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
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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.