Sec. 203. Human spaceflight research

331 words·~2 min read·/bill/115/hr/5503/ih/section-203

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

It is the sense of Congress that— the benefits derived from the peaceful use of space depend on the extent to which ground-based space infrastructure, facilities, and research are well-integrated; and NASA Johnson Space Center (hereinafter referred to as JSC ) has the expertise and facilities to support the development of the major technological innovations necessary to enable and support the nation’s ongoing commitment to human spaceflight, exploration, and continued human presence in space.

The Administrator shall establish a research office at JSC to build upon the Center’s existing expertise in human space flight missions for future challenges. The head of the research office shall be the research director, who shall report directly to the Director of JSC. The research director shall have, at a minimum, the following duties: Oversee a research portfolio focused on human space flight. Recommend infrastructure and equipment necessary to carry out a research mission.

Oversee professional development and continuing education, as necessary and appropriate, for the civil workforce as the research and innovation focus of the center increases. The research office shall focus on aspects of research that are directly relevant to the endeavor of human space flight, including problems of human spaceflight and robotics supporting human space exploration. JSC shall, consistent with its primary responsibilities to NASA and other government customers, endeavor to make the fullest possible use of its facilities and infrastructure to support all U.S. human spaceflight activities, including those of the private sector.

Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, NASA and JSC shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on NASA’s progress on, and other developments related to, carrying out the requirements of this section. Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall make available at least $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2019 out of the Exploration Research and Technology account to carry out this section.