ASCEND Act

Hozzl · 2026-02-27T01:08:23Z

Explore the details of House Bill 2600 ASCEND Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

2/27/2026, 1:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2600

Bill 119 HR 2600, also known as the Commercial Earth Remote Sensing Data Act, aims to require the Administrator of NASA to create a program focused on identifying, evaluating, acquiring, and sharing commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery. The goal of this program is to meet the scientific, operational, and educational needs of NASA.

The bill emphasizes the importance of utilizing commercial sources for Earth remote sensing data, as it can provide valuable information for various purposes. By establishing this program, NASA aims to enhance its capabilities in Earth observation and data collection, while also fostering collaboration with private sector entities.

Overall, the Commercial Earth Remote Sensing Data Act seeks to leverage commercial resources to improve NASA's ability to gather and utilize Earth remote sensing data for scientific research, operational purposes, and educational initiatives.

Congressional Summary of HR 2600

Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act or the ASCEND Act

This bill provides statutory authority for the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program run by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Through the CSDA program, NASA acquires remote sensing data and imagery from commercial satellites to support its Earth science research. (Remote sensing generally refers to the collection of data by instruments in Earth’s orbit, such as satellites, that can be processed into imagery of Earth’s surface.)

Under the bill, NASA may establish or modify end-use agreements to allow for broad use of data and imagery acquired under the program, including by individuals outside of NASA (e.g., other federal agencies). The terms of any data or imagery acquisition may not prevent the publication of such data or imagery for scientific purposes or the publication of information derived from it. To the extent practicable, NASA must acquire such data and imagery from U.S. vendors.

Read the Full Bill

Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML

Current Status of Bill HR 2600

Bill HR 2600 is currently in the status of Passed in House since February 23, 2026. Bill HR 2600 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on April 2, 2025. Bill HR 2600's most recent activity was Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 344. as of February 24, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2600

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2600

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2600

To require the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish a program to identify, evaluate, acquire, and disseminate commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery in order to satisfy the scientific, operational, and educational requirements of the Administration, and for other purposes.