Congress·Passed House·H.R. 2600

Congress Would Require NASA to Expand Buying and Sharing Commercial Earth Satellite Data

ASCEND Act

11 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Part of: Federal Reviews Target Trump-Era Immigration Approvals and Workforce Cuts

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

Congress would require NASA to create a standing program to buy Earth-observing satellite data and imagery from private companies.
The goal is to support NASA science, day-to-day operations, and education, and to fill gaps alongside NASA and partner satellites.
The bill says contract terms can’t block publishing the data for science or publishing results built from that data.
NASA would be encouraged to set license terms so the data can be used as widely as possible beyond NASA-funded researchers.
NASA would be told to buy from U.S. companies when practical and to send Congress a report within 180 days and every year after.

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Impact Analysis

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Positive Impacts(2)

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Milestones

4 milestones14 actions

Feb 24, 2026Senate

Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 344.

Feb 23, 2026House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Feb 23, 2026House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2242-2243)

Feb 23, 2026

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

Feb 23, 2026House

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2600.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After the bill becomes law

NASA sets up the Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program inside its Earth Science Division

NASA can routinely buy commercial Earth-imaging data (instead of running it only as a pilot) and distribute it for science, operations, and education uses

As NASA signs new or renewed vendor agreements

NASA starts using updated license terms aimed at “widest-possible use” beyond NASA-funded users

More people outside NASA projects (like other agencies, contractors, and researchers) may be allowed to use NASA-procured commercial imagery without negotiating separate licenses