Sec. 202. ISS transition
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Congress finds the following: The ISS is a valuable national asset that can continue to produce worthwhile scientific research and valuable technology. The ISS mission should be to carry out microgravity research and development, research in support of deep space human exploration, and low-Earth orbit commercialization. The ISS is the best platform currently available to conduct certain types of research needed for NASA’s deep space human exploration program with such research currently scheduled to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2024.
The ISS transition report, submitted pursuant to section 50111(c)(2) of title 51, United States Code, provides an explanation of NASA’s plans to foster the development of private industry capabilities and private demand with a goal of ending direct NASA support for ISS operations by the end of fiscal year 2024. The plans laid out in the ISS transition report are conditionally flexible and require feedback to inform next steps. In addition, the feasibility of ending direct NASA support for ISS operations by the end of fiscal year 2024 is dependent on many factors, some of which are indeterminate until the Administration carries out the initial phases of the ISS transition plan.
The value of any in-space facility, such as the ISS, depends both on its contributions to further expansion of human presence throughout the solar system, pursuant to section 202 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 ( 42 U.S.C. 18312 ) and to making existing presence self-sustaining. As the United States moves towards a commitment to a human presence off the surface of the Earth, other Government agencies should seek to benefit from and capitalize upon the ongoing human presence in space.
The Administration shall support Johnson Space Center as a center of innovation and leadership in developing human operations, including surfaces of celestial bodies, beyond Earth, to the cis-lunar region, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. NASA shall continue operation of the International Space Station for such time as Congress authorizes its operations. NASA shall pursue international agreements to provide maximum flexibility for ISS utilization. NASA shall pursue a step-wise transition of low-Earth orbit human spaceflight operations from a Government-directed activity to a model where private industry is responsible for how to meet and execute NASA’s requirements.
NASA shall carry out activities in fiscal year 2019 as proposed in the ISS transition report, delivered pursuant to section 50111(c) of title 51, United States Code. In addition to the biennial reporting requirement under section 50111(c) of title 51, United States Code, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate quarterly, beginning on the date that is 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act, on the status of, and all progress, changes, and other developments related to carrying out the plans in the ISS transition report.
Subject to the availability of appropriations, shall make available at least $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 for commercial low-Earth orbit development out of the LEO and Spaceflight Operations account.
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U.S. Code