Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and other colleagues, introduced the Space Exploration Research Act. The bill is designed to promote aeronautical and space research, develop a 21st-century space workforce, and enhance U.S. commercial competitiveness in the space and aerospace industries.
The proposed legislation would authorize the NASA Administrator to lease certain properties to ease development adjacent to NASA facilities. It aims to support the Johnson Space Center as a leading center for training and exploration activities, potentially boosting job growth in Texas within the space industry.
Senator Cruz stated, “This is a pivotal moment and exciting time for space exploration. A strong, strategic partnership between NASA and our thriving commercial space sector has made the U.S. a leader in space.” He emphasized that this legislation is beneficial for Texas jobs, American innovation, and national security.
Senator Padilla added that California’s NASA centers play a crucial role in scientific research and innovation. He remarked on the bipartisan nature of the legislation that would allow unused NASA facilities to generate revenue while advancing scientific research.
The bill also garnered support from Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). Senator Britt highlighted Alabama’s role in fulfilling President Trump’s mission for space exploration, noting that this measure would make efficient use of unused properties for training and technology transfer.
Senator Luján pointed out New Mexico’s contribution to space exploration, stressing partnerships between NASA and universities to provide students with practical experience in space research.
Senator Wicker emphasized the importance of innovation in expanding America’s capabilities in space exploration, suggesting that this legislation would enable Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center to utilize its underused areas effectively.
In June 2023, as part of building human spaceflight expertise nearby, JSC announced proposals for leasing undeveloped property on its western end. Texas A&M submitted a proposal following this solicitation. The Texas State Legislature passed House Bill 1 appropriating funds for constructing facilities adjacent to JSC at Exploration Park.
JSC expressed interest in using these new capabilities from the Texas A&M Space Institute. This legislation would formalize NASA’s ability to lease land to state governments or universities like Texas A&M University while allowing future leases back by NASA after development by these entities.
The Space Exploration Research Act aims at benefiting educational institutions alongside commercial entities by providing access to advanced facilities—thereby offering students hands-on opportunities solving real-world problems—and building up workforce skills necessary within an expanding economy focused on outer-space endeavors.
