S. 933 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Mar 11, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryFunds NASA's space exploration programs through 2025
This bill keeps NASA's funding and programs going through 2025, including work on crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, often partnering with private companies. It directs NASA to plan for life after the International Space Station by developing commercial space stations in orbit and figuring out how to eventually retire the current one. The bill also tells NASA to work on lunar communications systems, a standardized time system for the Moon, and research into advanced aircraft and drone technologies.
How it affects you
If you're interested in space exploration or work in the aerospace industry, this bill affects the direction and scope of NASA's work you might follow or contribute to. Most everyday Americans experience NASA's work indirectly through technological spinoffs and the national space programs it supports, though this bill doesn't directly change day-to-day life for most people.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Mar 11, 2025)
NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025
This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 the programs and activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The bill also revises certain existing NASA programs and establishes new programs related to space exploration, research, and technology.
For example, the bill directs NASA to continue its efforts to support crewed lunar landings and Mars explorations, including through partnerships with the private sector (i.e., the Moon to Mars and Artemis programs).
The bill also requires NASA to maintain the capability for a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit until and beyond the retirement of the International Space Station (ISS). NASA may solicit proposals for the development of a commercial space station in low-Earth orbit. When such a station is ready, NASA must initiate an orderly transition of operations from the ISS to the commercial station. NASA must also develop a de-orbit vehicle for the eventual retirement of the ISS. ( Low-Earth orbit encompasses orbits at an altitude of 1,200 miles or less.)
In addition, NASA is authorized to develop an architecture for lunar communications and navigation, and must develop a strategy to implement a standardized lunar time to support operations and infrastructure on and around the moon.
NASA must also continue to conduct research relating to advanced air mobility, unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones), and hypersonic technologies.
Finally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on fire and emergency services at NASA launch and reentry facilities.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 933
A BILL
NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) · Introduced Mar 11, 2025 · Science, Technology, Communications · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 4, 2026: “Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.”
Sections
Title I — Authorization of Appropriations · 1
Title II — Exploration · 5
Title III — Space Operations · 7
- Sec. 301Maximizing United States presence in low-Earth orbitNo change
- Sec. 302Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development ProgramNo change
- Sec. 303Transition to a commercially led low-Earth orbit economyNo change
- Sec. 304Nongovernmental missions on the International Space StationNo change
- Sec. 305Brief on suborbital crew missionsNo change
- Sec. 306Lunar communicationsNo change
- Sec. 307Celestial time standardizationNo change
Title IV — Space technology · 3
Title V — Aeronautics · 8
- Sec. 501DefinitionsNo change
- Sec. 502Hypersonic researchNo change
- Sec. 503Advanced materials and manufacturing technologyNo change
- Sec. 504Unmanned aircraft system and advanced air mobilityNo change
- Sec. 505Advanced capabilities for emergency response operationsNo change
- Sec. 506Hydrogen aviationNo change
- Sec. 507High-performance chase aircraftNo change
- Sec. 508Collaboration with academiaNo change
Title VI — Science · 15
- Sec. 601Maintaining a balanced science portfolioNo change
- Sec. 602Implementation of science mission cost capsNo change
- Sec. 603Reexamination of decadal surveysNo change
- Sec. 604LandsatNo change
- Sec. 605Commercial satellite dataNo change
- Sec. 606Planetary science portfolioNo change
- Sec. 607Planetary defenseNo change
- Sec. 608Lunar discovery and explorationNo change
- Sec. 609Commercial lunar payload servicesNo change
- Sec. 610Planetary and lunar operationsNo change
- Sec. 611Mars sample returnNo change
- Sec. 612Heliophysics researchNo change
- Sec. 613Geospace dynamics constellationNo change
- Sec. 614Nancy Grace Roman TelescopeNo change
- Sec. 615Chandra X-ray ObservatoryNo change
Title VII — STEM Education · 2
Title VIII — NASA policy · 12
- Sec. 801NASA advisory councilNo change
- Sec. 802NASA assessment of early cost estimatesNo change
- Sec. 803Authority for production contracts following other transaction prototype projectsNo change
- Sec. 804Role of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in commercial space activitiesNo change
- Sec. 805Restriction on Federal funds relating to certain Chinese space and scientific activitiesNo change
- Sec. 806Findings relating to contract flexibilityNo change
- Sec. 807GAO reportNo change
- Sec. 808NASA public-private talent programNo change
- Sec. 809MentoringNo change
- Sec. 810Drinking water well replacement for Chincoteague, VirginiaNo change
- Sec. 811Passenger carrier use for astronaut transportationNo change
- Sec. 812Rule of constructionNo change