Space RACE Act

Summary

Creates a new non‑federal National Institute for Space Research to support in‑space microgravity research on next‑generation platforms, workforce development, and U.S. national security uses, with a mixed federal/non‑federal board and governance rules; the Institute may operate under contract to NASA starting no earlier than January 1, 2026 and will seek funding through the normal appropriations process. Requires NASA to terminate the existing ISS National Laboratory cooperative agreement within 180 days after ISS research operations stop, shifting responsibility for transitioning microgravity R&D from the ISS to new platforms and private operators.

• Authorizes NASA (subject to appropriations) to contract with a non‑Federal operator to create a National Institute for Space Research starting no earlier than Jan 1, 2026.
• Institute will support microgravity R&D on next‑generation platforms, workforce development, commercialization, and national security uses of space research.
• Creates a mixed federal/non‑federal Board of Directors with staggered terms, a NASA Chair, conflict‑of‑interest limits, and no pay from Institute funds.
• Removes the 130‑day service cap for "special Government employees" appointed under the Act, allowing longer service in that status.
• Requires NASA to terminate the ISS National Laboratory cooperative agreement within 180 days after ISS research operations end.
• Institute activities (grants, cooperative agreements, staffing) are subject to appropriations and must be included in annual budget requests to Congress starting FY2028.
• Board members are barred from having financial interests in entities that seek Institute funding to reduce conflicts between governance and grant applicants.
• Vacancies on the Board must be filled within 90 days, and the Board must adopt a Federal‑standard code of conduct.