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119-s-3247119th Congress

Dark and Quiet Skies Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

Introduced

Summary

Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies — this bill would create a federal-backed center to coordinate research and voluntary mitigation techniques that protect federally funded optical and radio astronomy from satellite and other interference. It focuses on collaboration between agencies, the satellite industry, observatories, universities, Native entities, and nonprofits to develop best practices and testable solutions.

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  • Researchers and observatories would get a central hub for transdisciplinary research, testing sites, and a public repository of mitigation methods to help preserve photometric, spectroscopic, optical, and radio observations.
  • Satellite operators and other private space companies would be invited to develop and adopt voluntary guidelines and evidence-based best practices to reduce optical and radio interference.
  • Eligible applicants for grants would include nonprofits, federal laboratories, universities, observatories, Native entities, and consortia; grant reviews must consider long-term financial sustainability and small business engagement.
  • Federal coordination and oversight would be required, with consultations among agencies such as NASA, NOAA, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of State, plus annual effectiveness reports through FY2030 and a five-year operating authorization.

*Would authorize $20 million for FY2026 through FY2030, increasing federal spending if Congress appropriates the funds.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Center to protect astronomical research

If enacted, the bill would let the Under Secretary of Commerce set up a Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies. The Department would award a competitive grant to an eligible group to run the Center within 1 year after enactment, only if Congress provides funding. The bill would authorize $20,000,000 total for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the Center. The Center would work with satellite companies, astronomers, and Federal agencies to research and publish voluntary best practices to reduce optical and radio interference. The Center could operate for five years and must report to Congress 18 months after enactment, then annually through fiscal year 2030.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

CO • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 11/20/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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