Bill · S. 4044· Senate(119-S-4044)
Support for Astrophysical Observatories and National High-Energy Astrophysics Hubs Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/10/2026
- Last activity
- 3/10/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Support for Astrophysical Observatories and National High-Energy Astrophysics Hubs Act of 2026. It requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to designate national high-energy astrophysics hubs. The text expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should maintain its global leadership in high-energy astrophysics. It states that the U.S. should support X-ray flagship missions based on recommendations from decadal surveys. The workforce in this field is described as a national strategic asset critical for future missions. Eligible facilities for these hub designations include certain institutions of higher education, government entities, and nongovernmental organizations.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this put more into space exploration?+5
The legislation directly supports NASA's high-energy astrophysics missions, X-ray flagship missions, and spaceflight operations.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+3
The bill mandates the designation of national high-energy astrophysics hubs to support scientific research and missions.
Would students be better off under this?+3
Students benefit significantly from targeted training and workforce development initiatives outlined in the bill.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a)(3) and Section 2(b)(2)(A)(ii)(II) emphasize supporting workforce development, training, and education in data-intensive high-energy astrophysics, aerospace engineering, and spacecraft operations, which benefits students and workers by building valuable job skills.
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Section 2(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) aims to advance United States capabilities in high-performance scientific software, spaceflight operations, and technology transfer, which can spur technological progress that helps the country.
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Section 2(b)(2)(A)(ii)(V) allows designated facilities to serve as collaborative national resources for academic, governmental, and commercial partners, fostering teamwork and shared knowledge across different sectors.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences, burdens, or harms for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Increases Space Exploration+5Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+3Good For Young Adults+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1
- 3/10/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts