The Space Exploration Research Act gives NASA additional authority to lease its real estate, meaning land and buildings under the agency's control, to states, state agencies, nonprofit education and science organizations, and colleges or universities for up to 50 years. Groups that sign these leases could build and run facilities for space and aeronautics research, workforce training for space-industry careers, and technology transfer between NASA and private companies. NASA would also be allowed to lease back property it has already leased out, enter into related grant and cooperative agreements, and provide administrative or instructional support to its lease partners, with or without reimbursement. Because these leases can override certain existing federal property laws, NASA would be required to file an annual report to Congress detailing each lease's mission relevance, financial value, and cost savings. The bill mainly affects NASA field centers, university research partners, and communities near NASA facilities that could see new research or training campuses built on federal land.
Transparency & Accountability
- NASA lease reporting requirement — Annual report to Congress required on lease value and cost savings
Congressional Summary
Space Exploration Research ActThis bill explicitly authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lease its properties to states and localities, universities, and nonprofit organizations to conduct space research and training. (Under current law, NASA is authorized to lease property to individuals and entities subject to specified conditions.)Under the bill, NASA may use existing authorities to lease property under its jurisdiction to (1) the state in which the property is located or a subdivision thereof, (2) a nonprofit organization founded for educational or scientific purposes, or (3) an institution of higher education. NASA may also enter into agreements to lease back such property.Construction and operations on leased property must serve a space-related purpose relevant to NASA’s mission. NASA may provide administrative, instructional, and other appropriate support to lessees.NASA must report annually to Congress on the relevance, value, and other quantifiable benefits of the lease agreements.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Reported to Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-04-13
- Date Added
- 2026-07-11
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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