S. 2351 · On the floor · Science, Technology, Communications

Space Exploration Research Act

Sponsor: Ted Cruz (R-TX)

What it does

• Explicitly authorizes NASA to lease its properties to states and localities, universities, and nonprofit organizations for space research and training.
• Lets NASA lease property to the state where it sits or a subdivision, a nonprofit founded for educational or scientific purposes, or an institution of higher education, and to lease it back.
• Requires construction and operations on leased property to serve a space-related purpose relevant to NASA's mission.
• Allows NASA to provide administrative, instructional, and other support to lessees and requires annual reports to Congress on the leases' relevance, value, and benefits.

Official summary

Space Exploration Research Act This bill explicitly authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lease its properties to states and localities, universities, and nonprofit organizations to conduct space research and training. (Under current law, NASA is authorized to lease property to individuals and entities subject to specified conditions.) Under the bill, NASA may use existing authorities to lease property under its jurisdiction to (1) the state in which the property is located or a subdivision thereof, (2) a nonprofit organization founded for educational or scientific purposes, or (3) an institution of higher education. NASA may also enter into agreements to lease back such property. Construction and operations on leased property must serve a space-related purpose relevant to NASA’s mission. NASA may provide administrative, instructional, and other appropriate support to lessees. NASA must report annually to Congress on the relevance, value, and other quantifiable benefits of the lease agreements.

Latest action

Apr 13, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation