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Public Law No: 115-10 (03/21/2017)

[115th Congress Public Law 10] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [[Page 17]] NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION TRANSITION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017 [[Page 131 STAT. 18]] Public Law 115-10 115th Congress An Act To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes. <<NOTE: Mar. 21, 2017 - [S. 442]>> Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017. 51 USC 10101 note.>> SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS Sec. 101. Fiscal year 2017. TITLE II--SUSTAINING NATIONAL SPACE COMMITMENTS Sec. 201. Sense of Congress on sustaining national space commitments. Sec. 202. Findings. TITLE III--MAXIMIZING UTILIZATION OF THE ISS AND LOW-EARTH ORBIT Sec. 301. Operation of the ISS. Sec. 302. Transportation to ISS. Sec. 303. ISS transition plan. Sec. 304. Space communications. Sec. 305. Indemnification; NASA launch services and reentry services. TITLE IV--ADVANCING HUMAN DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION Subtitle A--Human Space Flight and Exploration Goals and Objectives Sec. 411. Human space flight and exploration long-term goals. Sec. 412. Key objectives. Sec. 413. Vision for space exploration. Sec. 414. Stepping stone approach to exploration. Sec. 415. Update of exploration plan and programs. Sec. 416. Repeals. Sec. 417. Assured access to space. Subtitle B--Assuring Core Capabilities for Exploration Sec. 421. Space Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems. Subtitle C--Journey to Mars Sec. 431. Findings on human space exploration. Sec. 432. Human exploration roadmap. Sec. 433. Advanced space suit capability. Sec. 434. Asteroid robotic redirect mission. Sec. 435. Mars 2033 report. Subtitle D--TREAT Astronauts Act Sec. 441. Short title. [[Page 131 STAT. 19]] Sec. 442. Findings; sense of Congress. Sec. 443. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space flight. TITLE V--ADVANCING SPACE SCIENCE Sec. 501. Maintaining a balanced space science portfolio. Sec. 502. Planetary science. Sec. 503. James Webb Space Telescope. Sec. 504. Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope. Sec. 505. Mars 2020 rover. Sec. 506. Europa. Sec. 507. Congressional declaration of policy and purpose. Sec. 508. Extrasolar planet exploration strategy. Sec. 509. Astrobiology strategy. Sec. 510. Astrobiology public-private partnerships. Sec. 511. Near-Earth objects. Sec. 512. Near-Earth objects public-private partnerships. Sec. 513. Assessment of science mission extensions. Sec. 514. Stratospheric observatory for infrared astronomy. Sec. 515. Radioisotope power systems. Sec. 516. Assessment of Mars architecture. Sec. 517. Collaboration. TITLE VI--AERONAUTICS Sec. 601. Sense of Congress on aeronautics. Sec. 602. Transformative aeronautics research. Sec. 603. Hypersonic research. Sec. 604. Supersonic research. Sec. 605. Rotorcraft research. TITLE VII--SPACE TECHNOLOGY Sec. 701. Space technology infusion. Sec. 702. Space technology program. TITLE VIII--MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY Subtitle A--Agency Information Technology and Cybersecurity Sec. 811. Information technology governance. Sec. 812. Information technology strategic plan. Sec. 813. Cybersecurity. Sec. 814. Security management of foreign national access. Sec. 815. Cybersecurity of web applications. Subtitle B--Collaboration Among Mission Directorates and Other Matters Sec. 821. Collaboration among mission directorates. Sec. 822. NASA launch capabilities collaboration. Sec. 823. Detection and avoidance of counterfeit parts. Sec. 824. Education and outreach. Sec. 825. Leveraging commercial satellite servicing capabilities across mission directorates. Sec. 826. Flight opportunities. Sec. 827. Sense of Congress on small class launch missions. Sec. 828. Baseline and cost controls. Sec. 829. Commercial technology transfer program. Sec. 830. Avoiding organizational conflicts of interest in major administration acquisition programs. Sec. 831. Protection of Apollo landing sites. Sec. 832. NASA lease of non-excess property. Sec. 833. Termination liability. Sec. 834. Independent reviews. Sec. 835. NASA Advisory Council. Sec. 836. Cost estimation. Sec. 837. Facilities and infrastructure. Sec. 838. Human space flight accident investigations. Sec. 839. Orbital debris. Sec. 840. Review of orbital debris removal concepts. Sec. 841. Space Act Agreements. SEC. 2. <<NOTE: 51 USC 10101 note.>> DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. [[Page 131 STAT. 20]] (2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (3) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means-- (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives. (4) Cis-lunar space.--The term ``cis-lunar space'' means the region of space from the Earth out to and including the region around the surface of the Moon. (5) Deep space.--The term ``deep space'' means the region of space beyond low-Earth orbit, to include cis-lunar space. (6) Government astronaut.--The term ``government astronaut'' has the meaning given the term in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code. (7) ISS.--The term ``ISS'' means the International Space Station. (8) ISS management entity.--The term ``ISS management entity'' means the organization with which the Administrator has a cooperative agreement under section 504(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(a)). (9) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (10) Orion.--The term ``Orion'' means the multipurpose crew vehicle described under section 303 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323). (11) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18302). (12) United states government astronaut.--The term ``United States government astronaut'' has the meaning given the term ``government astronaut'' in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code, except it does not include an individual who is an international partner astronaut. TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS SEC. 101. FISCAL YEAR 2017. There are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for fiscal year 2017, $19,508,000,000, as follows: (1) For Exploration, $4,330,000,000. (2) For Space Operations, $5,023,000,000. (3) For Science, $5,500,000,000. (4) For Aeronautics, $640,000,000. (5) For Space Technology, $686,000,000. (6) For Education, $115,000,000. (7) For Safety, Security, and Mission Services, $2,788,600,000. (8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration, $388,000,000. [[Page 131 STAT. 21]] (9) For Inspector General, $37,400,000. TITLE II--SUSTAINING NATIONAL SPACE COMMITMENTS SEC. 201. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SUSTAINING NATIONAL SPACE COMMITMENTS. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) honoring current national space commitments and building upon investments in space across successive Administrations demonstrates clear continuity of purpose by the United States, in collaboration with its international, academic, and industry partners, to extend humanity's reach into deep space, including cis-lunar space, the Moon, the surface and moons of Mars, and beyond; (2) NASA leaders can best leverage investments in the United States space program by continuing to develop a balanced portfolio for space exploration and space science, including continued development of the Space Launch System, Orion, Commercial Crew Program, space and planetary science missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope, Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope, and Europa mission, and ongoing operations of the ISS and Commercial Resupply Services Program; (3) a national, government-led space program that builds on current science and exploration programs, advances human knowledge and capabilities, and opens the frontier beyond Earth for ourselves, commercial enterprise, and science, and with our international partners, is of critical importance to our national destiny and to a future guided by United States values and freedoms; (4) continuity of purpose and effective execution of core NASA programs are essential for efficient use of resources in pursuit of timely and tangible accomplishments; (5) NASA could improve its efficiency and effectiveness by working with industry to streamline existing programs and requirements, procurement practices, institutional footprint, and bureaucracy while preserving effective program oversight, accountability, and safety; (6) it is imperative that the United States maintain and enhance its leadership in space exploration and space science, and continue to expand freedom and economic opportunities in space for all Americans that are consistent with the Constitution of the United States; and (7) NASA should be a multi-mission space agency, and should have a balanced and robust set of core missions in space science, space technology, aeronautics, human space flight and exploration, and education. SEC. 202. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Returns on the Nation's investments in science, technology, and exploration accrue over decades-long timeframes, and a disruption of such investments could prevent returns from being fully realized. [[Page 131 STAT. 22]] (2) Past challenges to the continuity of such investments, particularly threats regarding the cancellation of authorized programs with bipartisan and bicameral support, have disrupted completion of major space systems thereby-- (A) impeding planning and pursuit of national objectives in space science and human space exploration; (B) placing such investments in space science and space exploration at risk; and (C) degrading the aerospace industrial base. (3) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155; 119 Stat. 2895), National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-422; 122 Stat. 4779), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18301 et seq.) reflect a broad, bipartisan agreement on the path forward for NASA's core missions in science, space technology, aeronautics, human space flight and exploration, and education, that serves as the foundation for the policy updates by this Act. (4) Sufficient investment and maximum utilization of the ISS and ISS National Laboratory with our international and industry partners is-- (A) consistent with the goals and objectives of the United States space program; and (B) imperative to continuing United States global leadership in human space exploration, science, research, technology development, and education opportunities that contribute to development of the next generation of American scientists, engineers, and leaders, and to creating the opportunity for economic development of low-Earth orbit. (5) NASA has made measurable progress in the development and testing of the Space Launch System and Orion exploration systems with the near-term objectives of the initial integrated test flight and launch in 2018, a human mission in 2021, and continued missions with an annual cadence in cis-lunar space and eventually to the surface of Mars. (6) The Commercial Crew Program has made measurable progress toward reestablishing the capability to launch United States government astronauts from United States soil into low-Earth orbit by the end of 2018. (7) The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, in its 2015 Annual Report, urged continuity of purpose noting concerns over the potential for cost overruns and schedule slips that could accompany significant changes to core NASA programs. TITLE III--MAXIMIZING UTILIZATION OF THE ISS AND LOW-EARTH ORBIT SEC. 301. <<NOTE: 51 USC 50111 note.