SB 3198, the Space Research And Continuing Exploration Act, would create a new National Institute for Space Research within NASA’s framework, subject to appropriations and beginning no earlier than January 1, 2026. The institute would be operated by a non-federal entity under contract with NASA and would be tasked with supporting in-space research and development on next-generation microgravity platforms, advancing national security uses of space-based research, supporting education and workforce development, and helping transition U.S. microgravity research from the International Space Station (ISS) to successor platforms as the ISS is decommissioned.
The bill establishes a detailed governance and operating structure for the institute, including a board made up of representatives from NASA and several federal agencies, plus outside scientific and aerospace expertise. The board would set priorities, oversee operations, appoint an executive director, and develop budget requests beginning in fiscal year 2028. The institute could identify available microgravity platforms, set project-selection criteria, coordinate flight opportunities, and award competitive grants or cooperative agreements to public, private, nonprofit, and for-profit entities for microgravity research and development. The bill also limits administrative expenses to 5 percent of funds provided and bars the institute from regulating private microgravity projects unless federal funds are involved.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new federally supported but non-federal entity to coordinate U.S. microgravity research and the transition away from the ISS. It would authorize NASA to fund institute activities, create a new grantmaking and coordination mechanism for space-based research, and require termination of the ISS National Laboratory and related cooperative agreement within 180 days after ISS research operations cease. The measure would also affect how federal agencies, universities, nonprofits, and commercial space providers access and coordinate microgravity research opportunities on next-generation platforms.
Sentiment
The available context shows the bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and referred to committee, with no recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts provided. Based on the bill’s sponsors and structure, the measure appears to be framed as a forward-looking, collaborative effort to preserve U.S. leadership in space research and prepare for the post-ISS era. There is no direct evidence in the provided materials of opposition or formal support beyond introduction and referral.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the bill’s creation of a new institute operated by a non-federal entity, the extent of NASA and interagency involvement, and the use of federal funds to support grants and coordination for commercial and other nongovernmental space projects. The bill also raises questions about governance, conflicts of interest, and how much access private entities should have to federally supported microgravity platforms, especially where projects are deemed sensitive to the national interest. Another possible issue is the planned winding down of the ISS National Laboratory and the timing of the transition to successor platforms.
Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2025This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants to air pollution control agencies, including at least one tribal agency with jurisdiction over air quality, to implement cleaner air space programs (i.e., programs to provide clean air to the public during wildland fire smoke events). Generally, such programs must be located in areas at risk of exposure to wildland fire smoke and must help provide educational materials, clean air centers (i.e., one or more clean air rooms in a publicly accessible building), and air filtration units to certain households. Clean air rooms are rooms designed to keep levels of harmful air pollutants as low as possible during wildland fire smoke events.Under the bill, air pollution control agencies must partner with at least one community-based organization in implementing such programs.
Relating to the administration, powers, and duties of the Texas Space Commission and Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium, to other governmental entities regarding aerospace, aviation, and space exploration initiatives and activities, and to the abolishment of the spaceport trust fund.
Requires certain animals used in testing to be offered for adoption; requires establishment of procedures for assessment and disposition of animals; establishes penalties for noncompliance.
Requires certain animals used in testing to be offered for adoption; requires establishment of procedures for assessment and disposition of animals; establishes penalties for noncompliance.