Technical corrections only. The diff between v3 and v4 primarily reflects procedural updates as the bill moved from the House to the Senate, including changes to the attestation and calendar information. There are no substantive policy changes to the legislative text.
ASCEND Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]
- Committees
- Science, Space, and Technology Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill formalizes and expands NASA's program to acquire and utilize commercial satellite data for Earth science research and applications, promoting data access and supporting domestic industry.
What it actually does
This bill formally establishes a Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program within NASA's Earth Science Division, building on a successful pilot program. It mandates the acquisition and dissemination of cost-effective commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery to fulfill NASA's scientific, operational, and educational needs, and potentially those of other federal agencies and researchers. The bill also requires transparency in data publication and prioritizes procurement from United States vendors.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation codifies a highly successful pilot program, ensuring NASA can continue to leverage innovative and cost-effective commercial data to advance critical Earth science research. They contend it will enhance scientific understanding of our planet, complement existing government observations, and foster growth within the U.S. commercial space sector, while promoting broad data access for scientific and educational purposes.
Opponents contend
No organized opposition is typically raised against measures that enhance scientific data acquisition, especially when building on a successful pilot. However, potential concerns, if any, might revolve around the balance between leveraging commercial data and maintaining robust in-house government capabilities, or ensuring fair competition among commercial providers while adhering to the 'maximum extent practicable' clause for U.S. vendors.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough evaluation by an informed reader.
Section 2(b)(1), adding new Section 60307(a) to title 51, United States Code
Establishment of Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program
This provision mandates the Administrator of NASA to establish a formal program within the Earth Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate. The program's purpose is to acquire and disseminate commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery that is both cost-effective and appropriate, thereby satisfying the scientific, operational, and educational requirements of NASA, and, where suitable, other Federal agencies and scientific researchers. This aims to augment or complement existing Earth observations.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formalizing this program ensures continuity and expansion of a successful pilot initiative, providing NASA with crucial, cost-effective data to advance Earth science and applications. It leverages private sector innovation to meet public scientific goals.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the establishment of such a program, especially given the documented success of the pilot. Any concerns might be about ensuring the program remains truly cost-effective and avoids over-reliance on specific vendors.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for robust scientific data with the strategic objective of leveraging private sector capabilities and fostering innovation in commercial space.
Section 2(b)(1), adding new Section 60307(b) to title 51, United States Code
Data Publication and Transparency Requirements
This provision mandates that the terms and conditions for acquiring commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery under the program must not prevent the publication of this data for scientific purposes. Furthermore, it ensures that information derived from, incorporating, or enhancing the original commercial data can also be published. This is intended to promote open science and maximize the utility of acquired data.
Section 2(b)(1), adding new Section 60307(c) to title 51, United States Code
Procurement Authority and Broad Data Use
This section grants the NASA Administrator explicit authority to procure commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery to advance scientific research and applications. Crucially, it also authorizes the Administrator to establish or modify end-use license terms and conditions to allow for the widest possible use of this procured data by individuals beyond just NASA-funded users, consistent with the program's objectives. This expands the potential reach and impact of the acquired data.
Section 2(b)(1), adding new Section 60307(d) to title 51, United States Code
Preference for United States Vendors
This provision directs NASA to procure commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery from United States vendors 'to the maximum extent practicable.' This aims to support and strengthen the domestic commercial space industry by prioritizing U.S.-based companies in NASA's data acquisition efforts.
Section 2(b)(1), adding new Section 60307(e) to title 51, United States Code
Annual Reporting Requirements
This provision requires the NASA Administrator to submit an annual report to specific Congressional committees. The report must detail all agreements for commercial Earth remote sensing data, list vendors, describe end-use license terms, explain how agreements advance scientific research (including decadal survey priorities), and specify whether data use is permitted for Federal Government employees, contractors, or non-Federal users. The initial report is due 180 days after enactment, with annual reports thereafter.