>> OPERATION OF THE ISS. (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) after 15 years of continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit, the ISS continues to overcome challenges and operate safely; (2) the ISS is a unique testbed for future space exploration systems development, including long-duration space travel; [[Page 131 STAT. 23]] (3) the expansion of partnerships, scientific research, and commercial applications of the ISS is essential to ensuring the greatest return on investments made by the United States and its international space partners in the development, assembly, and operations of that unique facility; (4) utilization of the ISS will sustain United States leadership and progress in human space exploration by-- (A) facilitating the commercialization and economic development of low-Earth orbit; (B) serving as a testbed for technologies and a platform for scientific research and development; and (C) serving as an orbital facility enabling research upon-- (i) the health, well-being, and performance of humans in space; and (ii) the development of in-space systems enabling human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit; and (5) the ISS provides a platform for fundamental, microgravity, discovery-based space life and physical sciences research that is critical for enabling space exploration, protecting humans in space, increasing pathways for commercial space development that depend on advances in basic research, and contributes to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research. (b) Objectives.--The primary objectives of the ISS program shall be-- (1) to achieve the long term goal and objectives under section 202 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312); and (2) to pursue a research program that advances knowledge and provides other benefits to the Nation. (c) Continuation of the ISS.--Section 501 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18351) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 501. CONTINUATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. ``(a) Policy of the United States.--It shall be the policy of the United States, in consultation with its international partners in the ISS program, to support full and complete utilization of the ISS through at least 2024. ``(b) NASA Action.--In furtherance of the policy set forth in subsection (a), NASA shall-- ``(1) pursue international, commercial, and intragovernmental means to maximize ISS logistics supply, maintenance, and operational capabilities, reduce risks to ISS systems sustainability, and offset and minimize United States operations costs relating to the ISS; ``(2) utilize, to the extent practicable, the ISS for the development of capabilities and technologies needed for the future of human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit; and ``(3) utilize, if practical and cost effective, the ISS for Science Mission Directorate missions in low-Earth orbit.''. SEC. 302. <<NOTE: 51 USC 50111 note.>> TRANSPORTATION TO ISS. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that reliance on foreign carriers for United States crew transfer is unacceptable, and the Nation's human space flight program must acquire the capability to launch [[Page 131 STAT. 24]] United States government astronauts on vehicles using United States rockets from United States soil as soon as is safe, reliable, and affordable to do so. (b) Sense of Congress on Commercial Crew Program and Commercial Resupply Services Program.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) once developed and certified to meet the Administration's safety and reliability requirements, United States commercially provided crew transportation systems can serve as the primary means of transporting United States government astronauts and international partner astronauts to and from the ISS and serving as ISS crew rescue vehicles; (2) previous budgetary assumptions used by the Administration in its planning for the Commercial Crew Program assumed significantly higher funding levels than were authorized and appropriated by Congress; (3) credibility in the Administration's budgetary estimates for the Commercial Crew Program can be enhanced by an independently developed cost estimate; (4) such credibility in budgetary estimates is an important factor in understanding program risk; (5) United States access to low-Earth orbit is paramount to the continued success of the ISS and ISS National Laboratory; (6) a stable and successful Commercial Resupply Services Program and Commercial Crew Program are critical to ensuring timely provisioning of the ISS and to reestablishing the capability to launch United States government astronauts from United States soil into orbit, ending reliance upon Russian transport of United States government astronauts to the ISS which has not been possible since the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011; (7) NASA should build upon the success of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program and Commercial Resupply Services Program that have allowed private sector companies to partner with NASA to deliver cargo and scientific experiments to the ISS since 2012; (8) the 21st Century Launch Complex Program has enabled significant modernization and infrastructure improvements at launch sites across the United States to support NASA's Commercial Resupply Services Program and other civil and commercial space flight missions; and (9) the 21st Century Launch Complex Program should be continued in a manner that leverages State and private investments to achieve the goals of that program. (c) Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms-- (1) its commitment to the use of a commercially developed, private sector launch and delivery system to the ISS for crew missions as expressed in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155; 119 Stat. 2895), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-422; 122 Stat. 4779), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18301 et seq.); and (2) the requirement under section 50111(b)(1)(A) of title 51, United States Code, that the Administration shall make [[Page 131 STAT. 25]] use of United States commercially provided ISS crew transfer and crew rescue services to the maximum extent practicable. (d) Use of Non-United States Human Space Flight Transportation Capabilities.--Section 201(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18311(a)) is amended to read as follows: ``(a) Use of Non-United States Human Space Flight Transportation Services.-- ``(1) In general.--The Federal Government may not acquire human space flight transportation services from a foreign entity unless-- ``(A) no United States Government-operated human space flight capability is available; ``(B) no United States commercial provider is available; and ``(C) it is a qualified foreign entity. ``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection: ``(A) Commercial provider.--The term `commercial provider' means any person providing human space flight transportation services, primary control of which is held by persons other than the Federal Government, a State or local government, or a foreign government. ``(B) Qualified foreign entity.--The term `qualified foreign entity' means a foreign entity that is in compliance with all applicable safety standards and is not prohibited from providing space transportation services under other law. ``(C) United states commercial provider.--The term `United States commercial provider' means a commercial provider, organized under the laws of the United States or of a State, that is more than 50 percent owned by United States nationals. ``(3) Arrangements with foreign entities.--Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the Administrator from negotiating or entering into human space flight transportation arrangements with foreign entities to ensure safety of flight and continued ISS operations.''. (e) Commercial Crew Program.-- (1) Objective.--The objective of the Commercial Crew Program shall be to assist in the development and certification of commercially provided transportation that-- (A) can carry United States government astronauts safely, reliably, and affordably to and from the ISS; (B) can serve as a crew rescue vehicle; and (C) can accomplish subparagraphs (A) and (B) as soon as practicable. (2) Primary consideration.--The objective described in paragraph (1) shall be the primary consideration in the acquisition strategy for the Commercial Crew Program. (3) Safety.-- (A) In general.--The Administrator shall protect the safety of government astronauts by ensuring that each commercially provided transportation system under this subsection meets all applicable human rating requirements in accordance with section 403(b)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18342(b)(1)). [[Page 131 STAT. 26]] (B) Lessons learned.--Consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, the Administration shall ensure that safety and the minimization of the probability of loss of crew are the critical priorities of the Commercial Crew Program. (4) Cost minimization.--The Administrator shall strive through the competitive selection process to minimize the life cycle cost to the Administration through the planned period of commercially provided crew transportation services. (f) Commercial Cargo Program.--Section 401 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18341) is amended by striking ``Commercial Orbital Transportation Services'' and inserting ``Commercial Resupply Services''. (g) <<NOTE: Contracts.>> Competition.--It is the policy of the United States that, to foster the competitive development, operation, improvement, and commercial availability of space transportation services, and to minimize the life cycle cost to the Administration, the Administrator shall procure services for Federal Government access to and return from the ISS, whenever practicable, via fair and open competition for well-defined, milestone-based, Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contracts under section 201(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18311(a)). (h) Transparency.-- (1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that cost transparency and schedule transparency aid in effective program management and risk assessment. (2) In general.--The Administrator shall, to the greatest extent practicable and in a manner that does not add costs or schedule delays to the program, ensure all Commercial Crew Program and Commercial Resupply Services Program providers provide evidence-based support for their costs and schedules. (i) <<NOTE: Deadline. Reports. Contracts.>> ISS Cargo Resupply Services Lessons Learned.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that-- (1) identifies the lessons learned to date from previous and existing Commercial Resupply Services contracts; (2) indicates whether changes are needed to the manner in which the Administration procures and manages similar services prior to the issuance of future Commercial Resupply Services procurement opportunities; and (3) identifies any lessons learned from the Commercial Resupply Services contracts that should be applied to the procurement and management of commercially provided crew transfer services to and from the ISS or to other future procurements. SEC. 303. <<NOTE: 51 USC 50111 note.>> ISS TRANSITION PLAN. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) NASA has been both the primary supplier and consumer of human space flight capabilities and services of the ISS and in low-Earth orbit; and (2) according to the National Research Council report ``Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration'' extending ISS [[Page 131 STAT. 27]] beyond 2020 to 2024 or 2028 will have significant negative impacts on the schedule of crewed missions to Mars, without significant increases in funding. (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) an orderly transition for United States human space flight activities in low-Earth orbit from the current regime, that relies heavily on NASA sponsorship, to a regime where NASA is one of many customers of a low-Earth orbit commercial human space flight enterprise may be necessary; and (2) decisions about the long-term future of the ISS impact the ability to conduct future deep space exploration activities, and that such decisions regarding the ISS should be considered in the context of the human exploration roadmap under section 432 of this Act. (c) Reports.