Sec. 5. International Space Station
469 words·~2 min read·
/bill/115/hr/6910/ih/section-5A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The International Space Station, as long as it is safe and functional, shall operate through at least September 30, 2030, or until a demonstrated and sustainable lower cost alternative low-Earth orbit platform can achieve the mission objectives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including but not limited to: Conducting scientific, exploration and human research programs to extend our human presence beyond low-Earth orbit. Benefiting life on Earth. Increasing U.S. economic competitiveness and commercial participation.
The International Space Station shall continue scientific and research programs and serve as a testbed to enable and advance technology development and space operations capabilities for deep space exploration and to foster and encourage commercial activities in low-Earth orbit. In order to facilitate the growth of commercial participants and activities, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall work with the private sector to develop commercial capabilities in low-Earth orbit that can achieve the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s objectives.
By December 31, 2024, NASA or a partner organization should attempt to achieve the following: A product produced or manufactured aboard the ISS or in low-Earth orbit by a private entity has been successfully marketed and sold. Any U.S. non-governmental user of the ISS has paid some or all of the costs of payload integration or transportation to the ISS. A non-NASA, U.S. government customer flies a scientific or research payload on board the ISS. The United States flight of a crew member aboard the ISS on a commercial basis wherein their time is available for purchase by ISS users.
A non-U.S. entity, not currently covered by the ISS Intergovernmental Agreement, notwithstanding other provisions of law, purchase or acquire a presence on or services from the ISS. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall deliver 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 strategy that— provides clear guidance on how the National Aeronautics and Space Administration will ensure a stepwise transition to an eventual successor platform consistent with the ISS Transition Principles specified in the International Space Station Transition Report issued pursuant to the section 50111(c)(2) of title 51, United States Code, on March 30, 2018; includes capability driven milestones and timelines leading to such a transition; takes into account the importance of maintaining workforce expertise, core capabilities and continuity at National Aeronautics and Space Administration centers, including those primarily focused on human spaceflight; considers how any such transition affects current partnerships; presents opportunities for future engagement with— current international partners; countries with growing spaceflight capabilities, where not precluded by other provisions of law; private sector; and other United States Government users; and promotes the continued economic development of low-Earth orbit.