The NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 reauthorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, allocating over $24.4 billion for fiscal year 2026 across its various mission directorates. This funding supports critical programs in exploration, space operations, science, aeronautics, space technology, education, and mission services. The bill aims to ensure continuity of purpose and United States leadership in space. For exploration , the bill reaffirms support for the Artemis program, including the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion, with a focus on human-rated lunar landing capabilities and advanced spacesuits. It emphasizes leveraging commercial providers and international partners for efficiency and redundancy in lunar and deep space missions. The legislation also mandates reports on SLS demand and the progress of human lunar landing capabilities. In space operations , the Act addresses the future of low-Earth orbit (LEO) by requiring reports on continued U.S. presence and a strategy for a robust LEO architecture post-International Space Station (ISS). It authorizes agreements for commercial LEO development and acquisition of ISS deorbit capabilities from U.S. commercial providers. Additionally, it includes provisions for orbital debris research and lunar communications and navigation. The science title emphasizes maintaining a balanced science portfolio guided by decadal surveys, with provisions for implementing mission cost-caps and reexamining surveys. Specific directives include efforts for Landsat data, commercial satellite data acquisition, and leveraging NASA data for agricultural applications. It also addresses planetary defense, lunar discovery, Mars Sample Return, and the development of Great Observatories. Aeronautics research is bolstered through provisions for experimental aircraft demonstrations, hypersonics research, advanced materials, and unmanned aircraft systems. The bill also establishes a program for advanced capabilities in emergency response, particularly for wildfires, and promotes hydrogen aviation research. In STEM education , it reauthorizes the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program and expands outreach for skilled technical workforce development. Key policy provisions include updates to major program management, enhanced consultation for the NASA Advisory Council, and requirements for independent cost estimates. A new public-private talent program is established to facilitate temporary assignments between NASA and private sector entities. The bill also imposes restrictions on the use of federal funds for certain space and scientific activities involving the People's Republic of China, with specific exceptions.