Sponsor
Andrew S. Biggs
Representative · R-AZ
Representative · R-AZ
Creates a NASA-backed university-affiliated research center that strengthens deep-space research and public–private collaboration and raises technical standards, at the cost of added federal oversight spending and a risk that funding and opportunities become concentrated with established institutions, limiting access for smaller or newer participants.
Researchers and universities gain a stable NASA-backed research center that provides funded cis-lunar, deep-space, and interplanetary analysis and engineering support.
Academic institutions and private-sector partners get formal convening and partnership opportunities through the UARC, strengthening public–private collaboration on space research and engineering.
NASA and contractors benefit from improved technical quality control because the bill requires NASA to hold the UARC accountable and to set technical capability standards for participants.
Smaller universities, research institutions, and startups may lose access to NASA research funding as the UARC could concentrate awards with selected, established institutions and nonprofits, potentially excluding groups lacking prior credentials.
Taxpayers bear additional administrative and oversight costs because the new program requires ongoing federal oversight and likely funding from NASA appropriations or reallocation.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Directs NASA to establish a university‑affiliated research center to support mission analysis and engineering for cis‑lunar, deep‑space, and interplanetary missions and sets participation and award rules.
Official title: To allow the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish a research center for deep space and interplanetary research, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 3, 2025 by Andrew S. Biggs · Last progress January 3, 2025
Creates a new university-affiliated research center (UARC) under existing federal authority to support NASA mission analysis and engineering for cis-lunar, deep-space, and interplanetary activities. The NASA Administrator must set up the UARC, ensure technical accountability, adopt policies for participant selection and awards, and allow eligible participants including colleges, federally funded R&D centers, and nonprofit research organizations.