US SB933

Summary of S. 933 - NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025

• Authorizes $25.5 billion for NASA in fiscal year 2025, distributed across directorates including $7.65 billion for Exploration Systems Development, $7.58 billion for Science, $4.47 billion for Space Operations, and $1.18 billion for Space Technology

• Reaffirms the Artemis program for lunar exploration, requiring NASA to continue development of the Space Launch System, Orion spacecraft, and human-rated lunar landing systems from at least 2 commercial providers to support crewed Moon missions

• Mandates continuous U.S. human presence in low-Earth orbit, prohibiting ISS decommissioning until at least one commercial space station reaches initial operational capability, with NASA required to select 2 or more commercial low-Earth orbit destinations by March 2026

• Directs NASA to pursue a restructured Mars Sample Return program using firm fixed-price agreements with commercial providers within one year, while maintaining a balanced planetary science portfolio across Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship mission classes

• Restricts federal funds from being used for bilateral cooperation with China or Chinese-owned companies on space activities, with limited exceptions requiring FBI consultation and congressional notification 30 days prior to any approved activity