Great observatories mission and technology maturation

(a) Establishment The Administrator may establish a Great Observatories Mission and Technology Maturation program (referred to in this section as the Program) to mature the large-scale space-based mission concepts and technologies needed for future large strategic astrophysics missions, including for a large-aperture infrared, optical, and ultraviolet space telescope, as informed by the recommendations of the most recent decadal survey in astronomy and astrophysics. (b) Activities The Program shall inform the design and development of future large-scale space-based Astrophysics missions by conducting activities which may include— (1) assessing the appropriate scope for any future mission; (2) determining the range of capabilities and technology readiness of such capabilities needed for a mission; and (3) informing the development and maturation of science and technologies needed for such mission. (c) Costs The independent life-cycle cost estimate conducted under section 30307 of title 51, United States Code, as amended by this Act, for any large-scale space-based mission derived from concepts and technologies matured through the Program shall include an accounting of all costs spent on maturation of the mission through the Program. (d) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the progress and impacts of any Projects established under subsection (b) within Astrophysics programs.