Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2015

TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

(Sec. 101) Authorizes for FY2015 programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) space exploration, (2) space operations, (3) science, (4) aeronautics, (5) space technology, (6) education, (7) safety, security, and mission services, (8) construction and environmental compliance and restoration, and (9) the Inspector General.

TITLE II--HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT

Subtitle A--Exploration

 (Sec. 201) Makes human exploration deeper into the solar system a core mission of NASA.

Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 to expand the key objectives of the United States for human expansion into space to include accelerating the development of capabilities to enable a human exploration mission to the surface of Mars and beyond. Bars NASA from obtaining non-U.S. human space flight capabilities unless no domestic commercial or public/private partnership provider is available that meets safety and affordability requirements.

Repeals provisions that required NASA to ensure the continued capability to restart the Space Shuttle missions.

(Sec. 202) Instructs NASA to develop a Human Exploration Roadmap to define the capabilities and technologies necessary to extend human presence to the surface of Mars and the sets and sequences of missions required to demonstrate such capabilities and technologies.

Calls on the President to invite the U.S. partners in the International Space Station (ISS) program and other nations, as appropriate, to participate in an international initiative under U.S. leadership to conduct a crewed mission to the surface of Mars.

(Sec. 203) Directs NASA to make the expeditious development, test, and achievement of the operational readiness of the Space Launch System and the Orion crew capsule the highest priority of the exploration program. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to transmit a report on NASA's acquisition of ground systems in support of the Space Launch System.

Requires NASA to prepare a report that addresses the effort and budget required to enable and utilize a cargo variant of the 130-ton Space Launch System configuration described in section 302 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010.

Directs NASA to conduct a competition among students to name the elements of NASA's exploration program.

Requires the Associate Administrator of NASA to transmit a report on the development cost of an advanced booster for the Space Launch System, the effect of a competition for an advanced booster, and any delays to the Space Launch System 2017 Exploration Mission-1 launch as a result of increased costs associated with conducting a competition for an advanced booster. Requires NASA to conduct a full and open competition for an advanced booster if the report shows reductions to development cost and no adverse schedule impact.

(Sec. 204) Requires the Orion crew capsule to meet the practical needs and the minimum capability requirements regarding a multi-purpose crew vehicle. Requires NASA to report on the capsule within 60 days.

(Sec. 205) Directs NASA to develop a space radiation mitigation and management strategy and implementation plan and assess the national capabilities to carry out research on space radiation biology.

(Sec. 206) Directs NASA to contract with the National Academies for a study to explore the planetary protection ramifications of potential future missions by astronauts such as to the lunar polar regions, near-Earth asteroids, the moons of Mars, and the surface of Mars. Subtitle B--Space Operations

 (Sec. 211) Declares two primary objectives for the U.S. International Space Station (ISS) Program: (1) supporting achievement of the Mars goal, and (2) pursuing a research program that advances knowledge and provides benefits to the nation.

Requires the ISS to be utilized for the development of capabilities and technologies needed for the future of human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, and to be considered in the development of the Human Exploration Roadmap.

Requires NASA to support the operation and full use of the ISS and to minimize operating costs.

Declares as U.S. policy the maintenance of an uninterrupted capability for human space flight and operations in low-Earth orbit and beyond.

Requires NASA to report on the feasibility of extending the operation of the ISS.

Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop and transmit a strategic plan for research in physical and life sciences and related technologies on the ISS through at least 2020.

Directs the GAO to report on the progress of the organization chosen for the management of the ISS National Laboratory.

(Sec. 212) Directs NASA to contract with the National Academies to: (1) identify barriers impeding enhanced use of the ISS's National Laboratory; (2) recommend ways of encouraging commercial companies to make greater use of the ISS's National Laboratory, including corporate investment in microgravity research; and (3) identify any legislative changes that may be required.

(Sec. 213) Directs NASA to utilize the ISS for Science Mission Directorate missions in low-Earth orbit wherever it is practical and cost effective.

(Sec. 214) Requires NASA to report on lessons learned from the Commercial Resupply Services contract.

(Sec. 215) Declares that the objective of NASA's Commercial Crew Program shall be to assist in the development of at least one crew transportation system to carry NASA astronauts safely, reliably, and affordably to and from the ISS and to serve as an emergency crew rescue vehicle as soon as practicable.

Instructs NASA to ensure that safety and the minimization of the probability of loss of crew are the highest priorities of the commercial crew transportation program.

Requires NASA to report on the Independent Cost and Schedule Estimate for the final stages of the commercial crew program. (Sec. 216) Requires NASA to develop a plan for updating its space communications and navigation architecture for low-Earth orbital and deep space operations so that it is capable of meeting its communications needs over the next 20 years. TITLE III--SCIENCE Subtitle A--General (Sec. 301) Instructs NASA to follow guidance provided in the current decadal surveys from the National Academies' Space Studies Board when proposing funding for each fiscal year.

(Sec. 302) Requires OSTP and NASA to conduct an analysis of NASA's requirements for radioisotope power system material necessary for planned, high priority robotic missions in the solar system and other surface exploration activities beyond low-Earth orbit, and the risk to missions due to a lack of adequate material.

(Sec. 303) Adds the search for life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe to NASA's objectives.

(Sec. 304) Requires NASA to conduct a review of specified principal investigator-led small orbital science missions.

(Sec. 305) Revises requirements for biennial review of data collection on missions that have been extended to require consideration of how these missions affect the start of future missions.

Subtitle B--Astrophysics

 (Sec. 311) Instructs NASA to seek to ensure a steady cadence of large, medium, and small astrophysics missions.

(Sec. 312) Directs NASA to contract with the National Academies to develop a science strategy for the study and exploration of extrasolar planets, including the use of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, the James Webb Space Telescope, a potential Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope mission, or any other telescope, spacecraft, or instrument, as appropriate. Requires NASA to use the strategy to: (1) inform roadmaps, strategic plans, and other activities of NASA related to extrasolar planet research and exploration; and (2) provide a foundation for future activities and initiatives.

(Sec. 313) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the James Webb Space Telescope.

(Sec. 314) Requires NASA to report to Congress outlining the cost of its plan for developing the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope.

(Sec. 315) Instructs NASA to ensure that the concept definition and pre-formulation activities of a Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope mission continue while the James Webb Space Telescope is being completed.

(Sec. 316) Prohibits NASA from using any funding appropriated for FY2015 to shutdown the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy.

Subtitle C--Planetary Science

 (Sec. 321) Instructs NASA to seek to carry out a balanced set of planetary science programs. Requires such programs to include: (1) a Discovery-class mission at least once every 24 months; (2) a New Frontiers-class mission at least once every 60 months; and (3) at least one Flagship-class mission per decadal survey period, including a Europa mission with a goal of launching by 2021.

(Sec. 322) Directs NASA to continue the Near-Earth Objects Survey, with the goal of cataloguing 90% of near-Earth objects by 2020.

Requires the OSTP and NASA to report on the Survey.

Requires NASA to carry out a technical and scientific assessment of the capabilities and resources needed to accelerate the Survey and expand it to include smaller objects. (Sec. 323) Requires NASA to report to Congress describing how it can expand collaborative partnerships to detect, track, catalogue, and categorize near-Earth objects.

