This bill sets NASA’s plans for 2025. It keeps the Moon-to-Mars work on track, supports new US-made lunar landers and spacesuits, and pushes for a safe handoff from the International Space Station to new, privately run space stations later in the decade. It also continues key science efforts like bringing Mars samples back to Earth, tracking dangerous asteroids, and buying useful Earth imagery from US companies to support research. The bill limits direct cooperation with China, with narrow exceptions for activities that don’t risk sensitive technology or involve human-rights violators. It also invests in STEM education and technical workforce outreach. For communities, it allows NASA to help move drinking water wells in Chincoteague, Virginia, and lets NASA use government vehicles to safely transport astronauts for medical follow-ups after missions. It backs research that can help on Earth too, like better aerial firefighting tools and cleaner aviation tech.

Key points

• Who is affected: NASA, US space companies, scientists and students, astronauts, and some local communities (like Chincoteague, VA).
• What changes:
  • Keeps Artemis, the Space Launch System, and US commercial lunar landers moving, with a goal to buy from at least two providers.
  • Builds commercial space stations and won’t deorbit the ISS until a replacement is ready; allows more commercial missions in low-Earth orbit.
  • Advances Mars Sample Return, heliophysics, and planetary defense against near‑Earth objects.
  • Continues buying commercial Earth imagery to support science and opens it up for wider use.
  • Limits bilateral work with China unless strictly certified as safe.
  • Supports STEM and skilled technical workforce programs.
  • Allows post‑mission government transport for astronauts and helps move drinking water wells in Chincoteague.
  • Backs research for wildfire response and hydrogen aviation.
• When: Actions begin in fiscal year 2025, with key deadlines through 2025–2030 (for example, selecting commercial stations by 2026 and aiming for at least one to be operating by 2030).