--Section 50111 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) ISS Transition Plan.-- ``(1) <<NOTE: Coordination.>> In general.--The Administrator, in coordination with the ISS management entity (as defined in section 2 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017), ISS partners, the scientific user community, and the commercial space sector, shall develop a plan to transition in a step-wise approach from the current regime that relies heavily on NASA sponsorship to a regime where NASA could be one of many customers of a low-Earth orbit non-governmental human space flight enterprise. ``(2) Reports.--Not later than December 1, 2017, and biennially thereafter until 2023, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report that includes-- ``(A) a description of the progress in achieving the Administration's deep space human exploration objectives on ISS and prospects for accomplishing future mission requirements, space exploration objectives, and other research objectives on future commercially supplied low- Earth orbit platforms or migration of those objectives to cis-lunar space; ``(B) the steps NASA is taking and will take, including demonstrations that could be conducted on the ISS, to stimulate and facilitate commercial demand and supply of products and services in low-Earth orbit; ``(C) an identification of barriers preventing the commercialization of low-Earth orbit, including issues relating to policy, regulations, commercial intellectual property, data, and confidentiality, that could inhibit the use of the ISS as a commercial incubator; ``(D) <<NOTE: Criteria.>> the criteria for defining the ISS as a research success; ``(E) <<NOTE: Criteria.>> the criteria used to determine whether the ISS is meeting the objective under section 301(b)(2) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017; ``(F) <<NOTE: Assessment.>> an assessment of whether the criteria under subparagraphs (D) and (E) are consistent with the research areas defined in, and recommendations and schedules under, the current National Academies of Sciences, [[Page 131 STAT. 28]] Engineering, and Medicine Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space; ``(G) any necessary contributions that ISS extension would make to enabling execution of the human exploration roadmap under section 432 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017; ``(H) <<NOTE: Cost estimate.>> the cost estimates for operating the ISS to achieve the criteria required under subparagraphs (D) and (E) and the contributions identified under subparagraph (G); ``(I) <<NOTE: Cost estimate.>> the cost estimates for extending operations of the ISS to 2024, 2028, and 2030; ``(J) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>> an evaluation of the feasible and preferred service life of the ISS beyond the period described in section 503 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18353), through at least 2028, as a unique scientific, commercial, and space exploration- related facility, including-- ``(i) a general discussion of international partner capabilities and prospects for extending the partnership; ``(ii) the cost associated with extending the service life; ``(iii) <<NOTE: Assessment.>> an assessment on the technical limiting factors of the service life of the ISS, including a list of critical components and their expected service life and availability; and ``(iv) such other information as may be necessary to fully describe the justification for and feasibility of extending the service life of the ISS, including the potential scientific or technological benefits to the Federal Government, public, or to academic or commercial entities; ``(K) <<NOTE: Cost estimate.>> an identification of the necessary actions and an estimate of the costs to deorbit the ISS once it has reached the end of its service life; ``(L) the impact on deep space exploration capabilities, including a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s, if the preferred service life of the ISS is extended beyond 2024 and NASA maintains a flat budget profile; and ``(M) <<NOTE: Evaluation. Determination.>> an evaluation of the functions, roles, and responsibilities for management and operation of the ISS and a determination of-- ``(i) those functions, roles, and responsibilities the Federal Government should retain during the lifecycle of the ISS; ``(ii) those functions, roles, and responsibilities that could be transferred to the commercial space sector; ``(iii) the metrics that would indicate the commercial space sector's readiness and ability to assume the functions, roles, and responsibilities described in clause (ii); and ``(iv) any necessary changes to any agreements or other documents and the law to enable the activities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B). ``(3) Demonstrations.--If additional Government crew, power, and transportation resources are available after meeting [[Page 131 STAT. 29]] the Administration's requirements for ISS activities defined in the human exploration roadmap and related research, demonstrations identified under paragraph (2) may-- ``(A) test the capabilities needed to meet future mission requirements, space exploration objectives, and other research objectives described in paragraph (2)(A); and ``(B) demonstrate or test capabilities, including commercial modules or deep space habitats, Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, orbital satellite assembly, exploration space suits, a node that enables a wide variety of activity, including multiple commercial modules and airlocks, additional docking or berthing ports for commercial crew and cargo, opportunities for the commercial space sector to cost share for transportation and other services on the ISS, other commercial activities, or services obtained through alternate acquisition approaches.''. SEC. 304. SPACE COMMUNICATIONS. (a) <<NOTE: Consultation. Time period.>> Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a plan, in consultation with relevant Federal agencies, to meet the Administration's projected space communication and navigation needs for low-Earth orbit and deep space operations in the 20-year period following the date of enactment of this Act. (b) <<NOTE: Cost estimates.>> Contents.--The plan shall include-- (1) the lifecycle cost estimates and a 5-year funding profile; (2) the performance capabilities required to meet the Administration's projected space communication and navigation needs; (3) the measures the Administration will take to sustain the existing space communications and navigation architecture; (4) an identification of the projected space communications and navigation network and infrastructure needs; (5) a description of the necessary upgrades to meet the needs identified in paragraph (4), including-- (A) an estimate of the cost of the upgrades; (B) a schedule for implementing the upgrades; and (C) <<NOTE: Assessment.>> an assessment of whether and how any related missions will be impacted if resources are not secured at the level needed; (6) the cost estimates for the maintenance of existing space communications network capabilities necessary to meet the needs identified in paragraph (4); (7) <<NOTE: Criteria.>> the criteria for prioritizing resources for the upgrades described in paragraph (5) and the maintenance described in paragraph (6); (8) an estimate of any reimbursement amounts the Administration may receive from other Federal agencies; (9) <<NOTE: Time period.>> an identification of the projected Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System needs in the 20-year period following the date of enactment of this Act, including in support of relevant Federal agencies, and cost and schedule estimates to maintain and upgrade the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System to meet the projected needs; (10) the measures the Administration is taking to meet space communications needs after all Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System third-generation communications satellites are operational; and [[Page 131 STAT. 30]] (11) the measures the Administration is taking to mitigate threats to electromagnetic spectrum use. (c) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Schedule.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit the plan to the appropriate committees of Congress. SEC. 305. INDEMNIFICATION; NASA LAUNCH SERVICES AND REENTRY SERVICES. (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 20148. <<NOTE: 51 USC 20148.>> Indemnification; NASA launch services and reentry services ``(a) <<NOTE: Regulations. Contracts.>> In General.--Under such regulations in conformity with this section as the Administrator shall prescribe taking into account the availability, cost, and terms of liability insurance, any contract between the Administration and a provider may provide that the United States will indemnify the provider against successful claims (including reasonable expenses of litigation or settlement) by third parties for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property resulting from launch services and reentry services carried out under the contract that the contract defines as unusually hazardous or nuclear in nature, but only to the extent the total amount of successful claims related to the activities under the contract-- ``(1) is more than the amount of insurance or demonstration of financial responsibility described in subsection (c)(3); and ``(2) is not more than the amount specified in section 50915(a)(1)(B). ``(b) <<NOTE: Contracts.>> Terms of Indemnification.--A contract made under subsection (a) that provides indemnification shall provide for-- ``(1) <<NOTE: Notice.>> notice to the United States of any claim or suit against the provider for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property; and ``(2) control of or assistance in the defense by the United States, at its election, of that claim or suit and approval of any settlement. ``(c) Liability Insurance of the Provider.-- ``(1) In general.--The provider under subsection (a) shall obtain liability insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility in amounts to compensate for the maximum probable loss from claims by-- ``(A) a third party for death, bodily injury, or property damage or loss resulting from a launch service or reentry service carried out under the contract; and ``(B) the United States Government for damage or loss to Government property resulting from a launch service or reentry service carried out under the contract. ``(2) Maximum probable losses.-- ``(A) <<NOTE: Determination. Deadline.>> In general.--The Administrator shall determine the maximum probable losses under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after the date that the provider requests such a determination and submits all information the Administrator requires. ``(B) Revisions.--The Administrator may revise a determination under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph if the Administrator determines the revision is warranted based on new information. [[Page 131 STAT. 31]] ``(3) Amount of insurance.--For the total claims related to one launch or reentry, a provider shall not be required to obtain insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility of more than-- ``(A)(i) $500,000,000 under paragraph (1)(A); or ``(ii) $100,000,000 under paragraph (1)(B); or ``(B) the maximum liability insurance available on the world market at reasonable cost. ``(4) Coverage.