S. 582: Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act

This bill, known as the Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act, aims to authorize the use of federal transportation for certain astronauts and space flight participants in specific circumstances. Below are the main components of what the bill entails:

Purpose and Definitions

The bill establishes a framework for the transportation of:

• Government astronauts: Individuals employed by the government who travel to space as part of their official duties.
• International partner astronauts: Astronauts from partner nations also participating in space missions.
• Space flight participants: Individuals who fly to space but are not government astronauts, often involved in commercial space activities.

Additionally, it defines what constitutes a mission and what is considered official purpose related to astronaut transportation, including post-mission medical activities.

Authorization for Transportation

The bill allows the Administrator of a specified agency to authorize the use of federal passenger carriers to transport government astronauts and space flight participants for official purposes. This includes:

• Transportation from their home to various locations as needed after a mission.
• Requirements for such transportation to be approved in writing by the Chief of the Astronaut Office.

The Administrator is also permitted to maintain and repair the passenger carriers used for these purposes.

Reimbursement Clause

If transportation is provided for international partner astronauts or space flight participants not employed by the federal government, they must reimburse the government for the costs associated with their transportation.

Regulatory Framework

The bill mandates that the Administrator create regulations necessary to implement the provisions laid out in the Act, ensuring proper oversight and operational guidelines for the transportation of astronauts.

Financial Expenditures

In executing the aspects of the bill concerning transportation, the Administrator has the authority to use available funds, even if it conflicts with certain other financial regulations.

Clerical Amendments

The bill also includes a clerical amendment to update the table of contents for the relevant U.S. Code to reflect the addition of this new section regarding passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation.

Relevant Companies

• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration): The operations of NASA could be affected insofar as the bill facilitates ground transportation for astronauts post-mission.
• Boeing (BA): Boeing conducts crewed space missions for NASA and partners, and could see changes in transportation logistics for their astronauts.
• Virgin Galactic (SPCE): As a commercial space travel provider, they may be impacted by regulations surrounding astronaut travel and their processes related to post-mission activities.