STAR Act

This bill grants the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and licensed space launch, reentry, testing, or manufacturing entities new authority to counter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that threaten their critical facilities and properties. The Administrator of NASA is authorized to act against UAS posing a safety or security threat to designated critical NASA facilities.

Similarly, private entities licensed for space activities can take actions against UAS threatening their covered property, which includes real property and airspace used for their operations. Both NASA and these entities are empowered to detect, identify, monitor, and track UAS without prior consent, and to warn their operators.

More aggressive actions permitted include disrupting control, disabling, seizing, or confiscating UAS, and using reasonable force to damage or destroy them. Any UAS seized under these authorities is subject to forfeiture, either to the United States for NASA or to local law enforcement for private entities.

The legislation requires the display of signage at these facilities and properties to inform the public of these potential actions. While NASA personnel are not granted immunity, the operator of a threatening UAS is held liable for damages caused by mitigation efforts. The bill also mandates annual consultations with local law enforcement and specific reporting requirements to relevant agencies and Congress regarding actions taken against UAS.