National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008

Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations to accelerate the initial operational capability of a U.S.-owned human spacecraft capability. Affirms support for the broad goals of U.S. space exploration policy, utilization of lunar exploration, activity related to Mars exploration, and international participation and cooperation (as well as commercial involvement in exploration). Revises requirements for a compliance report on replacement of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. Limits authority of the NASA Administrator to retire the Space Shuttle and requires a report on recertification of continued flightworthiness through FY2015. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning contributions of the commercial space sector. Requires, with respect to the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) project: (1) an assessment of the effects of increased funding under this Act upon development of project capabilities; and (2) a competition for completion of the COTS crewed vehicle demonstration project by the end of FY2011, or as soon thereafter as is practicable. Requires the Administrator to take certain measures in anticipation of retirement of the Space Shuttle fleet. Requires a report on a plan to support the operations of the International Space Station (ISS) beyond FY2015 for a period of not less than five years. Requires the Administrator to report a plan for continuing the activities described in the operation plan of the ISS National Laboratory submitted to Congress in May 2007 and a budget plan that reflects the anticipated use of such activities and the amount projected to be required for FY2010-FY2020 to accomplish the objectives of such activities. Requires establishment of an International Space Station Utilization Advisory Committee and development of an implementation plan for a structure for management of national laboratory research. Establishes in the Treasury an International Space Station Research Fund. Requires the planning and carrying out of an additional Shuttle mission for the scientific utilization of the U.S. portion of the ISS as a National Laboratory by the delivery of launch-ready scientific payloads, such as the alpha magnetic spectrometer, as soon as the assembly of the ISS is completed. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning use of the Space Life Sciences Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center as an asset in ISS National Laboratory capability. Reaffirms support for well-balanced scientific research support by NASA and for nanotechnology research and development and application. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning emphasis on fundamental and basic research and the transition to application development and concerning use by NASA's nanotechnology policy for ongoing research and development in green nanoscience and nanomanufacturing. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning aeronautics research and the impact of sonic booms. Requires research initiatives on certain environmental goals, the fundamental aeronautics research program, sonic booms, aviation safety, and climate change. Requires research and development activities performed by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate with the primary objective of assisting in the development of a flight project in another Mission Directorate of the Agency to be funded by the Mission Directorate seeking assistance. Requires the Administrator to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish one or more Centers for Research on Aviation Training under cooperative agreements with appropriate NASA Centers. Revises NASA enhanced-use lease policies. Requires establishment of an interagency commission to study the establishment of a space launch range and facilities dedicated to commercial space missions. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning appointment by the President of members to the National Space Council in accordance with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989. Requires the Administrator to review and report on NASA suborbital mission capabilities. Requires the Administrator to initiate discussions with appropriate representatives of other space-faring countries to determine an appropriate framework under which information intended to promote safe access into outer space, operations in outer space, and return from outer space to Earth free from physical or radio-frequency interference can be shared. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to study the impact of current export control policies and implementation directives on national security, the U.S. aerospace industry, and the ability of federal agencies to carry out cooperative activities in science and technology and human space flight, including the impact on research carried out under the sponsorship of such agencies. States policies concerning the detection of near-Earth objects and responses to threats posed by them. Requires development of a plan for utilizing the International Space Station in support of educational activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Requires establishment as a goal the funding of sounding-rockets, high-altitude balloon, suborbital flight, and small satellite payload opportunities directly linked to programs that provide significant hands-on training, learning, and research opportunities for students and instructors in higher education. Requires continuance of a program of unmanned aerial vehicle development and applications. Specifies funding for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. Requires establishment of an Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation. Requires an inventory of natural methane stocks and fluxes in the Polar Region of the United States. Prohibits NASA from initiating or implementing a reduction-in-force of permanent, non-Senior Executive Service, civil servant employees. Limits the number of term positions. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning the dilution, distortion, suppression, or impeding of research or its dissemination and requires a Comptroller General study of such releases.

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4 official files

• Placed on Calendar Senate (text)

  Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 16 July 2008

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• Placed on Calendar Senate (PDF)

  Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 16 July 2008

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• Reported to Senate without amendment

  summary · EN · 16 July 2008

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• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 16 July 2008

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