S-2351 — Space Exploration Research Act

YourVoice.Now Summary

Transparency & Accountability

Colleges, states, and nonprofits could rent NASA land for up to 50 years — most people would notice no change.

Transparency & Accountability

Yearly report on NASA's land leases — value and cost savings

Each January, NASA would have to send two committees in Congress a report on these leases. It would list how many it signed, at which sites, and what each is worth. It would also show what the leases save NASA and how NASA spends the rent money.

More about this bill

Most people would see no change in daily life from this bill. It would let NASA rent out land and buildings it controls to states and their agencies, colleges, and nonprofit science or education groups. A lease could run up to 50 years. NASA could renew it after that. Renters could build and run their own facilities there for research on aircraft and spacecraft. They could also train people for space-industry jobs, or help move NASA technology to American companies. NASA could then rent space back inside those buildings. It could sign grants, contracts, or other deals with the same groups. It could also give them staff help or teaching support, paid or unpaid. These leases would go ahead even where three other federal property laws set different rules. In return, NASA would have to report to Congress each January on what the leases are worth and what they save. People near NASA centers are most likely to notice, since new research or training campuses could go up there.

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

Employment and training programsLand transfersPublic-private cooperationResearch and developmentSpace flight and exploration

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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