NASA C-UAS Act

Key Points

• This bill gives NASA the legal authority to detect, track, and monitor drones that pose a threat to its high-security sites, such as rocket launch pads and reentry zones.
• NASA security teams would be allowed to intercept electronic signals or communications between a drone and its pilot without a warrant if they believe the drone is a credible threat to safety or security.
• To protect privacy, the agency must follow the Constitution and generally delete any intercepted data within 180 days, unless it is needed for a criminal investigation or a court case.
• Before using these powers, NASA must conduct risk assessments to ensure their tracking technology does not interfere with regular airplanes, radio signals, or local wireless networks.
• The policy is designed to protect expensive space equipment and national security missions from unauthorized drone activity while coordinating closely with the Federal Aviation Administration.
• If passed, this specific authority for NASA would remain in effect until September 30, 2031.

Impact Analysis

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