(Sec. 324) Requires NASA to report on the effects of potential tsunamis that could occur if a near-Earth object were to impact an ocean of the Earth.

(Sec. 325) Directs NASA to contract with the National Academies to develop a science strategy for astrobiology. Instructs NASA to use the strategy in planning and funding research and other activities and initiatives in astrobiology.

(Sec. 326) Requires NASA to report to Congress on collaborative partnerships to study life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe.

(Sec. 327) Requires NASA to contract with the National Academies to assess issues related to the Mars Exploration Program.

Subtitle D--Heliophysics

 (Sec. 331) Instructs NASA to seek to ensure a steady cadence of large, medium, and small heliophysics missions.

(Sec. 332) Requires the OSTP to contract with the National Academies to study space weather monitoring. Requires such study to inform the process of identifying national needs for future space weather monitoring, forecasts, and mitigation.

Subtitle E--Earth Science

 (Sec. 341) Requires NASA to continue carrying out a balanced Earth science program.

Instructs NASA to collaborate with other federal agencies, non-government entities, and international partners in carrying out NASA's Earth science program. Requires NASA to continue to develop first-of-a kind instruments that can be transitioned to other agencies for operations.

Instructs NASA to seek reimbursement whenever responsibilities for the development of sensors or for measurements are transferred to NASA from another agency.

(Sec. 342) Instructs NASA to seek to ensure a steady cadence of large, medium, and small Earth science missions.

(Sec. 344) Directs NASA to carry out a scientific assessment of NASA's Earth science global datasets for the purpose of identifying those datasets that are useful for understanding regional changes and variability and for informing applied science research.

TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS

 (Sec. 402) Instructs NASA to maintain a strong aeronautics research portfolio ranging from fundamental research through integrated systems research with research goals that include enhancing airspace operations and safety, improving air vehicle performance, strengthening aviation safety, and demonstrating concepts at the systems level.

(Sec. 403) Directs NASA to carry out research and technological development to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aerial systems into the National Airspace System, including positioning and navigation systems, sense and avoid capabilities, secure data and communication links, flight recovery systems, and human systems integration. Requires NASA to transmit to Congress an updated roadmap for unmanned aerial systems research and development.

Requires operational flight data derived from specified cooperative agreements to be made available to NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the development of regulatory standards.

(Sec. 404) Instructs NASA to continue its cooperative research program with industry to identify and demonstrate more effective and safe ways of developing, manufacturing, and maintaining composite materials used in aeronautics.

Requires the program to provide timely access to this research to the next generation of engineers and technicians at universities, community colleges, and vocational schools.

(Sec. 405) Requires NASA to transmit to Congress a research and development roadmap for hypersonic aircraft research.

(Sec. 406) Requires NASA to transmit to Congress a roadmap that allows for flexible funding profiles for supersonic aeronautics research and development.

(Sec. 407) Directs NASA to review at least annually research and development activities in support of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) airspace management modernization initiative.

(Sec. 408) Requires NASA to transmit to Congress a roadmap for research relating to rotocraft and other runway-independent air vehicles. (Sec. 409) Instructs NASA to continue to ensure that awards for the investigation into the early-stage advancement of new processes, novel concepts, and innovative technologies that have the potential to meet national aeronautics needs are open for competition among NASA civil servants at its Centers, separate from other awards open only to non-NASA sources.

(Sec. 410) Directs NASA to contract with the National Academies for a study to benchmark the position of the United States in civil aeronautics research compared to the rest of the world.

TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

 (Sec. 502) Directs NASA to establish a Space Technology Program to pursue research and development of advanced space technologies that have the potential of delivering innovative solutions and to support human exploration of the solar system or advanced space science.

Directs NASA to organize and manage the Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Program within the Space Technology Program. Instructs NASA to include in its budget for each fiscal year a certification that no project, program, or mission undertaken by the Space Technology Program duplicates any other NASA project, program, or mission.

Requires NASA to provide a report comparing NASA's space technology investments with the high-priority technology areas identified by the National Academies in the National Research Council's report on NASA's Space Technology Roadmaps. (Sec. 503) Directs NASA to utilize the ISS and commercial services for space technology demonstration missions in low-Earth orbit whenever it is practical and cost effective to do so. TITLE VI--EDUCATION (Sec. 601) Requires NASA to continue its education and outreach efforts to: (1) increase student interest and participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, (2) improve public literacy in STEM, (3) employ proven strategies for improving student learning and teaching, (4) provide curriculum support materials, and (5) create and support opportunities for professional development for STEM teachers.

Directs NASA to continue to operate the National Space Grant College and Fellowship program through a national network consisting of a state-based consortium in each state that provides flexibility to the states.

Reaffirms Congress's commitment to informal science education at science centers and planetariums.

(Sec. 602) Directs NASA to contract with the National Academies for a review of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program.

Expands the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program to support outreach to primary and secondary schools to help support STEM engagement and learning at the K-12 level and to encourage students to pursue degrees in fields related to space.

Permits a space grant regional consortium to include at least one two-year institution of higher education.

(Sec. 603) Expresses the sense of Congress that NASA should make the continuation of its Minority University Research and Education Program a priority in order to further STEM education for underrepresented students.

TITLE VII--POLICY PROVISIONS

 (Sec. 701) Directs NASA to report to Congress on the proposed Asteroid Retrieval Mission.

Requires an independent, private systems engineering and technical assistance organization contracted by the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate to transmit a report to NASA and Congress that analyzes the proposal for a Mars Flyby human spaceflight mission to be launched in 2021. Directs NASA to transmit to Congress an assessment by the NASA Advisory Council on whether such Flyby human spaceflight mission is in the strategic interests of the United States.

(Sec. 702) Expresses the sense of Congress regarding contract termination liability costs for the ISS, the Space Launch System, the Orion Crew capsule and the James Webb Space Telescope. Urges NASA to vigorously pursue a policy on termination liability that maximizes the use of its appropriated funds to make maximum progress in meeting established technical goals and schedule milestones on those high-priority programs.

(Sec. 703) Amends requirements related to baselines and cost controls used in NASA budgeting to make reporting more timely.

(Sec. 704) Requires NASA to transmit to Congress a report on its criteria for establishing the amount of reserves held at the project and program levels.

(Sec. 705) Requires NASA to transmit a report describing its procedures for conducting independent reviews of projects and programs at lifecycle milestones.

(Sec. 706) Adds protecting national security to the considerations NASA uses to evaluate when to transfer commercial technology.

(Sec. 707) Directs NASA to contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to assess the effectiveness of the NASA Advisory Council and to make recommendations to Congress for any changes to the Council.

(Sec. 708) Requires NASA to provide guidance to programs and projects on when an independent cost estimate and independent cost assessment should be used. (Sec. 709) Directs NASA to revise the NASA Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide uniform guidance and recommend revised requirements for organizational conflicts of interest by contractors in major acquisition programs. (Sec. 710) Requires NASA to develop a plan to position NASA to have the facilities, laboratories, tools, and approaches necessary to address future requirements.

