NASA Authorization Bill Includes Space Florida Provisions
Cape Canaveral, FL - Over the weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate passed the NASA Authorization Bill (H.R. 6063). The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by President Bush, will reauthorize NASA for one year at $20.2B. The bill also includes key language on three significant initiatives led by Space Florida:
- A formal study regarding the ability for commercial entities to launch in close proximity to Federal ranges.
- A formal study, conducted by NASA, on the benefits of enhanced use lease (EUL) agreements. These non-cash transactions would take place between NASA and entities such as Space Florida
- Language that acknowledges the Space Florida-owned Space Life Sciences Laboratory as a key investment and asset in the capability of the International Space Station (ISS).
"This is incredibly exciting for Space Florida and the future of commercial space development in our state," noted Space Florida President Steve Kohler. "As we look toward developing a Commercial Launch Zone at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, these studies will reinforce the benefits of pursuing commercial space initiatives for Florida, and our nation.
The additional language relating to the Space Life Sciences Laboratory will showcase our existing, successful business model for fostering essential life sciences research opportunities, and developing a three-dimensional national laboratory corridor to the International Space Station."
Additionally, the NASA Reauthorization Bill would mandate that NASA not take any actions that would preclude continuing to fly the shuttle beyond 2010.
For more information on this legislation, visit http://Thomas.loc.gov ; reference Bill #HR6063.
SOURCE: Space Florida.