Space Research Innovation Act
Key claim: The bill would direct NASA to establish a university-affiliated research center partnering with higher education and nonprofit institutions to provide engineering support and analysis for deep-space and lunar missions.
Abstract
(HR102 · 118th Congress) Space Research Innovation Act This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a university-affiliated research center to fund analyses and engineering support related to cis-lunar and deep-space missions and interplanetary research. Entities eligible to participate in the center include institutions of higher education, operators of federally funded research and development centers, and nonprofit research institutions. Latest action (2023-01-09): Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Why this matters
The proposal would create a NASA–academic partnership structure for engineering support and analysis tied to deep-space and lunar missions, potentially opening participation opportunities for higher education and nonprofit institutions. It remains at committee referral, with no established center or funding and no specified funding levels, partner-selection procedures, or award terms in the supplied finding.