NASA Authorization Act of 2004

Summary

NASA Authorization Act of 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) the International Space Station (ISS); (2) space shuttle; (3) space flight support; (4) transportation systems; and (5) human and robotic technology. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to NASA for the following programs: (1) space science; (2) earth science; (3) biological and physical research; (4) aeronautics technology; and (5) education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to NASA for the: (1) Office of Inspector General; and (2) Technical Engineering Authority. Directs the Administrator of NASA to: (1) establish an agency-wide lessons-learned and best practices program to ensure availability of lessons learned and best practices to NASA's employees; (2) establish within NASA a Technical Engineering Authority; (3) provide the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance direct line authority over Space shuttle safety organization and independent funding; (4) reorganize the Space Shuttle Integration Office to ensure integration of all Space Shuttle program elements; (5) recertify Space shuttle orbiters for operation prior to any operations beyond 2010; (6) establish a program to upgrade Space shuttle and ISS engineering drawing systems; and (7) submit plans for launching assembly elements, crew, and supplies to the ISS from 2010 through 2014. Prohibits the return of the Space shuttle program to launch until all safety recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report identified as "Return to Flight" tasks have been completely satisfied. Directs the Administrator to establish a program to implement an initiative to explore the solar system and beyond. Instructs the Administrator to: (1) report on all activities and funding that support human missions to the Moon and the planet Mars; (2) submit a system requirements document for the conduct of such a mission to the Moon by 2014 and eventually to Mars; (3) submit a life cycle cost estimate for a manned mission to the Moon and annual revised estimates; (4) develop a commercialization plan to support the human missions to the Moon and Mars; and (5) develop an assessment of private sector capability to support the manned missions to the Moon and Mars. Requires program managers for major systems of the solar system exploration initiative specified above to submit quarterly reports on the total life cycle costs for such systems. Sets forth stop-loss provisions for 15 and 25 percent cost overruns. Directs NASA to report on opportunities for international cooperation from all space faring nations on a human mission to the Moon and Mars. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish a Technology Transfer and Licensing Office within the solar system exploration initiative program and develop a technology transfer plan; (2) submit a plan for robotic lunar missions to the Moon within three years; (3) submit a legal review and interpretation of the laws and treaties governing space exploration and the possible ownership of resources on the Moon and Mars; and (4) establish a NASA Engineering School for NASA employees and contractors. Directs the NASA Chief Financial Officer to report on NASA's ability to improve its financial management. Directs the Administrator to: (1) transmit a plan for future space vehicle launches; and (2) establish an Industry Advisory Board to review opportunities for the private sector to invest in and take advantage of activities at NASA. Sets forth provisions for implementation of a pilot program for reduction in the waiting period between publication of notice of a proposed contract action and release of the solicitation for procurements conducted by NASA for certain non-commercial acquisitions with a total value in excess of $100,000, but not more than $5 million, including options. Allows the Administrator to relinquish to a State all or part of U.S. jurisdiction over lands or interests under the Administrator's control in that State. Authorizes the Administrator to carry out the Centennial Challenge Program to award prizes to stimulate innovation in research, technology development, and prototype demonstration that have the potential for application to the performance of NASA activities. Directs the Administrator to conduct a NASA-wide assessment to identify and define areas of cultural and organizational changes and to develop a plan to: (1) create a culture that promotes effective communication and encourages expression of dissenting views; (2) increase NASA's focus on human elements management and organizational development; (3) develop procedures for leadership, management, and employee training and skill development; and (4) create a system of checks and balances to ensure NASA's technical and safety standards. Authorizes the Administrator to provide to NASA civilian and military personnel stationed outside the United States allowances and benefits comparable to those provided to officers and employees of the Foreign Service. Requires the Administrator, within 60 days after the National Academy of Sciences issues its study on the future of the Hubble Space Telescope, to submit a plan on the future of the telescope. Creates the position of Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs in NASA. Instructs the Administrator to report on the advisability of establishing a charitable and non-profit corporation to encourage private gifts for, or in connection with, NASA and to further the public's knowledge of the Earth and space. Directs the Administrator to: (1) implement a near-Earth object survey program to detect, track, and catalog the characteristics of near-Earth asteroids and comets of 100 meters or more in diameter in order to assess the threat of such objects striking Earth; (2) submit a plan for the development and demonstration of technologies that result in specified commercial aircraft performance characteristics; (3) submit a feasibility study for the development and demonstration of technologies to enable overland flight of supersonic civil transport aircraft; and (4) establish a scholarship program for full-time graduate students in Masters degree programs in aeronautical engineering to have the opportunity for paid employment at one of the NASA Centers engaged in aeronautics research and development.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

No timeline events have been ingested for this record yet.

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.

Documents

6 official files

• Reported to Senate (text)

  Reported to Senate · EN · 19 November 2004

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Reported to Senate (PDF)

  Reported to Senate · EN · 19 November 2004

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 19 November 2004

  Open at official source

• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 17 June 2004

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate (PDF)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 17 June 2004

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 17 June 2004

  Open at official source

Sponsors

No sponsors or actors listed by the source.

Related records

No cross-record relationships stored yet.