H.R. 2600: Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act

This bill is known as the Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act, or ASCEND Act. Its main purpose is to direct the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to create a program focused on acquiring and sharing commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery. Here are the key elements of the bill:

Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program

• The Administrator of NASA is required to establish a program within the Earth Science Division to acquire and disseminate commercial Earth remote sensing data. This aims to meet the scientific, operational, and educational needs of NASA, other federal agencies, and scientific researchers.
• The program will supplement existing Earth observation data gathered by NASA and other U.S. government agencies.

Data Publication and Transparency

• The bill stipulates that NASA can publish the commercial data or imagery obtained for scientific purposes. This also covers any derived or enhanced information based on the original data.
• This aspect of the bill aims to ensure that scientific progress can continue using commercially acquired data.

Authorization for Procurement

• The Administrator is authorized to procure commercial Earth remote sensing data from vendors to facilitate scientific research.
• Nasa may also establish flexible licensing terms for the data, enabling broader access for users beyond those funded by NASA, which could promote more extensive research and applications.

Preference for U.S. Vendors

• Commercial Earth remote sensing data is to be acquired primarily from U.S. vendors, whenever feasible. This preference aims to support domestic companies and technology.

Reporting Requirements

• NASA must submit reports to Congress within 180 days after the enactment of the bill, and then annually. These reports should include details about agreements with vendors, licenses, and how the data is being used to advance research.
• The initial report will list all commercial agreements in place as of the report’s date, while subsequent reports will cover agreements made during the reporting period.

Overall Goals

The ASCEND Act seeks to enhance NASA’s capabilities in Earth observation by leveraging commercial satellite data, thereby enriching scientific understanding and fostering educational and operational advancements through accessible and transparent data sharing.

Relevant Companies

• MAXR (Maxar Technologies): A provider of satellite imagery and data, which could see increased demand for its services as NASA and other agencies look to acquire commercial Earth remote sensing data.
• PL (Planet Labs): Engaged in providing satellite imagery, Planet Labs' business might be impacted as NASA looks to source more commercial data.
• SSYS (Stratasys): While primarily a 3D printing company, any branches focusing on technology related to data collection or processing might see relevance through partnerships with satellite services.