Report on research relating to the upper atmosphere and near-space environment

(a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the upper atmosphere and near-space environment are important to Air Force and Joint operations worldwide and the operational and threat environments that U.S. assets are likely to encounter; (2) research is needed to study atmospheric phenomenology and develop technologies for continuous monitoring and detection of encroachment and adversarial effects in the atmosphere; (3) research on atmospheric signatures and dynamics in the upper atmosphere and the development of predictive techniques to ensure observational and operational superiority would be beneficial for Air Force missions; and (4) the Secretary of the Air Force should conduct additional research in these areas. (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air Force, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the following: (1) An assessment of intelligence activities and other competitive activities undertaken by foreign nations with respect to the upper atmosphere and near-space environment. (2) A comprehensive strategy to address the upper atmosphere and near-space environment, which shall include requirements for high-altitude, long-duration, and heavy-lift propulsion systems and platforms.