The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 is a U.S. law which authorizes NASA appropriations for fiscal years 2011–2013 with the same top-line budget values as requested by President of the United States Barack Obama. The law supports an overall growth in science, aeronautics, and space technology and defines a long-term goal for human spaceflight to expand a permanent human presence beyond low Earth orbit. Key objectives of this goal include full utilization of the International Space Station (ISS), determining the ability of humans to live in outer space for extended periods of time, maximizing the role of space exploration and space technology in current and future missions, advancing knowledge and inspiring young people into higher education, and building upon international partnerships.
Contents
- Human spaceflight
- Space technology
- Commercial cargo and crew
- International Space Station
- Additional launch on need Shuttle mission
- Science and aeronautics
- Education
- Rescoping and revitalizing institutional capabilities
- References
The act was signed into law by President Obama on October 11, 2010. A total of $58 billion in funding is called for, spread across three years.
Human spaceflight
In regard to human spaceflight, the law is intended to:
Space technology
The law will invest in space technologies and robotics capabilities that are tied to the overall space exploration framework and support U.S. innovation and competitiveness.
Commercial cargo and crew
In regard to commercial cargo and crew, the law will:
International Space Station
In regard to the International Space Station (ISS), the law will:
Additional "launch on need" Shuttle mission
The law authorizes an additional Space Shuttle flight (STS-135), contingent on a safety review, to provide necessary support for the extension of the ISS.
Science and aeronautics
The law protects a balanced portfolio for NASA, including full funding of aeronautics, Earth science and space science.
Education
In regard to education, the law will:
Rescoping and revitalizing institutional capabilities
The law requires NASA to examine alternative management models for NASA’s workforce, centers, and capabilities, while enforcing short-term prohibitions on major center displacements and reductions-in-force until the study is completed.