A proposed NASA authorization bill in the US Senate aimed to significantly accelerate the development of commercial space stations and tackle substantial cost overruns in NASA's science programs. The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2024, introduced by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), sought a $25.478 billion budget for NASA in fiscal year 2025.
“This bipartisan legislation sets an ambitious course for America’s space program, ensuring NASA’s leadership from Earth’s orbit to the Moon and Mars,” Senator Cantwell stated. The bill prioritized a smooth transition from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercial alternatives by the end of the decade, ensuring a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The bill mandated that the ISS not be de-orbited until a commercial LEO space station reaches initial operational capability, with an exception only for critical technical issues. It called for an "orderly, managed transition," explicitly defining "continuous human presence" as maintaining one or more government astronauts in LEO permanently. This contrasts with NASA's earlier interpretation, which allowed for continuous support capability without permanent human presence. The bill also aimed to expedite the next phase of NASA's Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program, requesting a final RFP for station certification and initial services by September 2025, with selections by March 2026, targeting at least two providers.
The bill also addressed concerns about cost overruns in NASA science programs, citing unreliable early cost estimates. It requested a Government Accountability Office report on cost cap compliance and mandated a new implementation plan for the delayed and over-budget Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission within 90 days of enactment, followed by firm fixed-price agreements with US industry partners within a year.
Despite its ambition, the bill did not advance before Congress adjourned. While it highlights significant Senate priorities, its future remains uncertain. “This bipartisan legislation brings stability and certainty to NASA and the entire U.S. space program,” Senator Cruz commented. However, the bill's fate in the new Congress, although Cruz and Cantwell will retain leadership positions on the Senate Commerce Committee, remains to be seen.