Directs NASA to establish and make publicly available a policy that guides NASA's use of existing authorities to out-grant, lease, excess to the General Services Administration (GSA), sell, decommission, demolish, or otherwise transfer property, facilities, or infrastructure.

Directs NASA to establish a capital fund for the modernization of facilities and laboratories. Instructs NASA to ensure that all financial savings achieved by closing outdated or surplus facilities at a NASA Center be made available to that Center for modernizing its facilities and laboratories and for upgrading the infrastructure at it. (Sec. 711) Directs NASA to revise the NASA Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to address the detection and avoidance of counterfeit electronic parts.

(Sec. 712) Bars any funds provided by the federal government under a funded Space Act Agreement from exceeding the total amount provided by other parties to the Agreement. Allows a funded Space Act Agreement to be used only when the use of a standard contract, grant, or cooperative agreement is not feasible or appropriate.

Sets forth public notice, comment, disclosure, and reporting requirements related to Space Act Agreements.

(Sec. 713) Revises the circumstances under which the President must establish an independent, nonpartisan commission for space incidents resulting in loss of space vehicles. (Sec. 714) Requires NASA to report on its efforts to seek and encourage the fullest commercial use of space and to reduce impediments, bureaucracy, redundancy, and burdens to ensure the fullest commercial use of space.

(Sec. 715) Requires NASA to report on the status of efforts to coordinate with countries within the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee to mitigate the effects and growth of orbital debris. Requires OSTP to report to Congress on the status of its strategy to address space debris.

(Sec. 716) Requires NASA to solicit and review concepts and technological options for removing orbital debris from low-Earth orbit.

(Sec. 717) Directs NASA to develop a policy, a plan, and an assessment on the use of operational commercial reusable suborbital flight vehicles for carrying out scientific and engineering investigations and educational activities.

Requires NASA to transmit a report describing the progress in carrying out the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program with its annual budget request.

Bars NASA from proceeding with requests for proposals or contracts for the provision of a commercial reusable suborbital vehicle launch service for a NASA-sponsored spaceflight participant until it has transmitted the plan and assessment required and liability issues have been addressed.

(Sec. 718) Requires NASA to include in its annual budget request for each fiscal year a budget line for fundamental space life and physical sciences research, devoted to competitive, peer-reviewed grants, that is separate from the ISS Operations account.

Requires NASA to develop a strategic plan for carrying out competitive, peer-reviewed fundamental space life science and physical sciences and related technology research.

(Sec. 719) Requires NASA to develop a plan for restoring a basic engineering research program at Centers.

(Sec. 720) Directs NASA to consult with the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that any next generation liquid rocket engine made in the United States for national security space launch objectives can contribute to the space programs and missions carried out by NASA.

(Sec. 721) Requires NASA to transmit a report describing its activities, tools, and techniques associated with the ultimate goal of autonomously servicing satellites using robotic spacecraft.

(Sec. 722) Directs the GAO to study the effectiveness of NASA's information technology governance.

(Sec. 723) Requires NASA to report on how it plans to address each of the recommendations made in the security assessment by the National Academy of Public Administration and the recommendations made by the GAO and NASA's Office of the Inspector General regarding security and safeguarding export control information.

(Sec. 724) Prohibits any funds made available to NASA for FY2015 or any subsequent fiscal year from being used to enter into a contract with any contractor who is under indictment or convicted of a fraud or other specified crimes or who is delinquent on federal taxes.

(Sec. 725) Requires the OSTP to review and assess the issues involving the protection and preservation of historically important Apollo Program lunar landing sites and Apollo program artifacts residing on the lunar surface.

