Sec. 216. Space communications
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The Administrator shall develop a plan, in consultation with relevant Federal agencies, for updating the Administration’s space communications architecture for both low-Earth orbital operations and deep space exploration so that it is capable of meeting the Administration’s needs over the next 20 years. The plan shall include lifecycle cost estimates, milestones, estimated performance capabilities, and 5-year funding profiles. The plan shall also include an estimate of the amounts of any reimbursements the Administration is likely to receive from other Federal agencies during the expected life of the upgrades described in the plan.
At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the following: Projected Deep Space Network requirements for the next 20 years, including those in support of human space exploration missions. Upgrades needed to support Deep Space Network requirements, including cost estimates and schedules. Cost estimates for the maintenance of existing Deep Space Network capabilities. Projected Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System requirements for the next 20 years, including those in support of other relevant Federal agencies.
Cost and schedule estimates to maintain and upgrade the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System to meet projected requirements. Steps the Administration is taking to mitigate threats to electromagnetic spectrum use. The Administrator shall transmit the plan developed under this section to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.