U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., joined Senators Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Katie Britt, R-Ala., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif, in introducing the Space Exploration Research Act. This legislation would promote aeronautical and space research, educate a 21st century space workforce, and enhance U.S. commercial competitiveness in the space and aerospace industries.
Additionally, this legislation authorizes the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lease and lease-back certain property to alleviate roadblocks for the development and use of property adjacent to NASA facilities.
“Innovation is critical to expanding America’s space exploration capabilities. NASA centers should have the resources and expertise to grow in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This legislation would enable Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center to maximize underutilized areas at its facilities,” said Senator Wicker.
“This is a pivotal moment and exciting time for space exploration. A strong, strategic partnership between NASA and our thriving commercial space sector has made the U.S. a leader in space. This legislation is a big win for Texas jobs, American innovation, and national security. As China races to dominate the final frontier, the U.S. must stay ahead, which means continuing to promote space research and exploration here at home,” said Senator Cruz.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
Background:
- The Science Exploration Research Act would add new lease authorities available to NASA to enable partnerships with state and local government organizations, institutes of higher education, and nonprofits for the construction and operation of science and technology research, development, and training facilities.
- This will help grow local expertise in critical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at NASA centers.
- The Stennis Space Center would be able to use this authority to help maximize underutilized areas at the Center.
- This legislation would help the Stennis Center partner with Mississippi’s academic institutions and other Mississippi organizations, such as Mississippi Enterprise for Technology.
- This is a long-term tool that the Stennis Space Center could use as it continues to partner with outside organizations.