(Sec. 726) Directs NASA to respond to the Institute of Medicine report on health standards for long duration and exploration spaceflights. (Sec. 727) Expresses the sense of Congress that NASA should prioritize the development of tools and interfaces that make publicly available observational data sets more easy to access, analyze, manipulate, and understand for students, teachers, and the American public, with a particular focus on K-12 and undergraduate STEM education settings.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act title authorization appropriations sec authorizes fy2015 programs national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa space exploration space operations science aeronautics space technology education safety security mission services construction environmental compliance restoration inspector_general title human space flight subtitle exploration sec makes human exploration deeper solar system core mission nasa amends national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act expand key objectives united_states human expansion space include accelerating development capabilities enable human exploration mission surface bars nasa obtaining non human space flight capabilities domestic commercial public private partnership provider available meets safety affordability requirements repeals provisions required nasa ensure continued capability restart space missions sec instructs nasa develop human exploration roadmap define capabilities technologies necessary extend human presence surface sets missions required demonstrate capabilities technologies calls president invite partners international space station program nations appropriate participate international initiative leadership conduct mission surface sec directs nasa expeditious development test achievement operational readiness space launch system crew highest priority exploration program directs government_accountability_office gao transmit report nasa acquisition ground systems support space launch system requires nasa prepare report addresses effort budget required enable utilize cargo ton space launch system configuration described section national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act directs nasa conduct competition students elements nasa exploration program requires associate_administrator nasa transmit report development cost advanced booster space launch system effect competition advanced booster delays space launch system exploration launch result increased costs associated conducting competition advanced booster requires nasa conduct open competition advanced booster report shows reductions development cost adverse schedule impact sec requires crew meet practical needs minimum capability requirements multi purpose crew vehicle requires nasa report days sec directs nasa develop space radiation mitigation management strategy implementation plan assess national capabilities carry research space radiation biology sec directs nasa contract national academies study explore protection ramifications potential future missions polar regions near earth surface subtitle space operations sec declares primary objectives international space station program supporting achievement goal pursuing research program advances knowledge provides benefits nation requires utilized development capabilities technologies needed future human exploration low earth considered development human exploration roadmap requires nasa support operation use minimize operating costs declares policy maintenance uninterrupted capability human space flight operations low earth requires nasa report feasibility extending operation requires office_of_science_and_technology_policy ostp develop transmit strategic plan research physical life sciences related technologies directs gao report progress organization chosen management national_laboratory sec directs nasa contract national academies identify barriers impeding enhanced use national_laboratory recommend ways encouraging commercial companies greater use national_laboratory including corporate investment research identify legislative changes required sec directs nasa utilize science mission directorate missions low earth practical cost effective sec requires nasa report lessons learned commercial services contract sec declares objective nasa commercial crew program shall assist development crew transportation system carry nasa safely reliably serve emergency crew rescue vehicle soon practicable instructs nasa ensure safety minimization probability loss crew highest priorities commercial crew transportation program requires nasa report independent cost schedule estimate final stages commercial crew program sec requires nasa develop plan updating space communications navigation architecture low earth deep space operations capable meeting communications needs years title iii science subtitle general sec instructs nasa follow guidance provided current surveys national academies space studies board proposing funding fiscal year sec requires ostp nasa conduct analysis nasa requirements power system material necessary planned high priority missions solar system surface exploration activities low earth risk missions lack adequate material sec adds search life origin distribution future nasa objectives sec requires nasa conduct review specified principal investigator led small science missions sec revises requirements biennial review data collection missions extended require consideration missions affect start future missions subtitle sec instructs nasa seek ensure large medium small missions sec directs nasa contract national academies develop science strategy study exploration including use transiting survey satellite james space potential wide field infrared survey mission instrument appropriate requires nasa use strategy inform roadmaps strategic plans activities nasa related research exploration provide foundation future activities initiatives sec expresses sense congress respect james space sec requires nasa report congress outlining cost plan developing wide field infrared survey sec instructs nasa ensure concept definition pre formulation activities wide field infrared survey mission continue james space completed sec prohibits nasa funding appropriated fy2015 shutdown stratospheric infrared astronomy subtitle science sec instructs nasa seek carry balanced set science programs requires programs include discovery class mission months new class mission months class mission survey period including mission goal launching sec directs nasa continue near earth objects survey goal near earth objects requires ostp nasa report survey requires nasa carry technical scientific assessment capabilities resources needed accelerate survey expand include smaller objects sec requires nasa report congress describing expand collaborative partnerships detect track catalogue categorize near earth objects sec requires nasa report effects potential occur near earth object impact ocean earth sec directs nasa contract national academies develop science strategy instructs nasa use strategy planning funding research activities initiatives sec requires nasa report congress collaborative partnerships study life origin distribution future sec requires nasa contract national academies assess issues related exploration program subtitle sec instructs nasa seek ensure large medium small missions sec requires ostp contract national academies study space weather monitoring requires study inform process identifying national needs future space weather monitoring forecasts mitigation subtitle earth science sec requires nasa continue carrying balanced earth science program instructs nasa collaborate federal agencies non government entities international partners carrying nasa earth science program requires nasa continue develop kind instruments agencies operations instructs nasa seek reimbursement responsibilities development sensors measurements transferred nasa agency sec instructs nasa seek ensure large medium small earth science missions sec directs nasa carry scientific assessment nasa earth science global datasets purpose identifying datasets useful understanding regional changes variability informing applied science research title aeronautics sec instructs nasa maintain strong aeronautics research portfolio ranging fundamental research integrated systems research research goals include enhancing airspace operations safety improving air vehicle performance strengthening aviation safety demonstrating concepts systems level sec directs nasa carry research technological development facilitate safe integration unmanned aerial systems national_airspace_system including positioning navigation systems sense avoid capabilities secure data communication links flight recovery systems human systems integration requires nasa transmit congress updated roadmap unmanned aerial systems research development requires operational flight data derived specified cooperative agreements available nasa federal_aviation_administration faa development regulatory standards sec instructs nasa continue cooperative research program industry identify demonstrate effective safe ways developing manufacturing maintaining composite materials aeronautics requires program provide timely access research generation engineers technicians universities community colleges vocational schools sec requires nasa transmit congress research development roadmap aircraft research sec requires nasa transmit congress roadmap allows flexible funding profiles aeronautics research development sec directs nasa review annually research development activities support generation_air_transportation_system nextgen airspace management modernization initiative sec requires nasa transmit congress roadmap research relating runway independent air vehicles sec instructs nasa continue ensure awards investigation early stage advancement new processes novel concepts innovative technologies potential meet national aeronautics needs open competition nasa civil servants centers separate awards open non nasa sources sec directs nasa contract national academies study benchmark position united_states civil aeronautics research compared rest world title space technology sec directs nasa establish space technology program pursue research development advanced space technologies potential delivering innovative solutions support human exploration solar system advanced space science directs nasa organize manage small_business_innovation_research program small_business_technology_transfer program space technology program instructs nasa include budget fiscal year certification project program mission undertaken space technology program duplicates nasa project program mission requires nasa provide report comparing nasa space technology investments high priority technology areas identified national academies national_research_council report nasa space technology roadmaps sec directs nasa utilize commercial services space technology demonstration missions low earth practical cost effective title education sec requires nasa continue education outreach efforts increase student interest participation stem science technology engineering mathematics education improve public literacy stem employ proven strategies improving student learning teaching provide curriculum support materials create support opportunities professional development stem teachers directs nasa continue operate national space grant college fellowship program national network consisting state based consortium state provides flexibility states reaffirms congress commitment informal science education science centers sec directs nasa contract national academies review national space grant college fellowship program expands national space grant college fellowship program support outreach primary secondary schools help support stem engagement learning k-12 level encourage students pursue degrees fields related space permits space grant regional consortium include year institution higher education sec expresses sense congress nasa continuation minority university research education program priority order stem education underrepresented students title vii policy provisions sec directs nasa report congress proposed retrieval mission requires independent private systems engineering technical assistance organization contracted human exploration operations mission directorate transmit report nasa congress analyzes proposal human mission launched directs nasa transmit congress assessment nasa advisory_council human mission strategic interests united_states sec expresses sense congress contract termination liability costs space launch system crew james space urges nasa pursue policy termination liability maximizes use appropriated funds maximum progress meeting established technical goals schedule milestones high priority programs sec amends requirements related baselines cost controls nasa budgeting reporting timely sec requires nasa transmit congress report criteria establishing reserves held project program levels sec requires nasa transmit report describing procedures conducting independent reviews projects programs lifecycle milestones sec adds protecting national security considerations nasa uses evaluate transfer commercial technology sec directs nasa contract national_academy_of_public_administration assess effectiveness nasa advisory_council recommendations congress changes council sec requires nasa provide guidance programs projects independent cost estimate independent cost assessment sec directs nasa revise nasa supplement federal_acquisition_regulation provide uniform guidance recommend revised requirements organizational conflicts interest contractors major acquisition programs sec requires nasa develop plan position nasa facilities laboratories tools approaches necessary address future requirements directs nasa establish publicly available policy guides nasa use existing authorities grant lease excess general_services_administration gsa sell decommission demolish transfer property facilities infrastructure directs nasa establish capital_fund modernization facilities laboratories instructs nasa ensure financial savings achieved closing outdated surplus facilities nasa center available center modernizing facilities laboratories upgrading infrastructure sec directs nasa revise nasa supplement federal_acquisition_regulation address detection avoidance counterfeit electronic parts sec bars funds provided federal_government funded space act agreement exceeding total provided parties agreement allows funded space act agreement use standard contract grant cooperative agreement feasible appropriate sets forth public notice comment disclosure reporting requirements related space act agreements sec revises circumstances president establish independent nonpartisan commission space incidents resulting loss space vehicles sec requires nasa report efforts seek encourage fullest commercial use space reduce impediments burdens ensure fullest commercial use space sec requires nasa report status efforts coordinate countries inter agency space debris coordination committee mitigate effects growth debris requires ostp report congress status strategy address space debris sec requires nasa solicit review concepts technological options removing debris low earth sec directs nasa develop policy plan assessment use operational commercial reusable flight vehicles carrying scientific engineering investigations educational activities requires nasa transmit report describing progress carrying commercial reusable research program annual budget request bars nasa proceeding requests proposals contracts provision commercial reusable vehicle launch service nasa sponsored participant transmitted plan assessment required liability issues addressed sec requires nasa include annual budget request fiscal year budget line fundamental space life physical sciences research devoted competitive peer reviewed grants separate operations account requires nasa develop strategic plan carrying competitive peer reviewed fundamental space life science physical sciences related technology research sec requires nasa develop plan restoring basic engineering research program centers sec directs nasa consult department_of_defense dod ensure generation liquid rocket engine united_states national security space launch objectives contribute space programs missions carried nasa sec requires nasa transmit report describing activities tools techniques associated ultimate goal servicing satellites sec directs gao study effectiveness nasa information technology governance sec requires nasa report plans address recommendations security assessment national_academy_of_public_administration recommendations gao nasa office_of_the_inspector_general security safeguarding export control information sec prohibits funds available nasa fy2015 subsequent fiscal year enter contract contractor indictment convicted fraud specified crimes delinquent federal taxes sec requires ostp review assess issues involving protection preservation historically important program landing sites program artifacts residing surface sec directs nasa respond institute_of_medicine report health standards long duration exploration sec expresses sense congress nasa prioritize development tools interfaces publicly available observational data sets easy access analyze understand students teachers american public particular focus k-12 undergraduate stem education settings


