H.R. 3697: Rural American Vitalization in Extraterrestrial Space Reporting Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Rural American Vitalization in Extraterrestrial Space Reporting Act of 2025, has the primary goal of transforming abandoned or underutilized facilities in rural areas—such as factories, space centers, and military bases—into manufacturing sites for space-related activities. The key components of the bill are outlined below:

Study Requirement

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with various governmental offices and agencies, conduct a comprehensive study within one year of the bill's enactment. This study will focus on:

• The costs associated with converting abandoned facilities in rural areas into space manufacturing sites.
• The demand for terrestrial space manufacturing activities.
• Environmental and sustainability implications of these conversions.
• The impact on local economies where these conversions would take place.
• The necessary technical skills and education required for the workforce involved in these projects.
• Opportunities for collaboration with local community colleges.
• Effects of artificial intelligence on workforce development relating to these conversions.
• The current number of abandoned factories and military bases in rural areas as of 2025.
• Potential benefits for rural communities from these conversions.
• Possible funding sources or incentives for private sector initiatives.
• National security considerations associated with these conversions.
• Estimated timelines for completing the conversion processes.
• Input from private and public entities that have worked with NASA focused on space manufacturing.
• An expert analysis of the aerospace industry status in rural areas and best practices for such conversions.

Submission of Findings

The findings from the study, along with any guidance developed, must be submitted to Congress for review and consideration.

Definitions

The bill provides definitions for key terms, including:

• Abandoned: Facilities that have been out of use or underutilized for at least five years without plans for restarts or repurposing.
• Factory: Industrial facilities for manufacturing goods or parts.
• Rural area: Areas not classified as cities or towns with populations greater than 50,000 or neighboring urbanized areas.
• Space complex: Groups of buildings intended for the manufacture or launch of space vehicles and technologies.

Purpose and Goals

The overarching purpose of the bill is to revitalize rural areas by promoting economic development through space manufacturing initiatives, tapping into underutilized facilities, and addressing workforce development needs. It aims to create new opportunities for local economies while also considering environmental sustainability and national security implications.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing Company) - Boeing has a significant interest in space technologies, and the conversion of manufacturing facilities could benefit its operations.
• GS (Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.) - As a financial service provider, Goldman Sachs may be involved in funding initiatives related to the conversions.
• LMST (Momentus Inc.) - A space launch company that could potentially occupy newly converted facilities for space-related manufacturing.