National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 1986

Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, 1986 - Title I: NASA Authorization - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for specified activities relating to: (1) research and development; (2) space flight, control and data communications; (3) construction of facilities; and (4) research and program management. Permits appropriations for research and development and for space flight, control, and data communications to be used for any items of a capital nature (other than acquisition of land) which may be required at locations other than NASA installations for the performance of research and development contracts, and for grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Requires the Administrator of NASA (the Administrator) to notify specified congressional officers and committees whenever the cost of a facility exceeds a specified amount. Permits funds appropriated for research and development, for space flight, control and data communications, or for construction of facilities to remain available without fiscal year limitation. Permits appropriations for research and program management to be used for scientific contributions or extraordinary expenses upon the approval of the Administrator. Permits the funds for construction of any of specified facilities: (1) in the discretion of the Administrator, to be varied upward ten percent; or (2) following a report by the Administrator to specified congressional committees, to be varied upward 25 percent to meet unusual cost variations. Permits one-half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development or for space flight, control, and data communications to be transferred to the appropriation for construction of facilities. Authorizes the expenditure of such transferred funds, together with a specified amount of the funds appropriated for construction of facilities, to construct, expand, or modify laboratories and other installations. Requires the Administrator, 30 days before expending such funds, to notify specified congressional officers and committees of the nature, cost and necessity of such construction. Prohibits, until 30 days pass after congressional receipt of a full explanation by the Administrator, the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for any program: (1) deleted by the Congress; (2) in excess of the amount actually authorized for the particular program under provisions for research and development, space flight, control and data communications, and research and program management; or (3) which has not been presented to either of the specified congressional committees. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that it is in the national interest that consideration be given to geographical distribution of Federal research funds whenever feasible, and that NASA should explore ways of doing so. Authorizes the Inspector General of NASA to administer to or take from any person an oath, affirmation, or affidavit whenever necessary in performing functions assigned by the Inspector General Act of 1978, and to designate investigators or other employees to do so. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to provide that any invention made or used in outer space, after the effective date of this Act, on a space vehicle under U.S. jurisdiction or control shall be considered made or used in the United States for purposes of Federal law relating to patents and inventions. Provides that the authorization for the space shuttle includes provision for: (1) production of a fleet of four space shuttle orbiters, including structural and component spares; and (2) production readiness for a fifth orbiter vehicle. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, 1985 to extend by six months the deadline for submission, to the President and specified congressional committees by the National Commission on Space, of a long range plan for U.S. civilian space activity. Directs the Administrator, within 90 days of the enactment of this Act, to: (1) review recommendations of the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control; and (2) submit a report to specified congressional officers and committees on the implementation status of each of such recommendations which affect NASA and are within the Administrator's authority and control. Directs the Administrator to initiate an immediate feasibility study and such planning efforts as may be necessary to ensure a timely flight opportunity for a physically disabled American. Title II: Shuttle Pricing Policy for Commercial and Foreign Users - Directs the Administrator to charge each commercial or foreign user of the Space Transportation System (STS), as reimbursement, a pro rata portion of an amount equal to the sum of the average additive cost of a flight, plus a capital recovery charge for a flight. Provides that such amount shall not exceed the average operating cost of a dedicated commercial flight of STS. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce such charge for any such user (but not below that user's pro rata portion of the average additive cost of a flight) as necessary to achieve: (1) preservation of U.S. leadership in space research, technology, and development; (2) efficient use of STS; (3) a long-range great increase in commercial space activities; and (4) enhancement of the U.S. position in international competition in providing space transportation services and capabilities. Directs the Administrator, for purposes of this title, to assume 24 flights per year of STS. Authorizes the Administrator to set a lower charge or provide no-cost flights for any such user who is involved in research and development programs with NASA. Provides that this title shall apply to STS flights during FY 1989 through 1991. Title III: Office of Commercial Space Transportation - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 to the Secretary of Transportation to carry out such Act (which provides for licensing and liability insurance requirements for commercial space launches).

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Documents

7 official files

• Public Law (PDF)

  Public Law · EN · 6 December 1985

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• Conference report filed in House

  summary · EN · 19 November 1985

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• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 27 June 1985

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• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 24 June 1985

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• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 3 April 1985

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• Reported to House with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 28 March 1985

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• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 26 March 1985

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