S. 933 · In committee · Science, Technology, Communications

NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025

What it does

Reauthorizes NASA programs and activities through fiscal year 2025 and revises existing programs while creating new ones for exploration, research, and technology.
Directs NASA to continue supporting crewed lunar landings and Mars exploration through the Moon to Mars and Artemis programs, including private sector partnerships.
Requires a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit through and beyond the International Space Station's retirement, with an orderly transition to a commercial station and a de-orbit vehicle for the ISS.
Authorizes a lunar communications and navigation architecture and requires a strategy for a standardized lunar time.
Requires continued research on advanced air mobility, drones, and hypersonic technologies.

Official summary

NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 the programs and activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The bill also revises certain existing NASA programs and establishes new programs related to space exploration, research, and technology. For example, the bill directs NASA to continue its efforts to support crewed lunar landings and Mars explorations, including through partnerships with the private sector (i.e., the Moon to Mars and Artemis programs). The bill also requires NASA to maintain the capability for a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit until and beyond the retirement of the International Space Station (ISS). NASA may solicit proposals for the development of a commercial space station in low-Earth orbit. When such a station is ready, NASA must initiate an orderly transition of operations from the ISS to the commercial station. NASA must also develop a de-orbit vehicle for the eventual retirement of the ISS. ( Low-Earth orbit encompasses orbits at an altitude of 1,200 miles or less.) In addition, NASA is authorized to develop an architecture for lunar communications and navigation, and must…

Latest action

Mar 4, 2026: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation