Space RACE Act
Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a National Institute for Space Research to lead the U.S. transition of microgravity research from the International Space Station to next-generation platforms. It would be run by a non-Federal entity under contract with NASA and would fund competitive microgravity research, support national-security-sensitive projects, and expand education and workforce development in space research.
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- Researchers and universities would gain access to competitively awarded grants and cooperative agreements for microgravity R&D and a published list of next-generation platforms. Applications go through the Institute website and sensitive details can be withheld to protect security or proprietary information.
- Private platform providers and commercial teams could be contracted by grantees unless a project is deemed sensitive. For sensitive projects, NASA coordination can allow use of crew time on platforms and crew time use may exceed 50 percent.
- Federal agencies and NASA would coordinate with the Institute; a Board made up of federal employees and special government employees sets priorities and prepares budget requests beginning in fiscal year 2028. Board members must avoid financial conflicts of interest and receive no compensation.
- The bill requires the Administrator to terminate the ISS National Laboratory and its cooperative agreement within 180 days after ISS research operations end, while directing the Institute to collect lessons learned to guide the transition off the ISS.
- The Institute’s funding is subject to appropriations and may use no more than 5 percent of funds for administrative expenses.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New national institute for space research
If enacted, the bill would let the NASA Administrator create a National Institute for Space Research run by a non‑Federal group not earlier than January 1, 2026, subject to appropriations. The Institute could competitively award grants and cooperative agreements to U.S. public, nonprofit, and for‑profit entities, and some awards could require matching funds. Up to 5 percent of Institute funding could be used for administrative costs. A multi‑agency Board would set priorities, bar members from having financial ties to applicants, and must submit annual budget requests starting in fiscal year 2028. Sensitive applications could be withheld from public posting, and NASA crew time could be coordinated and exceed 50 percent for designated sensitive projects.
End of ISS National Laboratory
If enacted, the bill would require the NASA Administrator to terminate the ISS National Laboratory and its cooperative agreement within 180 days after ISS research operations have ceased. The termination only takes effect after ISS research stops. This could reduce program support and access for researchers, universities, and companies that rely on the ISS National Laboratory.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
TX • R
Cosponsors
John Hickenlooper
CO • D
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Roger Wicker
MS • R
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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