program to procure these services from private companies. The program will involve various NASA directorates, require market research to assess needs and effectiveness, and necessitate the development of a management plan to coordinate efforts across directorates and ensure alignment with lunar mission goals.

The section acknowledges the importance of NASA's ongoing lunar and Martian missions, which are exceeding their expected lifespans, and outlines Congress's view that these missions are vital for crucial operations. It directs the NASA Administrator to create a plan to maintain these operations and explore collaborations with private and international partners to support future lunar and Martian exploration activities.

The section outlines that NASA's Administrator should lead a Mars Sample Return program to bring back samples from Mars to Earth for study. This program should ensure the U.S. remains a leader in Mars exploration, keep NASA's Mars capabilities strong, and maintain a balanced budget. The Administrator must also submit a detailed plan and timeline to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment.

The section requires the Administrator to send a report to Congress within 90 days of the Act being enacted. This report should include findings from recent studies about whether private companies can help continue the Hubble Space Telescope's operations or safely boost its orbit.

Congress recognizes the importance of NASA’s Great Observatories in advancing space science and proposes a new project focused on maturing space mission concepts and technologies for future Astrophysics missions, with regular progress reports starting in 2025.

The section requires NASA's Administrator to keep developing the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and to inform Congress if the project's cost exceeds $4 billion. Additionally, NASA should seek international collaborations to boost scientific outcomes and make the most of the investment.

The Administrator should avoid taking any steps to stop or limit the ongoing science operations of the Chandra X-Ray Telescope until either the next scheduled review of extended missions for the Astrophysics division is finished or NASA completes its current review of changes to its operations approach.

Congress emphasizes the importance of NASA's heliophysics research in understanding the Sun and its effects, which are crucial for national security, space weather forecasting, and protecting human health in space. The bill instructs NASA to maintain a balanced research approach, manage mission selection efficiently, explore commercial service opportunities, and restructure certain programs to maximize scientific returns.

The section mandates a study by the Administrator, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to explore if commercial data can enhance space weather research. The study should assess available commercial data capabilities, suggest adjustments for government standards to align with these commercial solutions, and explore partnerships to integrate commercial data with NASA's research, ensuring no duplication with existing activities.

The section discusses the Geospace Dynamics Constellation and expresses Congress's belief that this mission could lead to major scientific breakthroughs about Earth's upper atmosphere. It mandates that by September 5, 2024, the Administrator must send a report to Congress about the mission's schedule, budget, challenges, and whether there are existing alternatives that could provide similar data.

The amendments to Title 51 of the United States Code aim to improve the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program by outlining how grants should be solicited and awarded to institutions in all U.S. states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program's funding is allocated with a majority going to eligible consortia, a small percentage for administration, and some funds reserved for innovative projects, with an independent review to assess its effectiveness and suggest updates.

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 amends the United States Code to ensure that the NASA advisory council also provides advice to Congress, in addition to the Administration.

The section mandates the Comptroller General to deliver a report to Congress within 12 months, reviewing how NASA evaluates early cost estimates for missions before their preliminary design review. It requires an analysis of NASA's cost estimation processes, listing past missions costing over $250 million, changes in cost estimates, patterns in these changes, and lessons learned, along with any applicable recommendations.

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 prepare a report every year by January 1st, starting in 2025. This report should describe the work they did over the past year and their goals for the next year, and it must be submitted to the relevant committees in Congress.

The section amends a previous law concerning NASA by changing the name "Users' Advisory Group" to "National Space Advisory Committee" and requires this committee to submit an annual report detailing its activities and recommendations to both the Administrator and Congress.

The section authorizes the transfer of funds from other federal agencies to NASA for scientific or engineering research or education, provided certain conditions are met. It also mandates that NASA provide details about these fund transfers in their annual budget materials and requires a report to Congress summarizing the benefits and challenges of this authority within three years of the section's enactment.

The section describes a requirement for NASA's Administrator to arrange an independent review of how effectively NASA handles risks related to launch services, as outlined in their procedures. Within 180 days of the law's enactment, NASA must submit the assessment report and any responses to its findings to the relevant Congressional committees.

The bill requires the Administrator and Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within 180 days, about the benefits and possibilities of creating an institute focused on space resources, such as identifying and utilizing materials found in space. The report should assess whether a virtual or physical institute would be better and if partnerships with universities and industries would be helpful. Additionally, it includes definitions for terms like "Department," "Extractive Industry," and "Space Resource."

The amendment to Section 20116 of title 51, United States Code, updates the structure and wording of subsections, specifies that any NASA report or notice to Congress should be sent to specific House and Senate committees, and requires NASA to report international space agreements to these committees.

Congress highlights the growing role of private space activities in enhancing the United States' leadership in space and modifying existing laws to encourage the use of space by private sectors. It emphasizes the importance of NASA's collaboration with commercial entities for space exploration and the need for policies that support commercial activities in and beyond Earth's orbit.