Space Ready 2.0 Act

Bill Number

S. 4905

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-07-07T04:53:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S. 4905: Space Ready 2.0 Act

Purpose

This legislation authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator to establish a pilot program that enables private and public investment in infrastructure projects at NASA Centers. The goal is to support repairs, maintenance, and improvements to facilities used for both government and commercial space activities through voluntary contributions.

Key Provisions

• Definitions: The bill defines key terms, including "common use infrastructure" (shared facilities like roadways and pipelines that benefit multiple users, excluding those solely for NASA), "project" (work under agreements for shared infrastructure), and references to the Administration and Administrator.
• Pilot Program Structure: The Administrator may enter into agreements under existing law (section 20113(e) of title 51, United States Code) to collect voluntary contributions from commercial entities for specific capital projects at NASA Centers.
• Funding and Cost Rules:
• Contributions fund repairs, maintenance, renovations, construction, and modernization of NASA-owned infrastructure.
• Agreements must include cost and schedule baselines, with unspent funds returned to contributors proportionally.
• NASA may use Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration (CECR) account funds, with contributions merged into that account.
• Cost overruns or delays are handled through mutual agreement in each contract.
• Transparency and Oversight:
• Annual reports to Senate and House committees detail expenditures, proposed uses, and cost-saving recommendations.
• Biennial updates on milestones are required.
• Direct agreements with entities are allowed and prioritized if faster or cheaper than the pilot.
• Termination: Authority to collect contributions ends on December 31, 2031, though existing agreements remain valid.
• Limitations: No new budget authority is created; agreements cannot be conditioned on contributions, and improvements generally remain U.S. property.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new pilot framework for voluntary infrastructure contributions at NASA Centers, building on but not altering the core authority in section 20113(e) of title 51. It adds specific requirements for cost-sharing, refunds of unexpended funds, and reporting that do not currently exist in law. It also permits merging contributed funds with the CECR account under defined conditions.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: NASA gains flexibility to leverage external funds for facility upgrades, potentially accelerating projects without relying solely on appropriations, while maintaining oversight through reporting.
• On Citizens and Businesses: Commercial space companies can invest in shared infrastructure to support their activities, with protections like refunds and no forced contributions.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts are outlined, as the bill focuses on domestic NASA Centers and U.S.-based partnerships.
• The program emphasizes collaboration with federal, state, and local entities to avoid duplication.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• NASA and Its Centers: Primary implementer, responsible for agreements, project execution, and compliance.
• Commercial Entities: Private companies in the space sector that may contribute funds and benefit from improved facilities.
• Congress: Oversight role through required reports and committee referrals.
• Other Public Entities: Federal, state, and local authorities that may contribute or partner on projects.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill reinforces existing NASA contracting authority while adding safeguards against cost recovery through other federal agreements and ensuring no new spending authority. It includes explicit termination to limit the pilot's duration.
• Constitutional: No provisions raise apparent issues under the Constitution, as it operates within Congress's spending and oversight powers.
• Political: The measure promotes public-private partnerships in space infrastructure without mandating participation, potentially encouraging broader commercial use of NASA facilities.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2026-06-24: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Space Ready 2.0 Act — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (11 pages)