ASCEND Act

Bill Number: H.R. 2600
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Science, Technology, Communications
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-02-24: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 344.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T23:26:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act (ASCEND Act) aims to require the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to create a formal program for obtaining and sharing commercial satellite data and images of Earth. This program supports NASA's scientific research, daily operations, and educational goals by using cost-effective data from private companies, while also helping other government agencies and researchers when suitable.

Key Provisions Outlined

Establishment of the Program: NASA must set up a "Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program" within its Earth Science Division. This program will identify, evaluate, buy, and distribute commercial Earth remote sensing data (images and information collected by satellites to monitor Earth's surface, atmosphere, and changes) to meet NASA's needs and supplement data from NASA, other U.S. agencies, and international partners.
Data Sharing and Transparency: Contracts for this data cannot block its use in scientific publications or the release of new information created from it (like analyzed or improved versions of the original data).
Procurement and Licensing: NASA is authorized to purchase data from commercial providers to support research and applications. It can also adjust license terms to allow broad access by non-NASA users, such as other government workers, contractors, or private individuals, as long as it aligns with the program's goals.
Preference for U.S. Providers: To the greatest extent possible, data must come from American companies.
Reporting Requirements: NASA must submit an initial report within 180 days of the law's enactment, followed by annual reports to two congressional committees (Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology). These reports will detail:
Lists of agreements with vendors providing data.
Descriptions of license terms and how agreements advance research (including priorities from expert surveys by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine).
Information on data use by federal employees, contractors, or non-federal users.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

This bill amends Chapter 603 of Title 51 of the U.S. Code (which covers NASA's Earth science and remote sensing activities) by adding a new section (60307) that turns a successful 2019 pilot program for acquiring small satellite data into a permanent, expanded initiative.
It builds on existing laws (like Sections 50115 and 60501 of Title 51) that already encourage NASA to buy commercial data when cost-effective, but makes it a mandatory program with specific rules for transparency, broad licensing, U.S. preference, and congressional oversight—features not as explicitly detailed before.
A minor update adds the new section to the chapter's table of contents for clarity.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: NASA will likely save costs and improve efficiency by relying more on commercial data instead of solely building its own satellites, potentially speeding up Earth science projects like climate monitoring or disaster response. Other federal agencies (e.g., those in environmental or defense fields) may gain easier access to this data for their work.
On Citizens: Educational benefits could arise from wider data availability for schools, universities, and public research, fostering better understanding of Earth changes (e.g., weather patterns or natural disasters). However, direct citizen impacts are indirect, mainly through improved government services or scientific advancements.
On International Relations: By prioritizing U.S. vendors and complementing data from international partners, the law could strengthen U.S. leadership in space technology while maintaining collaborations, but it might subtly encourage domestic industry over foreign competitors.

Main Stakeholders Affected

NASA: Primary implementer, responsible for running the program, procuring data, and reporting to Congress.
Commercial Satellite Providers: Especially U.S.-based companies (e.g., those offering small satellite imagery), who will see increased business opportunities through NASA contracts and expanded user access.
Federal Agencies and Researchers: Other government bodies and scientists (including those funded by NASA) benefit from augmented data sources for Earth observation studies.
Congressional Committees: Gain oversight through required reports, influencing future funding and policy.
Educational Institutions and Non-Federal Users: Could access data more broadly for teaching and independent research.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: The bill reinforces existing statutory goals for commercial integration in space activities without conflicting with broader laws like the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act. Its emphasis on transparency and non-restrictive licensing could set precedents for open data policies in federal procurement, potentially reducing legal disputes over data ownership.
Constitutional: No direct challenges; it aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to regulate commerce and fund science agencies. The U.S. vendor preference supports national interests without violating trade agreements.
Political: Promotes the growth of the U.S. commercial space sector, a bipartisan priority, by formalizing public-private partnerships. Annual reporting enhances congressional accountability, which could lead to ongoing adjustments based on program success, but might increase administrative burdens on NASA.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]

Recent Actions

2026-02-24: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 344.
2026-02-23: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-02-23: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2242-2243)
2026-02-23: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2242-2243)
2026-02-23: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2600.
2026-02-23: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2242-2244)
2026-02-23: Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-02-20: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 428.
2026-02-20: Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-502.
2026-02-20: Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-502.
2025-04-29: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
2025-04-29: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-04-02: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
2025-04-02: Introduced in House
2025-04-02: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act — issued 2026-02-23 — PDF (8 pages)
Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act — issued 2025-04-02 — PDF (6 pages)
Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act — issued 2026-02-24 — PDF (8 pages)
Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (8 pages)