Summary:
Reasserting American Leadership in Space Act or the REAL Space Act

 Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to plan to return to the Moon by 2023 and to develop a sustained human presence there in order to promote exploration, commerce, science, and U.S. preeminence in space as a stepping stone for future exploration of Mars and other destinations.

american leadership space act real space act directs national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa plan return develop sustained human presence order promote exploration commerce science space stone future exploration destinations


Summary:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act for 2016 and 2017

Authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2017 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Authorizes programs, activities, and reports for NASA, including those relating to human exploration of space, the Space Launch System, the Orion multipurpose crew vehicle, space radiation, the International Space Station, the commercial crew program, radioisotope power systems, extrasolar planet exploration, the James Webb Space Telescope, the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope, near-Earth objects, astrobiology, space weather, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, Venture class missions, aeronautics research (including transformative aeronautics research), science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, project and program reserves, orbital debris mitigation, remote satellite robotic servicing demonstrations, and astronaut occupational health care.

Directs NASA to report to Congress on the proposed Asteroid Retrieval Mission.

Directs NASA to utilize the International Space Station and commercial services for space technology demonstration missions in low-Earth orbit whenever it is practical and cost effective to do so.

Establishes a space technology program.

Directs NASA to: (1) enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration to assess the effectiveness of the NASA Advisory Council, (2) enter into an arrangement with the National Academies for a review of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, and (3) revise the NASA Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to address the detection and avoidance of counterfeit electronic parts.

Directs NASA to develop a policy on the use of operational commercial reusable suborbital flight vehicles for carrying out scientific and engineering investigations and educational activities.

national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act authorizes appropriations fy2016 fy2017 national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa authorizes programs activities reports nasa including relating human exploration space space launch system multipurpose crew vehicle space radiation international space station commercial crew program power systems exploration james space wide field infrared survey near earth objects space weather stratospheric infrared astronomy venture class missions aeronautics research including aeronautics research science technology engineering mathematics stem education project program reserves debris mitigation remote satellite servicing demonstrations occupational health_care directs nasa report congress proposed retrieval mission directs nasa utilize international space station commercial services space technology demonstration missions low earth practical cost effective establishes space technology program directs nasa enter arrangement national_academy_of_public_administration assess effectiveness nasa advisory_council enter arrangement national academies review national space grant college fellowship program revise nasa supplement federal_acquisition_regulation address detection avoidance counterfeit electronic parts directs nasa develop policy use operational commercial reusable flight vehicles carrying scientific engineering investigations educational activities


Summary:
Space Leadership Preservation Act of 2015

 Establishes a 10-year term of office for the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Establishes a NASA Board of Directors together with appointment criteria.

Requires the President to appoint the Administrator from among a list of nominees provided by the Board, and a Deputy Administrator from among a separate list of Board nominees.

Authorizes the Board to establish special commissions as it deems necessary.

Requires the Board to provide: (1) NASA's proposed annual budget; (2) annual reports on spaceflight infrastructure, unique space capabilities, and the availability of qualified U.S. workers necessary to maintain such infrastructure and capabilities; (3) reports on specific policy matters; and (4) once every four years a review of current space programs and a vision for future space exploration.

Authorizes NASA to enter into contracts for rocket propulsion systems and manned and unmanned space transportation vehicles and payloads.

space leadership preservation act establishes year term office administrator national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa establishes nasa board_of_directors appointment criteria requires president appoint administrator list nominees provided board deputy administrator separate list board nominees authorizes board establish special commissions deems necessary requires board provide nasa proposed annual budget annual reports infrastructure unique space capabilities availability qualified workers necessary maintain infrastructure capabilities reports specific policy matters years review current space programs vision future space exploration authorizes nasa enter contracts rocket propulsion systems manned unmanned space transportation vehicles


Summary:
Efficient Space Exploration Act

 The Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall analyze NASA's requirements for radioisotope power system material necessary for planned, high priority robotic missions in the solar system and other surface exploration activities beyond low-Earth orbit, as well as the risk to missions because of a lack of adequate material.

efficient space exploration act office_of_science_and_technology_policy national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa shall analyze nasa requirements power system material necessary planned high priority missions solar system surface exploration activities low earth risk missions lack adequate material


Summary:
Space Exploration, Development, and Settlement Act of 2016

This bill requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to encourage and support the development of permanent space settlements.

Expanding permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit in a way that enables human settlement and a thriving space economy shall be an objective of U.S. aeronautical and space activities.

NASA shall obtain, produce, and provide information related to all issues important for the development of a thriving space economy and the establishment of human space settlements.

space exploration development settlement act bill requires national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa encourage support development permanent space settlements expanding permanent human presence low earth way enables human settlement space economy shall objective aeronautical space activities nasa shall obtain produce provide information related issues important development space economy establishment human space settlements


Summary:
American Space Renaissance Act

This bill directs the President to develop:

 a doctrine for the Armed Forces and the intelligence community governing the U.S. response to efforts by state and nonstate actors deliberately to deny the United States or its allies or partners access to space or space operations, or degrade or destroy any of their government or commercial space assets; and a doctrine for the Armed Forces with respect to the rules of engagement for space forces. The Department of Defense (DOD) shall designate a DOD official to be Principal Defense Space Advisor on all space matters.

DOD shall:

 develop and implement a strategy to increase interoperability across DOD space and cyberspace enterprises between systems that electronically share cyberspace situational awareness and space situational awareness data, and assess desirable protection capabilities to enhance integration of commercial space systems into national security space architectures. The President shall establish a National Executive Committee on Weather.

DOD shall:

 develop a follow-on geomagnetic storm warning capability, carry out a pilot program to assess the potential viability of using commercial weather data in DOD weather modeling and forecasting, and establish a program to award up to four launch services contracts for venture-class launch missions. The Air Force shall contract with a private entity to carry out Satellite Control Network operations.

The bill requires U.S. aeronautical and space activities to contribute materially to:

 the expansion of the human sphere of influence throughout the Solar System, being among the first to arrive at a destination in space and open it for subsequent use and development, and creation of infrastructure precursors to support future use and development of space. The bill establishes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Leadership and Advising Commission.

