Austin News

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Gary Peters have introduced the Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at aiding astronauts in their return to normal activities following space missions. This legislation seeks to provide government astronauts with transportation before they are medically cleared to drive.

Currently, returning astronauts who are not yet cleared to drive must either obtain written approval from the NASA Administrator for transportation or arrange alternative means for attending medical appointments and other post-flight activities.

Senator Cruz stated, "America’s astronauts take great risks in order to keep the United States the world’s leader in human space exploration, and we are thankful for their dedication to scientific advancement. Upon their return from missions, ensuring they have the ability to make it to and from necessary official and personal appointments until they are able to drive themselves is a simple, commonsense solution."

Senator Peters added, "When NASA astronauts go on space missions, they literally sacrifice their time on Earth to conduct important research that benefits American citizens and businesses, as well as our partners around the world. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation, which would provide our astronauts with the transportation service they need to safely acclimate when returning home."

NASA has invested significantly in understanding how human physiology changes during extended stays in microgravity environments and how astronauts reacclimate upon returning to Earth. Changes experienced by astronauts include loss of blood volume and cells, muscle mass and strength, bone density, as well as neurosensory responses.

Upon their return, crewmembers participate in scientific experiments at NASA facilities for post-flight baseline data collection. This data is crucial for addressing medical challenges related to future human spaceflight exploration initiatives. The rehabilitation program developed by the space medicine community ensures a safe recovery from prolonged weightlessness exposure.

NASA has determined that returning long-duration astronauts should refrain from driving motor vehicles for two weeks or more if necessary based on individual cases or mission duration. Transportation is essential during this period of incapacitation until astronauts are medically cleared.

The full text of the bill is available online.