National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2013
A BILL
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for fiscal years 2014 through 2016 and for other purposes.
2. Findings
Congress makes the following findings:
A robust and balanced space program enhances the United States long-term national and economic security by—
stimulating development of advanced technologies with widespread applications;
increasing the United States technological competitiveness;
enhancing global prosperity and security through cooperation in shared interests, such as advancement of science, understanding of Earth and the universe, and protection from space borne threats, such as asteroids;
opening the solar system to the full range of peaceful human activity; and
inspiring students to pursue disciplines in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Nation’s space program should include—
national security and civil space activities;
robotic and human exploration;
advancement of scientific knowledge and engagement of the general public;
U.S. Government led launch capability development, including the Space Launch System and the Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle, and partnerships with commercial and international entities;
advancement of the space frontier and stimulation of commerce; and
searching outward to further our understanding of the universe and observing Earth to expand knowledge of our home planet.
3. Definitions
In this Act:
Administration— The term Administration means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Administrator— The term Administrator means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Appropriate committees of Congress— The term appropriate committees of Congress means—
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.
ISS— The term ISS means the International Space Station.
NASA— The term NASA means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Orion— The term Orion means the multi-purpose crew vehicle described under section 303 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323).
Space Launch System— The term Space Launch System has the meaning given the term under section 3 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18302).