66
Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act
11/5/2025, 12:03 PM
Summary of Bill S 582
The bill outlines the conditions under which astronauts may use Federal vehicles, including the requirement that the transportation must be related to their official duties as astronauts. Additionally, the bill specifies that the use of Federal vehicles by astronauts must be approved by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) or their designee.
Overall, the Astronaut Transportation Authorization Act seeks to provide astronauts with the necessary transportation resources to effectively carry out their duties and responsibilities in preparation for space missions. The bill does not appear to have any partisan bias and focuses solely on the practical needs of astronauts in their training and preparation for space exploration.
Congressional Summary of S 582
Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act
This bill permits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to use government-owned passenger vehicles to transport astronauts and other space flight participants to and from post-mission medical research and treatment activities. (After returning to earth, astronauts generally undergo a post-mission medical recovery program and may be prohibited from driving motor vehicles for varying periods of time.)
Under the bill, transportation may be provided to necessary post-mission activities including medical research and the monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of an astronaut or space flight participant before they receive post-mission clearance to operate a motor vehicle. Only astronauts employed by the U.S. government, certain international partner astronauts, and other individuals carried in launch or reentry vehicles are eligible for transportation.
The bill also permits NASA to maintain, operate, and repair one or more passenger vehicles, including motor vehicles, aircraft, and other means of transportation, for the purpose of providing such post-mission transportation.
The cost of transporting international partner astronauts and space flight participants not employed by the U.S. government must be reimbursed to the Department of the Treasury.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 582
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 582
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 582
Primary Policy Focus
Science, Technology, CommunicationsAlternate Title(s) of Bill S 582
Comments
Eva Huffman
9 months ago
I think this bill is good for astronauts. They need to get around somehow, so why not use Federal vehicles? It makes sense to me.
