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Space Exploration Research Act

4/18/2026, 6:26 PM

Summary of Bill S 2351

The bill introduced in the 119th Congress as Senate Bill 2351 on July 17, 2025, aims to enhance the lease authorities accessible to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the purpose of promoting research, education, and training activities.

Congressional Summary of S 2351

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.

Current Status of Bill S 2351

Bill S 2351 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 17, 2025. Bill S 2351 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on July 17, 2025.  Bill S 2351's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369. as of April 13, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2351

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
5
Democrat Cosponsors
3
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2351

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact Areas

- Employment and training programs
- Land transfers
- Public-private cooperation
- Research and development
- Space flight and exploration

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2351

A bill to supplement existing lease authorities available to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to support research, education, and training, and for other purposes.
A bill to supplement existing lease authorities available to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to support research, education, and training, and for other purposes.

Comments

Niko Craven profile image

Niko Craven

931

3 months ago

This bill is bad for our country! Why are we wasting money on space exploration?