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To require the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to continue modernization efforts with respect to Federal rocket propulsion test infrastructure at National Aeronautics and Space Administration centers.
Summary
This bill directs the NASA Administrator to continue a modernization program for rocket propulsion test infrastructure at NASA facilities to increase capabilities, enhance safety, support propulsion development and testing, and foster improvements in government and commercial space transportation. The bill allows NASA to fund infrastructure projects for rocket propulsion test stands, enhancements to test facility capacity and flexibility, and other projects that support the program's goals. The bill requires NASA to prioritize investments in large thrust-level engines and multi-engine integrated test capabilities, make underutilized test facilities available for commercial use on a reimbursable basis, and ensure that no project delays or defers existing government space programs such as the Space Launch System or nuclear propulsion testing.
AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill text — neutral, and may be imperfect. See the full text below for the exact wording.
Sponsor (1)
- Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] (R-MS)
Actions (2)
- Apr 10, 2025 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. · senate
- Apr 10, 2025 Introduced in Senate
Similar bills (6)
Bills with similar text or summary — includes reintroductions across Congresses. Ranked by semantic similarity of the bill text (computed locally); a neutral discovery aid, not a claim the bills are duplicates.
Full text
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 10, 2025
Mr. Wicker introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
A BILL
To require the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to continue modernization efforts with respect to Federal rocket propulsion test infrastructure at National Aeronautics and Space Administration centers.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “Building Out Optimized Space Testing for Engines Act” or the “BOOST for Engines Act”.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.—The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
(2) NASA.—The term “NASA” means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
SEC. 3. ROCKET ENGINE TEST INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Modernization Program.—The Administrator shall continue to carry out a program to modernize rocket propulsion test infrastructure at NASA facilities—
(1) to increase capabilities;
(2) to enhance safety;
(3) to support propulsion development and testing; and
(4) to foster the improvement of Government and commercial space transportation and exploration.
(b) Projects.—Projects funded under the program described in subsection (a) may include—
(1) infrastructure and other facilities and systems relating to rocket propulsion test stands and rocket propulsion testing;
(2) enhancements to test facility capacity and flexibility; and
(3) such other projects as the Administrator considers appropriate to meet the goals described in that subsection.
(c) Requirements.—In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall—
(1) prioritize investments in projects that enhance test and flight certification capabilities for large thrust-level atmospheric and altitude engines and engine systems, and multi- engine integrated test capabilities;
(2) continue to make underutilized test facilities available for commercial use on a reimbursable basis;
(3) evaluate NASA center-specific agreements with commercial entities to ensure that costs reflect the impacted location rather than the cost of the highest national agreement; and
(4) ensure that no project carried out under such program adversely impacts, delays, or defers testing or other activities associated with facilities used for Government programs, including—
(A) the Space Launch System and the Exploration Upper Stage of the Space Launch System;
(B) in-space propulsion to support exploration missions; and
(C) nuclear propulsion testing.
(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall preclude a NASA program, including the Space Launch System and the Exploration Upper Stage of the Space Launch System, from using the modernized test infrastructure developed under this section. <all>
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