National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010

Human Space Flight

·         Link human space flight efforts to global and national challenges and needs;

·         Incorporate new technologies and in-space capabilities through a sustainable exploration program;

·         Require immediate development of a heavy-lift capability and continued support of an exploration crew vehicle to be capable of supporting missions beyond low-Earth orbit starting in 2016;

·         Support missions beyond low-Earth orbit starting in 2016 through providing continued support of an exploration crew vehicle and developing heavy-lift capability immediately;

·         Maximize use of Space Shuttle, Constellation, and other NASA programs (workforce, assets, and capabilities) to support a sound performance and cost framework

Space Technology

·         Make investments in robotic capabilities and exploration technologies that support U.S. innovation and competitiveness and are linked to the overall exploration framework.

Commercial Cargo and Crew

·         Grant additional funding for launch infrastructure requirements and accelerate development activity and offer continued support to commercial cargo development;

·         Expand the Commercial Crew Development Program in 2011 for concept development and supporting activities, while requiring a number of studies to ensure effective oversight of the potential initiation of a commercial crew capability procurement program no earlier than 2012.

International Space Station

·         Maximize scientific return on ISS’ significant investment by extending the ISS to 2020 (at least) to support growth, research, and technology development and international and commercial collaboration and growth

·         Develop the ISS U.S. segment fully as a National Laboratory through the establishment of an independent non-profit to work with NASA

·         Ensure full functionality of the ISS through 2020 through ISS requirements’ assessment for parts and equipment.

Shuttle Retirement and final “Launch on Need” Mission

·         Prove required support for extending the ISS by authorizing an additional Shuttle flight, contingent on a safety review.

Science and Aeronautics

·         Protect a balanced portfolio for NASA, including full funding of aeronautics and Earth and space science.

Education

·         Reinforce the role of NASA in the development of a workforce with strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills by supporting new education initiatives.

·         Increase the investment in NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and NASA Space Grant program.

Re-scoping and Revitalizing Institutional Capabilities

·         Require NASA to examine alternative management models for NASA’s workforce, centers, and capabilities, while enforcing short-term prohibitions on major center displacements and reductions-in-force until the study is completed.