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Space Exploration Research Act

USA119th CongressS-2351| Senate 
| Updated: 7/30/2025
Ted Cruz

Ted Cruz

Republican Senator

Texas

Cosponsors (5)
Katie Boyd Britt (Republican)Adam B. Schiff (Democratic)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Roger F. Wicker (Republican)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Space Exploration Research Act grants the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator new, supplemental authority to lease real property under NASA's jurisdiction. This authority allows for leases of up to 99 years to specific entities, including states, their subdivisions, certain educational or scientific non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education. The primary purpose of these leases is to facilitate the construction and operation of facilities dedicated to aeronautical and space research , education and training for space industry careers, and the transfer of space technology. These facilities can also conduct scientific, engineering, medical, academic, or other space-related activities. Beyond leasing, the Administrator may enter into agreements to lease back property and, subject to appropriations, provide administrative, maintenance, instructional, and other appropriate support to these facilities. This new authority applies broadly, overriding certain existing statutory provisions related to property leasing, ensuring flexibility for NASA's mission.
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Timeline
Jul 17, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jul 17, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jul 30, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  • July 17, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 17, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • July 30, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Science, Technology, Communications

Employment and training programsLand transfersPublic-private cooperationResearch and developmentSpace flight and exploration

Space Exploration Research Act

USA119th CongressS-2351| Senate 
| Updated: 7/30/2025
The Space Exploration Research Act grants the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator new, supplemental authority to lease real property under NASA's jurisdiction. This authority allows for leases of up to 99 years to specific entities, including states, their subdivisions, certain educational or scientific non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education. The primary purpose of these leases is to facilitate the construction and operation of facilities dedicated to aeronautical and space research , education and training for space industry careers, and the transfer of space technology. These facilities can also conduct scientific, engineering, medical, academic, or other space-related activities. Beyond leasing, the Administrator may enter into agreements to lease back property and, subject to appropriations, provide administrative, maintenance, instructional, and other appropriate support to these facilities. This new authority applies broadly, overriding certain existing statutory provisions related to property leasing, ensuring flexibility for NASA's mission.
View Full Text

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Timeline
Jul 17, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jul 17, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jul 30, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  • July 17, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 17, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • July 30, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Ted Cruz

Ted Cruz

Republican Senator

Texas

Cosponsors (5)
Katie Boyd Britt (Republican)Adam B. Schiff (Democratic)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Roger F. Wicker (Republican)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Science, Technology, Communications

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Employment and training programsLand transfersPublic-private cooperationResearch and developmentSpace flight and exploration