119th Congress · introduced in the Senate · Jul 17, 2025
Space Exploration Research Act
Official title from Congress.gov
Latest action (Apr 13, 2026): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369.
View on Congress.govPolicy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Congressional Research Service summary, version: Reported to Senate (Apr 13, 2026)
Space Exploration Research Act
This bill explicitly authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lease its properties to states and localities, universities, and nonprofit organizations to conduct space research and training. (Under current law, NASA is authorized to lease property to individuals and entities subject to specified conditions.)
Under the bill, NASA may use existing authorities to lease property under its jurisdiction to (1) the state in which the property is located or a subdivision thereof, (2) a nonprofit organization founded for educational or scientific purposes, or (3) an institution of higher education. NASA may also enter into agreements to lease back such property.
Construction and operations on leased property must serve a space-related purpose relevant to NASA’s mission. NASA may provide administrative, instructional, and other appropriate support to lessees.
NASA must report annually to Congress on the relevance, value, and other quantifiable benefits of the lease agreements.
Includes amendment, cloture, and procedural votes. Each is labeled with its exact question; only a passage question is a vote to pass the bill.
No recorded roll calls on this bill in coverage.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-117.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-117.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Introduced in Senate
Actions from Congress.gov, newest first.
Employment and training programs · Land transfers · Public-private cooperation · Research and development · Space flight and exploration
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