--An insurance policy or demonstration of financial responsibility under this subsection shall protect the following, to the extent of their potential liability for involvement in launch services or reentry services: ``(A) The Government. ``(B) Personnel of the Government. ``(C) Related entities of the Government. ``(D) Related entities of the provider. ``(E) Government astronauts. ``(d) No Indemnification Without Cross-waiver.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Administrator may not indemnify a provider under this section unless there is a cross-waiver between the Administration and the provider as described in subsection (e). ``(e) Cross-Waivers.-- ``(1) In general.--The Administrator, on behalf of the United States and its departments, agencies, and instrumentalities, shall reciprocally waive claims with a provider under which each party to the waiver agrees to be responsible, and agrees to ensure that its related entities are responsible, for damage or loss to its property, or for losses resulting from any injury or death sustained by its employees or agents, as a result of activities arising out of the performance of the contract. ``(2) Limitation.--The waiver made by the Government under paragraph (1) shall apply only to the extent that the claims are more than the amount of insurance or demonstration of financial responsibility required under subsection (c)(1)(B). ``(f) Willful Misconduct.--Indemnification under subsection (a) may exclude claims resulting from the willful misconduct of the provider or its related entities. ``(g) Certification of Just and Reasonable Amount.--No payment may be made under subsection (a) unless the Administrator or the Administrator's designee certifies that the amount is just and reasonable. ``(h) Payments.-- ``(1) In general.--Upon the approval by the Administrator, payments under subsection (a) may be made from funds appropriated for such payments. ``(2) Limitation.--The Administrator shall not approve payments under paragraph (1), except to the extent provided in an appropriation law or to the extent additional legislative authority is enacted providing for such payments. ``(3) Additional appropriations.--If the Administrator requests additional appropriations to make payments under this subsection, then the request for those appropriations shall be made in accordance with the procedures established under section 50915. ``(i) Rules of Construction.-- [[Page 131 STAT. 32]] ``(1) In general.--The authority to indemnify under this section shall not create any rights in third persons that would not otherwise exist by law. ``(2) Other authority.--Nothing in this section may be construed as prohibiting the Administrator from indemnifying a provider or any other NASA contractor under other law, including under Public Law 85-804 (50 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.). ``(3) Anti-deficiency act.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section-- ``(A) all obligations under this section are subject to the availability of funds; and ``(B) nothing in this section may be construed to require obligation or payment of funds in violation of sections 1341, 1342, 1349 through 1351, and 1511 through 1519 of title 31, United States Code (commonly referred to as the `Anti-Deficiency Act'). ``(j) Relationship to Other Laws.--The Administrator may not provide indemnification under this section for an activity that requires a license or permit under chapter 509. ``(k) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Government astronaut.--The term `government astronaut' has the meaning given the term in section 50902. ``(2) Launch services.--The term `launch services' has the meaning given the term in section 50902. ``(3) Provider.--The term `provider' means a person that provides domestic launch services or domestic reentry services to the Government. ``(4) Reentry services.--The term `reentry services' has the meaning given the term in section 50902. ``(5) Related entity.--The term `related entity' means a contractor or subcontractor. ``(6) Third party.--The term `third party' means a person except-- ``(A) the United States Government; ``(B) related entities of the Government involved in launch services or reentry services; ``(C) a provider; ``(D) related entities of the provider involved in launch services or reentry services; or ``(E) a government astronaut.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, <<NOTE: 51 USC 20101 prec.>> United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 20147 the following: ``20148. Indemnification; NASA launch services and reentry services.''. [[Page 131 STAT. 33]] TITLE IV--ADVANCING HUMAN DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION Subtitle A--Human Space Flight and Exploration Goals and Objectives SEC. 411. HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT AND EXPLORATION LONG-TERM GOALS. Section 202(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(a)) is amended to read as follows: ``(a) Long-term Goals.--The long-term goals of the human space flight and exploration efforts of NASA shall be-- ``(1) to expand permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and to do so, where practical, in a manner involving international, academic, and industry partners; ``(2) crewed missions and progress toward achieving the goal in paragraph (1) to enable the potential for subsequent human exploration and the extension of human presence throughout the solar system; and ``(3) to enable a capability to extend human presence, including potential human habitation on another celestial body and a thriving space economy in the 21st Century.''. SEC. 412. KEY OBJECTIVES. Section 202(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(b)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) to achieve human exploration of Mars and beyond through the prioritization of those technologies and capabilities best suited for such a mission in accordance with the stepping stone approach to exploration under section 70504 of title 51, United States Code.''. SEC. 413. VISION FOR SPACE EXPLORATION. Section 20302 of title 51, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``in cis-lunar space or'' after ``sustained human presence''; (2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows: ``(b) Future Exploration of Mars.--The Administrator shall manage human space flight programs, including the Space Launch System and Orion, to enable humans to explore Mars and other destinations by defining a series of sustainable steps and conducting mission planning, research, and technology development on a timetable that is technically and fiscally possible, consistent with section 70504.''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Orion.--The term `Orion' means the multipurpose crew vehicle described under section 303 of the National Aeronautics [[Page 131 STAT. 34]] and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323). ``(2) Space launch system.--The term `Space Launch System' means has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18302).''. SEC. 414. STEPPING STONE APPROACH TO EXPLORATION. Section 70504 of title 51, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 70504. Stepping stone approach to exploration ``(a) In General.--The Administration-- ``(1) may conduct missions to intermediate destinations in sustainable steps in accordance with section 20302(b) of this title, and on a timetable determined by the availability of funding, in order to achieve the objective of human exploration of Mars specified in section 202(b)(5) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(b)(5)); and ``(2) shall incorporate any such missions into the human exploration roadmap under section 432 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017. ``(b) Cost-effectiveness.--In order to maximize the cost- effectiveness of the long-term space exploration and utilization activities of the United States, the Administrator shall take all necessary steps, including engaging international, academic, and industry partners, to ensure that activities in the Administration's human space exploration program balance how those activities might also help meet the requirements of future exploration and utilization activities leading to human habitation on the surface of Mars. ``(c) Completion.--Within budgetary considerations, once an exploration-related project enters its development phase, the Administrator shall seek, to the maximum extent practicable, to complete that project without undue delays. ``(d) International Participation.--In order to achieve the goal of successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface of Mars, the President may invite the United States partners in the ISS program and other nations, as appropriate, to participate in an international initiative under the leadership of the United States.''. SEC. 415. UPDATE OF EXPLORATION PLAN AND PROGRAMS. Section 70502(2) of title 51, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) implement an exploration research and technology development program to enable human and robotic operations consistent with section 20302(b) of this title;''. SEC. 416. REPEALS. (a) Space Shuttle Capability Assurance.--Section 203 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18313) is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (b); (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``subsection (c)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)''; and [[Page 131 STAT. 35]] (3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (b) and (c), respectively. (b) Shuttle Pricing Policy for Commercial and Foreign Users.-- Chapter 703 of title 51, United States Code, and the item relating to that chapter in the table of chapters for that title, are repealed. (c) Shuttle Privatization.--Section 50133 of title 51, United States Code, and the item relating to that section in the table of sections for chapter 501 <<NOTE: 51 USC 50101 prec.>> of that title, are repealed. SEC. 417. ASSURED ACCESS TO SPACE. Section 70501 of title 51, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: ``(a) Policy Statement.--In order to ensure continuous United States participation and leadership in the exploration and utilization of space and as an essential instrument of national security, it is the policy of the United States to maintain an uninterrupted capability for human space flight and operations-- ``(1) in low-Earth orbit; and ``(2) beyond low-Earth orbit once the capabilities described in section 421(f) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 become available.''; and (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate describing the progress being made toward developing the Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Crew Launch Vehicle'' and inserting ``Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives describing the progress being made toward developing the Space Launch System and Orion''. Subtitle B--Assuring Core Capabilities for Exploration SEC. 421. <<NOTE: 51 USC 20301 note.>> SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM, ORION, AND EXPLORATION GROUND SYSTEMS. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) NASA has made steady progress in developing and testing the Space Launch System and Orion exploration systems with the successful Exploration Flight Test of Orion in December of 2014, the final qualification test firing of the 5-segment Space Launch System boosters in June 2016, and a full thrust, full duration test firing of the RS-25 Space Launch System core stage engine in August 2016. (2) Through the 21st Century Launch Complex program and Exploration Ground Systems programs, NASA has made significant progress in transforming exploration ground systems infrastructure to meet NASA's mission requirements for the Space Launch System and Orion and to modernize NASA's launch complexes to the benefit of the civil, defense, and commercial space sectors. (b) Space Launch System.