NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026

Summary

NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 the programs and activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The bill also directs NASA to continue planning for the eventual deorbit of the International Space Station (ISS) and to continue lunar and Mars exploration missions. Specifically, the bill requires NASA to submit to Congress a strategy for research and operations in low-Earth orbit. ( Low-Earth orbit generally encompasses an altitude of up to 2,000 kilometers.) With respect to the ISS, which sits in low-Earth orbit, NASA must generally maintain a flight cadence necessary to support productive use of the station through its operational lifetime. The bill provides statutory authority for NASA's acquisition of ISS deorbit capabilities from a commercial entity and specifies that NASA must not, to the greatest extent practicable, reduce or deprioritize ISS activities. (In 2024, NASA contracted with SpaceX for the development of an ISS deorbit vehicle.) Further, NASA must report on the risk to science and technology research posed by lack of access to a low-Earth orbit platform (i.e., after retirement of the ISS). NASA may continue to enter into agreements with U.S. commercial entities for the development of one or more private, low-Earth orbit platforms. Separately, the bill directs NASA to continue efforts to support crewed lunar landings and Mars explorations, including through partnerships with the private sector (i.e., the Moon to Mars and Artemis programs). Finally, NASA must continue researching advanced air mobility, unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones), and hypersonic technologies.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.

House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology · U.S. House of Representatives

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Cosponsors

Related bills

• H.R. 390ACERO ActRelated bill
• H.R. 2313Celestial Time Standardization ActRelated bill
• H.R. 2600ASCEND ActRelated bill
• H.R. 5122NASA Talent Exchange Program ActRelated bill
• H.R. 6638To require a report on merits and options for establishing an institute relating to space resources, and for other purposes.Related bill

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. Feb 4, 2026

   Committee vote

   Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

2. Feb 4, 2026

   Committee vote

   Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

3. Feb 4, 2026

   Committee vote

   Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

4. Feb 4, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 37 - 0.

5. Feb 4, 2026

   Introduced

   Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 37 - 0.

   U.S. House

Read the record

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