Engine Testing for Exploration Act

Administrator— The term Administrator means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Government astronaut— The term government astronaut has the meaning given the term in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code.

NASA— The term NASA means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Rocket propulsion system testing is critical for the operation of the space launch system and of future rockets that will embark on deep space exploration, including crewed missions to the Moon.

The NASA Stennis Space Center is the primary and largest rocket propulsion system testing and engineering facility for NASA.

The NASA Stennis Engineering and Test Directorate provides unique ground-testing services for rocket propulsion systems.

The existing infrastructure at the Stennis Space Center provides unique capabilities to test and evaluate rocket propulsion systems for space launch vehicles.

Maintaining within NASA a strong core competency in the testing and evaluation of rocket propulsion systems and related technologies allows NASA to be an informed purchaser of competitively awarded commercial rocket engines.

The commercial space industry is currently developing rocket propulsion systems and other space launch capabilities.

Testing rocket propulsion systems reduces risk and improves safety of space launch vehicles.

Briefing— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of Congress with a briefing on NASA plans for—