-- [[Page 131 STAT. 36]] (1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that use of the Space Launch System and Orion, with contributions from partnerships with the private sector, academia, and the international community, is the most practical approach to reaching the Moon, Mars, and beyond. (2) Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms the policy and minimum capability requirements for the Space Launch System under section 302 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322). (c) Sense of Congress on Space Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) as the United States works to send humans on a series of missions to Mars in the 2030s, the United States national space program should continue to make progress on its commitment by fully developing the Space Launch System, Orion, and related Exploration Ground Systems; (2) using the Space Launch System and Orion for a wide range of contemplated missions will facilitate the national defense, science, and exploration objectives of the United States; (3) the United States should have continuity of purpose for the Space Launch System and Orion in deep space exploration missions, using them beginning with the uncrewed mission, EM-1, planned for 2018, followed by the crewed mission, EM-2, in cis- lunar space planned for 2021, and for subsequent missions beginning with EM-3 extending into cis-lunar space and eventually to Mars; (4) the President's annual budget requests for the Space Launch System and Orion development, test, and operational phases should strive to accurately reflect the resource requirements of each of those phases; (5) the fully integrated Space Launch System, including an upper stage needed to go beyond low-Earth orbit, will safely enable human space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond; and (6) the Administrator should budget for and undertake a robust ground test and uncrewed and crewed flight test and demonstration program for the Space Launch System and Orion in order to promote safety and reduce programmatic risk. (d) In General.--The Administrator shall continue the development of the fully integrated Space Launch System, including an upper stage needed to go beyond low-Earth orbit, in order to safely enable human space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond over the course of the next century as required in section 302(c) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)). (e) Report.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report addressing the ability of Orion to meet the needs and the minimum capability requirements described in section 303(b)(3) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)). (2) Contents.--The report shall detail-- [[Page 131 STAT. 37]] (A) those components and systems of Orion that ensure it is in compliance with section 303(b)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)); (B) the expected date that Orion, integrated with a vehicle other than the Space Launch System, could be available to transport crew and cargo to the ISS; (C) any impacts to the deep space exploration missions under subsection (f) of this section due to enabling Orion to meet the minimum capability requirements described in section 303(b)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)) and conducting the mission described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph; and (D) the overall cost and schedule impacts associated with enabling Orion to meet the minimum capability requirements described in section 303(b)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)) and conducting the mission described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. (f) Exploration Missions.--The Administrator shall continue development of-- (1) an uncrewed exploration mission to demonstrate the capability of both the Space Launch System and Orion as an integrated system by 2018; (2) subject to applicable human rating processes and requirements, a crewed exploration mission to demonstrate the Space Launch System, including the Core Stage and Exploration Upper Stages, by 2021; (3) subsequent missions beginning with EM-3 at operational flight rate sufficient to maintain safety and operational readiness using the Space Launch System and Orion to extend into cis-lunar space and eventually to Mars; and (4) a deep space habitat as a key element in a deep space exploration architecture along with the Space Launch System and Orion. (g) <<NOTE: Assessment.>> Other Uses.--The Administrator shall assess the utility of the Space Launch System for use by the science community and for other Federal Government launch needs, including consideration of overall cost and schedule savings from reduced transit times and increased science returns enabled by the unique capabilities of the Space Launch System. (h) Utilization Report.-- (1) <<NOTE: Consultation.>> In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, shall prepare a report that addresses the effort and budget required to enable and utilize a cargo variant of the 130-ton Space Launch System configuration described in section 302(c) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)). (2) Contents.--In preparing the report, the Administrator shall-- (A) consider the technical requirements of the scientific and national security communities related to a cargo variant of the Space Launch System; and (B) <<NOTE: Assessment.>> directly assess the utility and estimated cost savings obtained by using a cargo variant of the Space Launch System for national security and space science missions. [[Page 131 STAT. 38]] (3) Submission to congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of Congress. Subtitle C--Journey to Mars SEC. 431. <<NOTE: 51 USC 20302 note.>> FINDINGS ON HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION. Congress makes the following findings: (1) In accordance with section 204 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (124 Stat. 2813), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, through its Committee on Human Spaceflight, conducted a review of the goals, core capabilities, and direction of human space flight, and published the findings and recommendations in a 2014 report entitled, ``Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration''. (2) The Committee on Human Spaceflight included leaders from the aerospace, scientific, security, and policy communities. (3) With input from the public, the Committee on Human Spaceflight concluded that many practical and aspirational rationales for human space flight together constitute a compelling case for continued national investment and pursuit of human space exploration toward the horizon goal of Mars. (4) According to the Committee on Human Spaceflight, the rationales include economic benefits, national security, national prestige, inspiring students and other citizens, scientific discovery, human survival, and a sense of shared destiny. (5) The Committee on Human Spaceflight affirmed that Mars is the appropriate long-term goal for the human space flight program. (6) The Committee on Human Spaceflight recommended that NASA define a series of sustainable steps and conduct mission planning and technology development as needed to achieve the long-term goal of placing humans on the surface of Mars. (7) Expanding human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and advancing toward human missions to Mars requires early planning and timely decisions to be made in the near-term on the necessary courses of action for commitments to achieve short- term and long-term goals and objectives. (8) In addition to the 2014 report described in paragraph (1), there are several independently developed reports or concepts that describe potential Mars architectures or concepts and identify Mars as the long-term goal for human space exploration, including NASA's ``The Global Exploration Roadmap'' of 2013, ``NASA's Journey to Mars-Pioneering Next Steps in Space Exploration'' of 2015, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's ``Minimal Architecture for Human Journeys to Mars'' of 2015, and Explore Mars' ``The Humans to Mars Report 2016''. SEC. 432. <<NOTE: 51 USC 20302 note.>> HUMAN EXPLORATION ROADMAP. (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) expanding human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and advancing toward human missions to Mars in the 2030s [[Page 131 STAT. 39]] requires early strategic planning and timely decisions to be made in the near-term on the necessary courses of action for commitments to achieve short-term and long-term goals and objectives; (2) for strong and sustained United States leadership, a need exists to advance a human exploration roadmap, addressing exploration objectives in collaboration with international, academic, and industry partners; (3) an approach that incrementally advances toward a long- term goal is one in which nearer-term developments and implementation would influence future development and implementation; and (4) a human exploration roadmap should begin with low-Earth orbit, then address in greater detail progress beyond low-Earth orbit to cis-lunar space, and then address future missions aimed at human arrival and activities near and then on the surface of Mars. (b) Human Exploration Roadmap.-- (1) <<NOTE: Plan.>> In general.--The Administrator shall develop a human exploration roadmap, including a critical decision plan, to expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit to the surface of Mars and beyond, considering potential interim destinations such as cis-lunar space and the moons of Mars. (2) Scope.--The human exploration roadmap shall include-- (A) an integrated set of exploration, science, and other goals and objectives of a United States human space exploration program to achieve the long-term goal of human missions near or on the surface of Mars in the 2030s; (B) opportunities for international, academic, and industry partnerships for exploration-related systems, services, research, and technology if those opportunities provide cost-savings, accelerate program schedules, or otherwise benefit the goals and objectives developed under subparagraph (A); (C) sets and sequences of precursor missions in cis- lunar space and other missions or activities necessary-- (i) to demonstrate the proficiency of the capabilities and technologies identified under subparagraph (D); and (ii) to meet the goals and objectives developed under subparagraph (A), including anticipated timelines and missions for the Space Launch System and Orion; (D) an identification of the specific capabilities and technologies, including the Space Launch System, Orion, a deep space habitat, and other capabilities, that facilitate the goals and objectives developed under subparagraph (A); (E) a description of how cis-lunar elements, objectives, and activities advance the human exploration of Mars; (F) <<NOTE: Assessment.>> an assessment of potential human health and other risks, including radiation exposure; (G) <<NOTE: Mitigation plans.>> mitigation plans, whenever possible, to address the risks identified in subparagraph (F); (H) a description of those technologies already under development across the Federal Government or by other [[Page 131 STAT. 40]] entities that facilitate the goals and objectives developed under subparagraph (A); (I) a specific process for the evolution of the capabilities of the fully integrated Orion with the Space Launch System and a description of how these systems facilitate the goals and objectives developed under subparagraph (A) and demonstrate the capabilities and technologies described in subparagraph (D); (J) a description of the capabilities and technologies that need to be demonstrated or research data that could be gained through the utilization of the ISS and the status of the development of such capabilities and technologies; (K) <<NOTE: Assessment.