S. 3029: DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act

This bill, known as the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act, aims to enhance collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in research and development activities. The key elements of the bill include:

1. Authorization for Collaborative Activities

The Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of NASA are empowered to undertake joint research and development activities. This collaboration is intended to align with both agencies' missions and priorities.

2. Competitive Awards

The agencies can make competitive awards to fund the mentioned research and development activities. This would involve selecting project proposals based on merit, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.

3. Coordination Mechanisms

To facilitate collaboration, the Secretary and Administrator are required to establish memoranda of understanding or other agreements. This will help streamline their joint efforts and ensure clear communication.

4. Areas of Research Focus

The bill outlines various areas where DOE and NASA can conduct joint activities. These include:

• Development of propulsion systems, including nuclear thermal and electric propulsion.
• Use of advanced techniques in modeling, simulation, and data analytics for mission optimization.
• Research on high energy physics, astrophysics, and cosmology.
• Investigation in Earth and environmental sciences.
• Advancements in quantum information sciences.
• Studies on radiation health effects.
• Technological developments for solar energy transmission from space.
• Research on Arctic science and infrastructure resilience.
• Methods for wildfire mitigation and resilience.
• Assessment of space weather's impact on infrastructures.
• Enhancements in satellite data acquisition and processing.
• Development of STEM workforce programs, especially in underserved areas.

5. Data Sharing and Collaboration

The bill promotes the sharing of data and collaboration between the agencies and other federal entities. This includes securing access to research facilities and capabilities, which will enhance information exchange relevant to their missions.

6. Reporting Requirements

Within two years of the bill's enactment, the Secretary and the Administrator must report to congressional committees detailing:

• Interagency coordination activities carried out.
• Improvements in technical capabilities due to collaboration.
• Achievements from joint research and developments.
• Future collaborative initiatives.

7. Research Security and Fund Transfers

The bill includes provisions to ensure that research activities follow security protocols. It also allows for the transfer of funds between federal agencies to support NASA's scientific and engineering endeavors related to space exploration.

8. Annual Reporting on Fund Transfers

NAV must provide annual details on any transferred funds, including the source agency, amounts, and specific uses for those funds within NASA. This ensures transparency and accountability in how resources are allocated for research.

Relevant Companies

• BA (The Boeing Company) - As a major aerospace manufacturer, Boeing could be impacted by developments in propulsion systems and space technology enhancements.
• LM (Lockheed Martin Corporation) - Lockheed Martin, involved in aerospace and defense, may benefit from collaborative research in space technologies and Earth observation.
• NOC (Northrop Grumman Corporation) - Engaged in aerospace and defense, Northrop Grumman could see impacts related to advancements in space systems and technologies.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies Corporation) - As a key player in aerospace systems, Raytheon might be influenced by improvements in propulsion and satellite technologies.