Overview
- The Commerce Committee approved the NASA Authorization Act of 2026 on a unanimous vote, authorizing $24.7 billion for FY2026 and $25.3 billion for FY2027 and rejecting proposed deep cuts to the agency.
- For the first time, the bill authorizes NASA to establish a permanent lunar base supporting long-duration habitation and industrial operations.
- ISS operations would be extended to September 30, 2032, and NASA would be barred from deorbiting the station until a commercial successor has proven operational for a full year, with at least two commercial station providers to be selected.
- The legislation endorses NASA’s recent Artemis changes by moving away from the SLS Exploration Upper Stage and directing a strategy to standardize SLS, with required briefings that include an update on Gateway plans within 60 days of enactment.
- The prior Mars Sample Return approach is formally terminated and replaced with a new plan capped at $8 billion using flight‑proven technologies and constrained international roles, with a detailed proposal due to Congress within 120 days.