>> a framework for international cooperation in the development of all capabilities and technologies identified under this section, including an assessment of the risks posed by relying on international partners for capabilities and technologies on the critical path of development; (L) a process for partnering with nongovernmental entities using Space Act Agreements or other acquisition instruments for future human space exploration; and (M) include information on the phasing of planned intermediate destinations, Mars mission risk areas and potential risk mitigation approaches, technology requirements and phasing of required technology development activities, the management strategy to be followed, related ISS activities, planned international collaborative activities, potential commercial contributions, and other activities relevant to the achievement of the goal established in this section. (3) Considerations.--In developing the human exploration roadmap, the Administrator shall consider-- (A) using key exploration capabilities, namely the Space Launch System and Orion; (B) using existing commercially available technologies and capabilities or those technologies and capabilities being developed by industry for commercial purposes; (C) establishing an organizational approach to ensure collaboration and coordination among NASA's Mission Directorates under section 821, when appropriate, including to collect and return to Earth a sample from the Martian surface; (D) building upon the initial uncrewed mission, EM- 1, and first crewed mission, EM-2, of the Space Launch System and Orion to establish a sustainable cadence of missions extending human exploration missions into cis- lunar space, including anticipated timelines and milestones; (E) developing the robotic and precursor missions and activities that will demonstrate, test, and develop key technologies and capabilities essential for achieving human missions to Mars, including long- duration human operations beyond low-Earth orbit, space suits, solar electric propulsion, deep space habitats, environmental control life support systems, Mars lander and ascent vehicle, entry, descent, landing, ascent, Mars surface systems, and in-situ resource utilization; [[Page 131 STAT. 41]] (F) demonstrating and testing 1 or more habitat modules in cis-lunar space to prepare for Mars missions; (G) using public-private, firm fixed-price partnerships, where practicable; (H) collaborating with international, academic, and industry partners, when appropriate; (I) any risks to human health and sensitive onboard technologies, including radiation exposure; (J) any risks identified through research outcomes under the NASA Human Research Program's Behavioral Health Element; and (K) the recommendations and ideas of several independently developed reports or concepts that describe potential Mars architectures or concepts and identify Mars as the long-term goal for human space exploration, including the reports described under section 431. (4) Critical decision plan on human space exploration.--As part of the human exploration roadmap, the Administrator shall include a critical decision plan-- (A) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> identifying and defining key decisions guiding human space exploration priorities and plans that need to be made before June 30, 2020, including decisions that may guide human space exploration capability development, precursor missions, long-term missions, and activities; (B) defining decisions needed to maximize efficiencies and resources for reaching the near, intermediate, and long-term goals and objectives of human space exploration; and (C) identifying and defining timelines and milestones for a sustainable cadence of missions beginning with EM-3 for the Space Launch System and Orion to extend human exploration from cis-lunar space to the surface of Mars. (5) Reports.-- (A) Initial human exploration roadmap.--The Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress-- (i) <<NOTE: Plan.>> an initial human exploration roadmap, including a critical decision plan, before December 1, 2017; and (ii) an updated human exploration roadmap periodically as the Administrator considers necessary but not less than biennially. (B) <<NOTE: Time periods.>> Contents.--Each human exploration roadmap under this paragraph shall include a description of-- (i) the achievements and goals accomplished in the process of developing such capabilities and technologies during the 2-year period prior to the submission of the human exploration roadmap; and (ii) the expected goals and achievements in the following 2- year period. (C) Submission with budget.--Each human exploration roadmap under this section shall be included in the budget for that fiscal year transmitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code. [[Page 131 STAT. 42]] SEC. 433. <<NOTE: Deadline. Plan. Evaluation.>> ADVANCED SPACE SUIT CAPABILITY. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a detailed plan for achieving an advanced space suit capability that aligns with the crew needs for exploration enabled by the Space Launch System and Orion, including an evaluation of the merit of delivering the planned suit system for use on the ISS. SEC. 434. ASTEROID ROBOTIC REDIRECT MISSION. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) NASA initially estimated that the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission would launch in December 2020 and cost no more than $1,250,000,000, excluding launch and operations. (2) On July 15, 2016, NASA conducted its Key Decision Point- B review of the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission or approval for Phase B in mission formulation. (3) During the Key Decision Point-B review, NASA estimated that costs have grown to $1,400,000,000 excluding launch and operations for a launch in December 2021 and the agency must evaluate whether to accept the increase or reduce the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission's scope to stay within the cost cap set by the Administrator. (4) In April 2015, the NASA Advisory Council-- (A) issued a finding that-- (i) high-performance solar electric propulsion will likely be an important part of an architecture to send humans to Mars; and (ii) maneuvering a large test mass is not necessary to provide a valid in-space test of a new solar electric propulsion stage; (B) determined that a solar electric propulsion mission will contribute more directly to the goal of sending humans to Mars if the mission is focused entirely on development and validation of the solar electric propulsion stage; and (C) determined that other possible motivations for acquiring and maneuvering a boulder, such as asteroid science and planetary defense, do not have value commensurate with their probable cost. (5) The Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission is competing for resources with other critical exploration development programs, including the Space Launch System, Orion, commercial crew, and a habitation module. (6) In 2014, the NASA Advisory Council recommended that NASA conduct an independent cost and technical assessment of the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission. (7) In 2015, the NASA Advisory Council recommended that NASA preserve the following key objectives if the program needed to be descoped: (A) Development of high power solar electric propulsion. (B) Ability to maneuver in a low gravity environment in deep space. (8) In January 2015 and July 2015, the NASA Advisory Council expressed its concern to NASA about the potential for growing costs for the program and highlighted that choices would need to be made about the program's content. [[Page 131 STAT. 43]] (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the technological and scientific goals of the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission have not been demonstrated to Congress to be commensurate with the cost; and (2) alternative missions may provide a more cost effective and scientifically beneficial means to demonstrate the technologies needed for a human mission to Mars that would otherwise be demonstrated by the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission. (c) Evaluation and Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall-- (1) conduct an evaluation of-- (A) alternative approaches to the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission for demonstrating the technologies and capabilities needed for a human mission to Mars that would otherwise be demonstrated by the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission; (B) the scientific and technical benefits of the alternative approaches under subparagraph (A) to future human space exploration compared to scientific and technical benefits of the Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission; (C) the commercial benefits of the alternative approaches identified in subparagraph (A), including the impact on the development of domestic solar electric propulsion technology to bolster United States competitiveness in the global marketplace; and (D) a comparison of the estimated costs of the alternative approaches identified in subparagraph (A); and (2) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the evaluation under paragraph (1), including any recommendations. SEC. 435. MARS 2033 REPORT. (a) <<NOTE: Contracts. Study.>> In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall contract with an independent, non-governmental systems engineering and technical assistance organization to study a Mars human space flight mission to be launched in 2033. (b) Contents.--The study shall include-- (1) <<NOTE: Plan.>> a technical development, test, fielding, and operations plan using the Space Launch System, Orion, and other systems to successfully launch such a Mars human space flight mission by 2033; (2) <<NOTE: Cost estimates.>> an annual budget profile, including cost estimates, for the technical development, test, fielding, and operations plan to carry out a Mars human space flight mission by 2033; and (3) a comparison of the annual budget profile to the 5-year budget profile contained in the President's budget request for fiscal year 2017 under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code. (c) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the study, including findings and recommendations regarding the Mars 2033 human space flight mission described in subsection (a). (d) Assessment.--Not later than 60 days after the date the report is submitted under subsection (c), the Administrator shall [[Page 131 STAT. 44]] submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an assessment by the NASA Advisory Council of whether the proposal for a Mars human space flight mission to be launched in 2033 is in the strategic interests of the United States in space exploration. Subtitle <<NOTE: To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act. 51 USC 10101 note.>> D--TREAT Astronauts Act SEC. 441. SHORT TITLE. This subtitle may be cited as the ``To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act'' or the ``TREAT Astronauts Act''. SEC. 442. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) Human space exploration can pose significant challenges and is full of substantial risk, which has ultimately claimed the lives of 24 NASA astronauts serving in the line of duty. (2) As United States government astronauts participate in long-duration and exploration space flight missions they may experience increased health risks, such as vision impairment, bone demineralization, and behavioral health and performance risks, and may be exposed to galactic cosmic radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation and microgravity can result in acute and long-term health consequences that can increase the risk of cancer and tissue degeneration and have potential effects on the musculoskeletal system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, immune function, and vision. (3) <<NOTE: Scott Kelly. Mark Kelly.