NASA shall develop:

 a 20-year plan that outlines broad goals, including a designated five-year range for American astronauts to land on Mars; a 10-year plan that in part addresses the efficacy of the Asteroid Redirect Mission; multi-year budgets beginning in FY2018. NASA shall:

 formulate a plan for the remaining life of the International Space Station and continued human presence in low-Earth orbit, and establish a Commercial Habitat Pilot Program to demonstrate the viability of using commercially built on-orbit habitats to meet NASA human exploration and science missions. The bill establishes an Office of Commercial Space Transportation within the Department of Transportation (DOT), which shall in turn establish within it an Office of Spaceports to support and establish domestic commercial spaceports.

DOT shall also designate a lead government agency for space traffic management activities and services.

The Department of State shall seek to convene a meeting of nations to develop a unified space traffic management regime.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce shall promulgate rules regarding its treatment of weather data acquired from commercial space-based systems.

Commerce shall report on the feasibility and benefits of reorganizing the Department to better coordinate and support its space-related economic and regulatory activities.

 The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit for 10% of the insured value of all payloads launched by a licensed domestic launch provider or on a launch vehicle meeting Buy American requirements

Commerce shall make loan guarantees to a domestic commercial entity or a Federal Aviation Administation-licensed spaceport to promote job creation in the U.S. space sector and encourage startup companies.

DOT shall establish a program to allow commercial entities to operate space training flights.

 The Internal Revenue Code is amended to allow an individual to elect to include in gross income gains from the sale or other disposal of stock or option-related compensation received for services rendered from a startup domestic commercial space company.

american space act bill directs president develop doctrine armed_forces intelligence_community governing response efforts state actors deliberately deny united_states allies partners access space space operations degrade destroy government commercial space assets doctrine armed_forces respect rules engagement space forces department_of_defense dod shall designate dod official principal defense space advisor space matters dod shall develop implement strategy increase interoperability dod space cyberspace enterprises systems electronically share cyberspace situational awareness space situational awareness data assess desirable protection capabilities enhance integration commercial space systems national security space architectures president shall establish national executive committee weather dod shall develop follow storm warning capability carry pilot program assess potential viability commercial weather data dod weather modeling forecasting establish program award launch services contracts venture class launch missions air_force shall contract private entity carry satellite control network operations bill requires aeronautical space activities contribute materially expansion human influence solar system arrive destination space open subsequent use development creation infrastructure precursors support future use development space bill establishes national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa leadership advising commission nasa shall develop year plan outlines broad goals including designated year range american land year plan addresses efficacy redirect mission multi year budgets beginning fy2018 nasa shall formulate plan remaining life international space station continued human presence low earth establish commercial habitat pilot program demonstrate viability commercially built habitats meet nasa human exploration science missions bill establishes office commercial space transportation department_of_transportation dot shall turn establish office support establish domestic commercial dot shall designate lead government agency space traffic management activities services department_of_state shall seek convene meeting nations develop unified space traffic management regime national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa department_of_commerce shall promulgate rules treatment weather data acquired commercial space based systems commerce shall report feasibility benefits reorganizing department better coordinate support space related economic regulatory activities bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow business related tax credit insured value launched licensed domestic launch provider launch vehicle meeting buy american requirements commerce shall loan guarantees domestic commercial entity federal aviation licensed promote job creation space sector encourage startup companies dot shall establish program allow commercial entities operate space training flights internal_revenue_code amended allow individual elect include gross income gains sale disposal stock option related compensation received services rendered startup domestic commercial space company


Summary:
United States and Israel Space Cooperation Act

This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to continue to work with the Israel Space Agency in identifying and cooperatively pursuing peaceful space exploration and science initiatives in areas of mutual interest.

united_states israel space cooperation act bill directs national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa continue work israel space agency identifying cooperatively pursuing peaceful space exploration science initiatives areas mutual interest


Summary:
To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act or the TREAT Astronauts Act

(Sec. 3) This bill authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to provide for:

 the medical monitoring and diagnosis of a former U.S. government astronaut or former payload specialist for conditions that NASA considers potentially associated with human space flight; and the treatment of such an astronaut or payload specialist for conditions that NASA considers associated with human space flight, including scientific and medical tests for psychological and medical conditions. The bill requires that such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment shall be provided without any deductible, copayment, or other cost sharing obligation.

NASA may not require such an astronaut or payload specialist to participate in the medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment authorized by this bill.

NASA shall protect the privacy of all medical records generated with respect to such medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment and accessible to NASA.

The term "government astronaut" does not include individuals who are international partner astronauts.

NASA shall arrange with an independent external organization to undertake an independent cost estimate of the cost to NASA and the federal government for the implementation and administration of the activities of NASA under this bill.

NASA shall study any potential privacy or legal issues related to the possible sharing beyond the federal government of data acquired under the activities of NASA.

The NASA Inspector General shall periodically audit or review NASA's activities to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

research evaluate assess treat act treat act sec bill authorizes national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa provide medical monitoring diagnosis government specialist conditions nasa considers potentially associated human space flight treatment specialist conditions nasa considers associated human space flight including scientific medical tests psychological medical conditions bill requires medical monitoring diagnosis treatment shall provided deductible copayment cost sharing obligation nasa require specialist participate medical monitoring diagnosis treatment authorized bill nasa shall protect privacy medical records generated respect medical monitoring diagnosis treatment accessible nasa term government include individuals international partner nasa shall arrange independent external organization undertake independent cost estimate cost nasa federal_government implementation administration activities nasa bill nasa shall study potential privacy legal issues related possible sharing federal_government data acquired activities nasa nasa inspector_general shall periodically audit review nasa activities prevent waste fraud abuse


Summary:
Apollo I Memorial Act

This bill directs the Department of the Army to construct in Arlington National Cemetery a memorial marker in honor of the three crew members of the mission that became known as the Apollo I mission who died during a launch rehearsal test on January 27, 1967, at the Kennedy Space Center.

memorial act bill directs department_of_the_army construct arlington national cemetery memorial marker honor crew members mission known mission died launch test january kennedy space center


Summary:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2016

This bill authorizes specified National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) programs for FY2017.

It modifies and states policy governing certain NASA space and exploration programs, including:

 the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit, Mars exploration, deep space exploration, and the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission. To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act or the TREAT Astronauts Act

NASA may provide for:

 medical monitoring and diagnosis of former U.S. astronauts and former payload specialists for conditions potentially associated with human space flight, and the treatment of those astronauts and payload specialists for conditions associated with human space flight, including scientific and medical tests for psychological and medical conditions. NASA shall conduct a space technology program for the research and development of advanced space technologies.

The bill requires the development of a strategic plan to guide NASA information technology operations and an information security plan for cybersecurity.

national_aeronautics_and_space_administration transition authorization act bill authorizes specified national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa programs fy2017 modifies states policy governing certain nasa space exploration programs including international space station low earth exploration deep space exploration redirect mission research evaluate assess treat act treat act nasa provide medical monitoring diagnosis specialists conditions potentially associated human space flight treatment specialists conditions associated human space flight including scientific medical tests psychological medical conditions nasa shall conduct space technology program research development advanced space technologies bill requires development strategic plan guide nasa information technology operations information security plan cybersecurity


Summary:
Geospatial Data Act of 2015

Establishes in the executive branch: (1) the Federal Geographic Data Committee, which shall be the lead entity for the development, implementation, and review of policies, practices, and standards relating to geospatial data; and (2) the National Geospatial Advisory Committee to provide advice and recommendations to the committee.

