To require a report on merits and options for establishing an institute relating to space resources, and for other purposes.

Key Points

• This bill asks NASA and the Department of Commerce to study if the United States should create a special institute for space resources. These resources include natural materials or energy sources found in outer space, such as minerals on the moon or asteroids.
• The goal is to help the U.S. stay ahead in space exploration by finding ways to collect and use these materials. This could help support long-term missions and even provide new resources for use back on Earth.
• The study will look at how to lower the risks for private businesses that want to get involved in space mining. It will also explore how the government can work with colleges and companies that already specialize in mining and drilling.
• Within six months of the bill becoming law, officials must decide if this institute should be a physical building or a virtual network. They will also look at the most cost-effective ways to run it.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.