>> To advance the goal of long-duration and exploration space flight missions, United States government astronaut Scott Kelly participated in a 1-year twins study in space while his identical twin brother, former United States government astronaut Mark Kelly, acted as a human control specimen on Earth, providing an understanding of the physical, behavioral, microbiological, and molecular reaction of the human body to an extended period of time in space. (4) Since the Administration currently provides medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment for United States government astronauts during their active employment, given the unknown long-term health consequences of long-duration space exploration, the Administration has requested statutory authority from Congress to provide medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment to former United States government astronauts for psychological and medical conditions associated with human space flight. (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the United States should continue to seek the unknown and lead the world in space exploration and scientific discovery as the Administration prepares for long-duration and exploration space flight in deep space and an eventual mission to Mars; (2) data relating to the health of astronauts will become increasingly valuable to improving our understanding of many diseases humans face on Earth; (3) the Administration should provide the type of monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment described in subsection (a) [[Page 131 STAT. 45]] only for conditions the Administration considers unique to the training or exposure to the space flight environment of United States government astronauts and should not require any former United States Government astronauts to participate in the Administration's monitoring; (4) such monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment should not replace a former United States government astronaut's private health insurance; (5) expanded data acquired from such monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment should be used to tailor treatment, inform the requirements for new space flight medical hardware, and develop controls in order to prevent disease occurrence in the astronaut corps; and (6) the 340-day space mission of Scott Kelly aboard the ISS-- (A) was pivotal for the goal of the United States for humans to explore deep space and Mars as the mission generated new insight into how the human body adjusts to weightlessness, isolation, radiation, and the stress of long-duration space flight; and (B) will help support the physical and mental well- being of astronauts during longer space exploration missions in the future. SEC. 443. MEDICAL MONITORING AND RESEARCH RELATING TO HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT. (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, as amended by section 305 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 20149. <<NOTE: 51 USC 20149.>> Medical monitoring and research relating to human space flight ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may provide for-- ``(1) the medical monitoring and diagnosis of a former United States government astronaut or a former payload specialist for conditions that the Administrator considers potentially associated with human space flight; and ``(2) the treatment of a former United States government astronaut or a former payload specialist for conditions that the Administrator considers associated with human space flight, including scientific and medical tests for psychological and medical conditions. ``(b) Requirements.-- ``(1) No cost sharing.--The medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment described in subsection (a) shall be provided without any deductible, copayment, or other cost sharing obligation. ``(2) Access to local services.--The medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment described in subsection (a) may be provided by a local health care provider if it is unadvisable due to the health of the applicable former United States government astronaut or former payload specialist for that former United States government astronaut or former payload specialist to travel to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, as determined by the Administrator. ``(3) Secondary payment.--Payment or reimbursement for the medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment described in [[Page 131 STAT. 46]] subsection (a) shall be secondary to any obligation of the United States Government or any third party under any other provision of law or contractual agreement to pay for or provide such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment. Any costs for items and services that may be provided by the Administrator for medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment under subsection (a) that are not paid for or provided under such other provision of law or contractual agreement, due to the application of deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, other cost sharing, or otherwise, are reimbursable by the Administrator on behalf of the former United States government astronaut or former payload specialist involved to the extent such items or services are authorized to be provided by the Administrator for such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment under subsection (a). ``(4) Conditional payment.--The Administrator may provide for conditional payments for or provide medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment described in subsection (a) that is obligated to be paid for or provided by the United States or any third party under any other provision of law or contractual agreement to pay for or provide such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment if-- ``(A) payment for (or the provision of) such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment services has not been made (or provided) or cannot reasonably be expected to be made (or provided) promptly by the United States or such third party, respectively; and ``(B) such payment (or such provision of services) by the Administrator is conditioned on reimbursement by the United States or such third party, respectively, for such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment. ``(c) Exclusions.--The Administrator may not-- ``(1) provide for medical monitoring or diagnosis of a former United States government astronaut or former payload specialist under subsection (a) for any psychological or medical condition that is not potentially associated with human space flight; ``(2) provide for treatment of a former United States government astronaut or former payload specialist under subsection (a) for any psychological or medical condition that is not associated with human space flight; or ``(3) require a former United States government astronaut or former payload specialist to participate in the medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment authorized under subsection (a). ``(d) Privacy.--Consistent with applicable provisions of Federal law relating to privacy, the Administrator shall protect the privacy of all medical records generated under subsection (a) and accessible to the Administration. ``(e) Regulations.--The Administrator shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. ``(f) Definition of United States Government Astronaut.--In this section, the term `United States government astronaut' has the meaning given the term `government astronaut' in section 50902, except it does not include an individual who is an international partner astronaut. [[Page 131 STAT. 47]] ``(g) Data Use and Disclosure.--The Administrator may use or disclose data acquired in the course of medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment of a former United States government astronaut or a former payload specialist under subsection (a), in accordance with subsection (d). Former United States government astronaut or former payload specialist participation in medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment under subsection (a) shall constitute consent for the Administrator to use or disclose such data.''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, as amended by section 305 of this Act, <<NOTE: 51 USC 20101 prec.>> is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 20148 the following: ``20149. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space flight.''. (c) <<NOTE: 51 USC 20149 note.>> Annual Reports.-- (1) In general.--Each fiscal year, not later than the date of submission of the President's annual budget request for that fiscal year under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Administrator shall publish a report, in accordance with applicable Federal privacy laws, on the activities of the Administration under section 20149 of title 51, United States Code. (2) <<NOTE: Budget estimate.>> Contents.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall include a detailed cost accounting of the Administration's activities under section 20149 of title 51, United States Code, and a 5-year budget estimate. (3) Submission to congress.--The Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress each report under paragraph (1) not later than the date of submission of the President's annual budget request for that fiscal year under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code. (d) Cost Estimate.-- (1) Requirement.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with an independent external organization to undertake an independent cost estimate of the cost to the Administration and the Federal Government to implement and administer the activities of the Administration under section 20149 of title 51, United States Code. The independent external organization may not be a NASA entity, such as the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance. (2) Submittal to congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the independent cost estimate under paragraph (1). (e) Privacy Study.-- (1) Study.--The Administrator shall carry out a study on any potential privacy or legal issues related to the possible sharing beyond the Federal Government of data acquired under the activities of the Administration under section 20149 of title 51, United States Code. (2) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study carried out under paragraph (1). (f) <<NOTE: 51 USC 20149 note.>> Inspector General Audit.--The Inspector General of NASA shall periodically audit or review, as the Inspector General [[Page 131 STAT. 48]] considers necessary to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, the activities of the Administration under section 20149 of title 51, United States Code. TITLE V--ADVANCING SPACE SCIENCE SEC. 501. <<NOTE: 51 USC 20301 note.>> MAINTAINING A BALANCED SPACE SCIENCE PORTFOLIO. (a) Sense of Congress on Science Portfolio.--Congress reaffirms the sense of Congress that-- (1) a balanced and adequately funded set of activities, consisting of research and analysis grant programs, technology development, suborbital research activities, and small, medium, and large space missions, contributes to a robust and productive science program and serves as a catalyst for innovation and discovery; and (2) the Administrator should set science priorities by following the guidance provided by the scientific community through the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's decadal surveys. (b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States to ensure, to the extent practicable, a steady cadence of large, medium, and small science missions. SEC. 502. <<NOTE: 51 USC 20301 note.>> PLANETARY SCIENCE. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) Administration support for planetary science is critical to enabling greater understanding of the solar system and the origin of the Earth; (2) the United States leads the world in planetary science and can augment its success in that area with appropriate international, academic, and industry partnerships; (3) a mix of small, medium, and large planetary science missions is required to sustain a steady cadence of planetary exploration; and (4) robotic planetary exploration is a key component of preparing for future human exploration. (b) Mission Priorities.-- (1) In general.--In accordance with the priorities established in the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey, the Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, the completion of a balanced set of Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship missions at the cadence recommended by the most recent Planetary Science Decadal Survey. (2) Mission priority adjustments.--Consistent with the set of missions described in paragraph (1), and while maintaining the continuity of scientific data and steady development of capabilities and technologies, the Administrator may seek, if necessary, adjustments to mission priorities, schedule, and scope in light of changing budget projections. SEC. 503. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the James Webb Space Telescope will-- (A) significantly advance our understanding of star and planet formation, and improve our knowledge of the early universe; and (B) support United States leadership in astrophysics; [[Page 131 STAT. 49]] (2) consistent with annual Government Accountability Office reviews of the James Webb Space Telescope program, the Administrator should continue robust surveillance of the performance of the James Webb Space Telescope project and continue to improve the reliability of cost estimates and contractor performance data and other major space flight projects in order to enhance NASA's ability to successfully deliver the James Webb Space Telescope on-time and within budget; (3) the on-time and on-budget delivery of the James Webb Space Telescope is a high congressional priority; and (4) the Administrator should ensure that integrated testing is appropriately timed and sufficiently comprehensive to enable potential issues to be identified and addressed early enough to be handled within the James Webb Space Telescope's development schedule and prior to its launch. SEC. 504. WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE. (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (referred to in this section as ``WFIRST'') mission has the potential to enable scientific discoveries that will transform our understanding of the universe; and (2) the Administrator, to the extent practicable, should make progress on the technologies and capabilities needed to position the Administration to meet the objectives, as outlined in the 2010 National Academies' Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey, in a way that maximizes the scientific productivity of meeting those objectives for the resources invested. (b) Continuity of Development.--The Administrator shall ensure that the concept definition and pre-formulation activities of the WFIRST mission continue while the James Webb Space Telescope is being completed. SEC. 505. MARS 2020 ROVER. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Mars 2020 mission, to develop a Mars rover and to enable the return of samples to Earth, should remain a priority for NASA; and (2) the Mars 2020 mission-- (A) should significantly increase our understanding of Mars; (B) should help determine whether life previously existed on that planet; and (C) should provide opportunities to gather knowledge and demonstrate technologies that address the challenges of future human expeditions to Mars. SEC. 506. EUROPA. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) Studies of Europa, Jupiter's moon, indicate that Europa may provide a habitable environment, as it contains key ingredients known to support life. (2) In 2012, using the Hubble Space Telescope, NASA scientists observed water vapor around the south polar region of Europa, which provides potential evidence of water plumes in that region. (3) For decades, the Europa mission has consistently ranked as a high priority mission for the scientific community. [[Page 131 STAT. 50]] (4) The Europa mission was ranked as the top priority mission in the previous Planetary Science Decadal Survey and ranked as the second-highest priority in the current Planetary Science Decadal Survey. (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Europa mission could provide another avenue in which to capitalize on our Nation's current investment in the Space Launch System that would significantly reduce the transit time for such a deep space mission; and (2) a scientific, robotic exploration mission to Europa, as prioritized in both Planetary Science Decadal Surveys, should be supported. SEC. 507. CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATION OF POLICY AND PURPOSE. Section 20102(d) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(10) The search for life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe.''. SEC. 508. <<NOTE: 51 USC 20301 note.>> EXTRASOLAR PLANET EXPLORATION STRATEGY. (a) Strategy.-- (1) In general.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academies to develop a science strategy for the study and exploration of extrasolar planets, including the use of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, the James Webb Space Telescope, a potential Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope mission, or any other telescope, spacecraft, or instrument, as appropriate. (2) Requirements.--The strategy shall-- (A) outline key scientific questions; (B) identify the most promising research in the field; (C) indicate the extent to which the mission priorities in existing decadal surveys address the key extrasolar planet research and exploration goals; (D) identify opportunities for coordination with international partners, commercial partners, and not- for-profit partners; and (E) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> make recommendations regarding the activities under subparagraphs (A) through (D), as appropriate. (b) Use of Strategy.--The Administrator shall use the strategy-- (1) to inform roadmaps, strategic plans, and other activities of the Administration as they relate to extrasolar planet research and exploration; and (2) to provide a foundation for future activities and initiatives related to extrasolar planet research and exploration. (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall submit to the Administrator and to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the strategy developed under subsection (a). SEC. 509. <<NOTE: 51 USC 20301 note.>> ASTROBIOLOGY STRATEGY. (a) Strategy.-- (1) In general.--The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academies to develop a science strategy for astrobiology that would outline key scientific questions, identify the most promising research in the field, and [[Page 131 STAT. 51]] indicate the extent to which the mission priorities in existing decadal surveys address the search for life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the Universe. (2) Recommendations.--The strategy shall include recommendations for coordination with international partners. (b) Use of Strategy.--The Administrator shall use the strategy developed under subsection (a) in planning and funding research and other activities and initiatives in the field of astrobiology. (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall submit to the Administrator and to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the strategy developed under subsection (a). SEC. 510. <<NOTE: Deadline. Reports.>> ASTROBIOLOGY PUBLIC- PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing how the Administration can expand collaborative partnerships to study life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe. SEC. 511. NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS. Section 321 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 <<NOTE: 51 USC 71101 note prec.>> (51 U.S.C. note prec. 71101) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Program Report.--The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017, an initial report that provides-- ``(1) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> recommendations for carrying out the Survey program and an associated proposed budget; ``(2) <<NOTE: Analysis. Strategy.>> an analysis of possible options that the Administration could employ to divert an object on a likely collision course with Earth; and ``(3) a description of the status of efforts to coordinate and cooperate with other countries to discover hazardous asteroids and comets, plan a mitigation strategy, and implement that strategy in the event of the discovery of an object on a likely collision course with Earth. ``(f) <<NOTE: Summaries.>> Annual Reports.--After the initial report under subsection (e), the Administrator shall annually transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report that includes-- ``(1) a summary of all activities carried out under subsection (d) since the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017, including the progress toward achieving 90 percent completion of the survey described in subsection (d); and ``(2) a summary of expenditures for all activities carried out under subsection (d) since the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017. [[Page 131 STAT. 52]] ``(g) Assessment.--The Administrator, in collaboration with other relevant Federal agencies, shall carry out a technical and scientific assessment of the capabilities and resources-- ``(1) to accelerate the survey described in subsection (d); and ``(2) to expand the Administration's Near-Earth Object Program to include the detection, tracking, cataloguing, and characterization of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects less than 140 meters in diameter. ``(h) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Transmittal.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017, the Administrator shall transmit the results of the assessment under subsection (g) to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.''. SEC. 512. NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the Administration should seek to leverage the capabilities of the private sector and philanthropic organizations to the maximum extent practicable in carrying out the Near-Earth Object Survey Program in order to meet the goal of that program under section 321(d)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (51 U.S.C. note prec. 71101(d)(1)). (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing how the Administration can expand collaborative partnerships to detect, track, catalogue, and categorize near-Earth objects. SEC. 513. ASSESSMENT OF SCIENCE MISSION EXTENSIONS. Section 30504 of title 51, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 30504. Assessment of science mission extensions ``(a) Assessments.-- ``(1) <<NOTE: Deadline. Reviews.>> In general.--The Administrator shall carry out triennial reviews within each of the Science divisions to assess the cost and benefits of extending the date of the termination of data collection for those missions that exceed their planned missions' lifetime. ``(2) Considerations.--In conducting an assessment under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider whether and how extending missions impacts the start of future missions. ``(b) Consultation and Consideration of Potential Benefits of Instruments on Missions.--When deciding whether to extend a mission that has an operational component, the Administrator shall-- ``(1) consult with any affected Federal agency; and ``(2) take into account the potential benefits of instruments on missions that are beyond their planned mission lifetime. ``(c) Reports.--The Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, at the same time as the submission to Congress of the Administration's annual budget request for each fiscal year, [[Page 131 STAT. 53]] a report detailing any assessment under subsection (a) that