Requires the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (as defined in this Act) to ensure that geospatial data from multiple sources is available and easily integrated to enhance the understanding of the physical and cultural world. Requires the committee to prepare a strategic plan for the implementation of the infrastructure consistent with national security, national defense, national intelligence, and emergency preparedness program policies regarding data accessibility.

Requires the committee to operate GeoPlatform, an electronic service that provides access to geospatial data and metadata for geospatial data.

Directs agencies whose functions involve geospatial data to implement a strategy for advancing geographic information and related geospatial data activities appropriate to that agency's mission in support of the strategic plan for the infrastructure. Requires such agencies to disclose each contract, cooperative agreement, grant, or other transaction that deals with geospatial data.

Prohibits, four years after enactment of this Act, federal funding from being made available for the collection, production, acquisition, maintenance, or dissemination of geospatial data that does not comply with applicable standards established by the committee.

geospatial data act establishes executive branch federal geographic data committee shall lead entity development implementation review policies practices standards relating geospatial data national geospatial advisory_committee provide advice recommendations committee requires national spatial data infrastructure defined act ensure geospatial data multiple sources available easily integrated enhance understanding physical cultural world requires committee prepare strategic plan implementation infrastructure consistent national security national defense national_intelligence emergency preparedness program policies data accessibility requires committee operate electronic service provides access geospatial data metadata geospatial data directs agencies functions involve geospatial data implement strategy advancing geographic information related geospatial data activities appropriate agency mission support strategic plan infrastructure requires agencies disclose contract cooperative agreement grant transaction geospatial data prohibits years enactment act federal funding available collection production acquisition maintenance dissemination geospatial data comply applicable standards established committee


Summary:
Mapping a New and Innovative Focus on Our Exploration Strategy for Human Spaceflight Act of 2016 or the MANIFEST for Human Spaceflight Act of 2016

This bill amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 to make it a key U.S. objective to achieve human exploration of Mars, including the establishment of a capability to extend human presence to the surface of Mars.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall report a strategy to achieve such objective through a series of successive, sustainable, free-standing, but complementary missions making robust use of cislunar space and employing the Space Launch System, Orion crew capsule, and other capabilities provided under specified titles of the Act.

NASA shall arrange with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review and comment on each interim report on the strategy and identify matters the NAS agrees with and matters raising NAS concerns, as well as any NAS recommendations.

mapping new innovative focus exploration strategy human act manifest human act bill amends national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act key objective achieve human exploration including establishment capability extend human presence surface national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa shall report strategy achieve objective series successive sustainable free standing complementary missions making robust use space employing space launch system crew capabilities provided specified titles act nasa shall arrange national_academy_of_sciences nas review comment interim report strategy identify matters nas agrees matters raising nas concerns nas recommendations


Summary:
Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to:

 coordinate the development and implementation of federal government activities to improve the nation's ability to prepare, avoid, mitigate, respond to, and recover from potentially devastating impacts of space weather events; and coordinate the activities of the National Space Weather Program members. The National Science and Technology Council shall establish an interagency working group on space weather, including representatives of the federal agencies participating in the National Space Weather Program, and of other federal agencies, as appropriate.

In order to understand and respond to the adverse effects of space weather, such program shall leverage capabilities across participating federal agencies.

It is the sense of Congress that the interagency collaboration between NASA and NOAA on terrestrial weather observations provides:

 an effective mechanism for improving weather and climate data collection while avoiding unnecessary duplication of capabilities across federal agencies, and an agency collaboration model that could benefit space weather observations. NASA and NOAA shall enter into at least one interagency agreement that provides for cooperation and collaboration in the development of space weather spacecraft, instruments, and technologies.

It is U.S. policy to establish and sustain a baseline capability for space weather observations.

The OSTP, in coordination with NOAA, NASA, NSF, and DOD, shall develop an integrated strategy for solar and solar wind observations beyond the lifetime of current assets that considers the provision of:

 solar wind measurements and other measurements essential to space weather forecasting, and solar and space weather measurements important for scientific purposes. In developing such strategy, the OSTP shall consider small satellite options, hosted payloads, commercial options, international options, and prize authority.

In order to sustain current space-based observational capabilities, NASA shall:

 in cooperation with the European Space Agency, maintain operations of the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory/Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (SOHO/LASCO) for as long as it continues to deliver quality observations, and prioritize the reception of LASCO data. NOAA shall secure reliable secondary capability for near real-time coronal mass ejection imagery.

NOAA, in coordination with DOD and NASA, shall develop options to build and deploy one or more instruments for near real-time coronal mass ejection imagery.

In developing such options, NOAA shall consider commercial solutions, prize authority, academic and international partnerships, microsatellites, ground-based instruments, and opportunities to deploy the instrument or instruments as a secondary payload on an upcoming planned launch.

In securing reliable secondary capability for near real-time coronal mass ejection imagery, NOAA shall make it a priority to achieve a cost-effective solution.

NOAA shall develop an operational contingency plan to provide continuous space weather forecasting in the event of a SOHO/LASCO failure.

Within 120 days of the enactment of this bill, NOAA shall brief Congress on the options for building and deploying the instrument or instruments and the operational contingency plan.

NOAA, in coordination with DOD, shall develop requirements and a plan for follow-on space-based observations for operational purposes.

The OSTP shall report to Congress on the integrated strategy, including the plans for follow-on space-based observations.

The NSF the Air Force, and where practicable in support of the Air Force, the Navy shall each:

 maintain and improve, as necessary and advisable, ground-based observations of the sun; and provide space weather data by means of ground-based facilities, including radars, lidars, magnetometers, radio receivers, aurora and airglow imagers, spectrometers, interferometers, and solar observatories. The NSF shall:

 provide key data streams from such platforms for research and to support space weather model development, develop experimental models for scientific purposes, and support the transition of such models to operations where appropriate. NOAA, the Air Force, and where practicable in support of the Air Force, the Navy, in conjunction with other relevant federal agencies, shall conduct a survey to identify and prioritize the needs of space weather forecast users, including space weather data and space weather forecast data needed to improve services and inform research priorities and technology needs.

 NOAA, the Air Force, and where practicable in support of the Air Force, the Navy, shall:

 make the survey's results publicly available; and notify Congress of making those results available to the public. As part of the program, the NSF, NASA, and DOD shall continue to carry out basic research activities on heliophysics, geospace science, and space weather and support competitive, merit-based, peer-reviewed proposals for research, modeling, and monitoring of space weather and its impacts, including science goals outlined in Solar and Space Physics Decadal surveys conducted by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

As part of such program, the NSF, NOAA, and NASA shall pursue multidisciplinary research in subjects that further our understanding of solar physics, space physics, and space weather.

