Bill · S. 933· Senate(119-S-933)
NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/11/2025
- Last activity
- 3/4/2026 — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Cruz
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 4
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025," authorizes $25,507,540,000 for NASA's fiscal year 2025 operations. It focuses heavily on space exploration, including the Artemis program, the Space Launch System, and lunar landing capabilities. The legislation also outlines plans for a transition from the International Space Station to a commercially led low-Earth orbit economy. Additionally, it addresses aeronautics research, science missions, STEM education, and various space technologies. Finally, the bill includes specific policies regarding NASA's role in commercial space activities and restrictions on certain Chinese space activities.
Yes· 3 of 15
Does this put more into space exploration?+10
The bill provides extensive authorization for the Artemis program, lunar landings, and deep space exploration.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+8
The bill authorizes billions of dollars for diverse science, space, and aeronautics research missions.
Would students be better off under this?+7
The bill heavily invests in STEM education, space grants, and technical outreach for students.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic and Workforce Opportunities: The bill notes that exploration of outer space, including the lunar surface, provides economic opportunity and expands the workforce needed for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Section 202(a)(1)).
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Support for Commercial Development: The Administrator is authorized to leverage the private sector for logistical services (Section 201(b)(2)) and may enter into agreements with United States commercial providers to support human exploration of the Moon or cislunar space (Section 202(c)).
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Advancing Aeronautical Technology: The bill supports research into hypersonic research (Section 502), advanced air mobility (Section 504), and hydrogen aviation (Section 506), which can improve high-speed systems and aerial responses to wildfires (Section 505).
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Educational Growth: The act includes the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Section 701) and skilled technical workforce education outreach (Section 702) to help students pursue careers in science and aeronautics.
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Scientific Discovery: Funding is provided for various science missions, including planetary science (Section 606), planetary defense (Section 607), and the continuation of the Chandra X-ray Observatory (Section 615).
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Local Community Support: The bill allows for a reimbursement agreement to help the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, with costs associated with developing a plan to remove and relocate drinking water wells (Section 810).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Risks in Science Missions: The bill notes that early cost estimates for science missions are often unreliable, which can lead to cost growth that may affect the balance of the science portfolio and delay future missions (Section 602(a)(3)-(4)).
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Risks to Astronauts: Findings in the text mention that current Extravehicular Mobility Units (space suits) have experienced maintenance issues that threaten astronaut lives (Section 205(a)(4)).
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Restrictions on Collaboration: There are strict restrictions on using Federal funds to participate in, collaborate with, or coordinate bilaterally with China or any Chinese-owned company (Section 805(a)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+7Good For Business Owners+6Good For Young Adults+5Good For Rural Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+6Increases Job Creation+5Improves Small Business Support+4Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Space Exploration+10Increases Scientific Research Funding+8
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+4Increases Renewable Energy Investment+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3
- 3/4/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 3/11/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
4 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Maria CantwellDemocrat · Washington
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Jerry MoranRepublican · Kansas
Gary PetersDemocrat · Michigan
Eric SchmittRepublican · Missouri