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National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010

Date: February 18, 2011
Source: Admin

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 is a bill that supports the overall growth of science, aeronautics, and space technology. It defines long-term goals for the expansion of the human space flight to a permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit. The act specifies funding for an assortment of activities that turn NASA’s focus towards Earth and away from space, including scientific research and aeronautics research and development.

Overview

Overall funding for NASA for each fiscal year from 2011 through 2015
Balanced set of NASA activities in science, aeronautics, and human space flight and exploration
Additional funding for science and aeronautics
Authorizes a new Space Technology program and funds to develop innovative and transformational technologies
Determines human ability to live in space for extended periods of time;
Provides in excess of $4.9 billion in funding for commercial crew- and commercial cargo-related initiatives;
Extends the International Space Station (ISS) program to at least 2020; provides funding for ISS research and for a ground- and space-based life and physical sciences microgravity research program;
Funds the Space Shuttle program; provides funds to aid the Shuttle workforce and affected communities with the post-Shuttle transition;
Funds NASA’s education programs to advance knowledge and inspires young people to higher education; seeks to enhance the contribution of NASA’s existing programs to STEM goals;
Builds on international partnerships
Restructures NASA’s exploration program for continued meaningful progress under a constrained budget, directing NASA to develop a crew transportation system to minimize the post-Shuttle human space flight “gap” and directly support the expeditious development of a heavy lift launch vehicle and capsule for challenging crewed missions beyond low Earth orbit."

Featured Legislations

Human Space Flight	· Link human space flight efforts to global and national challenges and needs; · Incorporate new technologies and in-space capabilities through a sustainable exploration program; · Require immediate development of a heavy-lift capability and continued support of an exploration crew vehicle to be capable of supporting missions beyond low-Earth orbit starting in 2016; · Support missions beyond low-Earth orbit starting in 2016 through providing continued support of an exploration crew vehicle and developing heavy-lift capability immediately; · Maximize use of Space Shuttle, Constellation, and other NASA programs (workforce, assets, and capabilities) to support a sound performance and cost framework
Space Technology	· Make investments in robotic capabilities and exploration technologies that support U.S. innovation and competitiveness and are linked to the overall exploration framework.
Commercial Cargo and Crew	· Grant additional funding for launch infrastructure requirements and accelerate development activity and offer continued support to commercial cargo development; · Expand the Commercial Crew Development Program in 2011 for concept development and supporting activities, while requiring a number of studies to ensure effective oversight of the potential initiation of a commercial crew capability procurement program no earlier than 2012.
International Space Station	· Maximize scientific return on ISS’ significant investment by extending the ISS to 2020 (at least) to support growth, research, and technology development and international and commercial collaboration and growth · Develop the ISS U.S. segment fully as a National Laboratory through the establishment of an independent non-profit to work with NASA · Ensure full functionality of the ISS through 2020 through ISS requirements’ assessment for parts and equipment.
Shuttle Retirement and final “Launch on Need” Mission	· Prove required support for extending the ISS by authorizing an additional Shuttle flight, contingent on a safety review.
Science and Aeronautics	· Protect a balanced portfolio for NASA, including full funding of aeronautics and Earth and space science.
Education	· Reinforce the role of NASA in the development of a workforce with strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills by supporting new education initiatives. · Increase the investment in NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and NASA Space Grant program.
Re-scoping and Revitalizing Institutional Capabilities	· Require NASA to examine alternative management models for NASA’s workforce, centers, and capabilities, while enforcing short-term prohibitions on major center displacements and reductions-in-force until the study is completed.