It is the sense of Congress that NASA and the NSF should support competitively awarded Heliophysics Science Centers.

NASA shall seek to implement missions meeting science objectives identified in NAS Solar and Space Physics Decadal surveys.

NASA, the NSF, NOAA, and the Air Force, and where practicable in support of the Air Force, the Navy shall:

 develop a mechanism to transition NASA, NSF, Air Force, and Navy research findings, models, and capabilities to NOAA and DOD space weather operational forecasting centers; and enhance coordination between research modeling centers and forecasting centers. NOAA and DOD, in coordination with NASA and the NSF, shall develop a mechanism to communicate the operational needs of space weather forecasters to the research community.

NASA and the NSF shall support the development of technologies and instrumentation to improve space weather forecasting lead-time and accuracy to meet needs identified by NOAA.

NASA and the NSF shall:

 make space weather related data obtained for scientific research available to space weather forecasters and operations centers, and support model development and applications to space weather forecasting. NOAA shall make space weather related data obtained from operational forecasting available for scientific research.

The provisions relating to space weather under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 are repealed.

(Sec. 3) The Space Weather Interagency Working Group shall:

 assess existing data, the historical record, models, and peer-reviewed studies on space weather; and develop preliminary benchmarks for measuring solar disturbances. Within 18 months of the development of the preliminary benchmarks, the working group shall publish final benchmarks and NASA shall contract with the NAS to review them.

The working group shall update and revise the final benchmarks as necessary, based on:

 the results of the review by the NAS, any significant new data or advances in scientific understanding that become available, or the evolving needs of entities impacted by solar disturbances. (Sec. 4) NOAA shall inform DHS about space weather hazards to protect national critical infrastructure from space weather events.

DHS shall:

 include, in meeting national critical infrastructure reporting requirements, an assessment of the vulnerability of such infrastructure to space weather events; and support critical infrastructure providers in managing the risks and impacts associated with space weather. (Sec. 5) The National Security Council shall:

 assess the vulnerability of the national security community to space weather events, and develop mechanisms to protect national security assets from space weather threats. DOD shall inform the National Security Council, the Director of National Intelligence, and the heads of the defense agencies about space weather hazards for purposes of the protection of those assets.

(Sec. 6) The FAA shall assess:

 the safety implications and vulnerability of the national aerospace system by space weather events; methods to mitigate the safety implications and effects of space weather on aviation communication systems, aircraft navigation systems, satellite and ground-based navigation systems, and potential health effects of radiation exposure; and options for incorporating space weather into operational training for pilots, cabin crews, dispatchers, air traffic controllers, meteorologists, and engineers. The FAA shall develop methods to increase the interaction between the aviation community and the space weather research and service provider community.

space weather research forecasting act sec bill directs office_of_science_and_technology_policy ostp coordinate development implementation federal_government activities improve nation ability prepare avoid mitigate respond recover potentially devastating impacts space weather events coordinate activities national space weather program members national_science_and_technology_council shall establish interagency_working_group space weather including representatives federal agencies participating national space weather program federal agencies appropriate order understand respond adverse effects space weather program shall leverage capabilities participating federal agencies sense congress interagency collaboration nasa noaa terrestrial weather observations provides effective mechanism improving weather climate data collection avoiding unnecessary duplication capabilities federal agencies agency collaboration model benefit space weather observations nasa noaa shall enter interagency agreement provides cooperation collaboration development space weather instruments technologies policy establish sustain baseline capability space weather observations ostp coordination noaa nasa nsf dod shall develop integrated strategy solar solar wind observations lifetime current assets considers provision solar wind measurements measurements essential space weather forecasting solar space weather measurements important scientific purposes developing strategy ostp shall consider small satellite options commercial options international options prize authority order sustain current space based observational capabilities nasa shall cooperation european space agency maintain operations solar large long continues deliver quality observations prioritize reception data noaa shall secure reliable secondary capability near real time mass imagery noaa coordination dod nasa shall develop options build deploy instruments near real time mass imagery developing options noaa shall consider commercial solutions prize authority academic international partnerships ground based instruments opportunities deploy instrument instruments secondary upcoming planned launch securing reliable secondary capability near real time mass imagery noaa shall priority achieve cost effective solution noaa shall develop operational contingency plan provide continuous space weather forecasting event failure days enactment bill noaa shall brief congress options building deploying instrument instruments operational contingency plan noaa coordination dod shall develop requirements plan follow space based observations operational purposes ostp shall report congress integrated strategy including plans follow space based observations nsf air_force practicable support air_force navy shall maintain improve necessary advisable ground based observations sun provide space weather data means ground based facilities including radio receivers aurora solar nsf shall provide key data streams platforms research support space weather model development develop experimental models scientific purposes support transition models operations appropriate noaa air_force practicable support air_force navy conjunction relevant federal agencies shall conduct survey identify prioritize needs space weather forecast users including space weather data space weather forecast data needed improve services inform research priorities technology needs noaa air_force practicable support air_force navy shall survey results publicly available notify congress making results available public program nsf nasa dod shall continue carry basic research activities science space weather support competitive merit based peer reviewed proposals research modeling monitoring space weather impacts including science goals outlined solar space physics surveys conducted national_academy_of_sciences nas program nsf noaa nasa shall pursue multidisciplinary research subjects understanding solar physics space physics space weather sense congress nasa nsf support competitively awarded science centers nasa shall seek implement missions meeting science objectives identified nas solar space physics surveys nasa nsf noaa air_force practicable support air_force navy shall develop mechanism transition nasa nsf air_force navy research findings models capabilities noaa dod space weather operational forecasting centers enhance coordination research modeling centers forecasting centers noaa dod coordination nasa nsf shall develop mechanism communicate operational needs space weather research community nasa nsf shall support development technologies instrumentation improve space weather forecasting lead time accuracy meet needs identified noaa nasa nsf shall space weather related data obtained scientific research available space weather operations centers support model development applications space weather forecasting noaa shall space weather related data obtained operational forecasting available scientific research provisions relating space weather national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act repealed sec space weather interagency_working_group shall assess existing data historical record models peer reviewed studies space weather develop preliminary benchmarks measuring solar disturbances months development preliminary benchmarks working_group shall publish final benchmarks nasa shall contract nas review working_group shall update revise final benchmarks necessary based results review nas significant new data advances scientific understanding available evolving needs entities impacted solar disturbances sec noaa shall inform dhs space weather hazards protect national critical infrastructure space weather events dhs shall include meeting national critical infrastructure reporting requirements assessment vulnerability infrastructure space weather events support critical infrastructure providers managing risks impacts associated space weather sec national_security_council shall assess vulnerability national security community space weather events develop mechanisms protect national security assets space weather threats dod shall inform national_security_council director national_intelligence heads defense agencies space weather hazards purposes protection assets sec faa shall assess safety implications vulnerability national aerospace system space weather events methods mitigate safety implications effects space weather aviation communication systems aircraft navigation systems satellite ground based navigation systems potential health effects radiation exposure options incorporating space weather operational training pilots cabin crews dispatchers air traffic controllers engineers faa shall develop methods increase interaction aviation community space weather research service provider community