Bills · HR 2600
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2600Spacecraft and satellitesPhotography and imaging
ASCEND Act
INTRO APR 2· LAST ACTION FEB 24
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
6BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it formalizes and expands NASA's ability to use advanced commercial satellite technology to study Earth. Currently, NASA relies on a mix of its own satellites and data from a pilot program; this bill makes the commercial data acquisition a permanent, dedicated effort. This could lead to more efficient and comprehensive Earth science research, helping us better understand climate change, weather patterns, and natural resources.
If this bill becomes law, NASA will have a clearer directive and process to tap into the rapidly growing commercial space industry, potentially acquiring more diverse and frequent data at a lower cost than developing all capabilities in-house. If it doesn't pass, NASA would continue with its existing pilot program, which might not have the same level of permanence, dedicated resources, or mandated transparency and reporting requirements, potentially limiting the long-term integration of commercial data into its core scientific missions.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a permanent 'Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program' within NASA's Earth Science Division.
This ensures a consistent and dedicated effort to integrate commercial satellite data into NASA's scientific work, rather than relying on temporary pilot programs.
PROVISION 02
Requires NASA to acquire cost-effective and appropriate commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery for scientific, operational, and educational needs.
This directs NASA to prioritize value and suitability when procuring data, optimizing resources for its core missions.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that data acquisition terms and conditions allow for the publication of commercial data for scientific purposes and derivative information.
This provision is crucial for ensuring that the purchased data contributes broadly to scientific research and public knowledge, rather than being restricted by proprietary concerns.
PROVISION 04
Directs NASA to procure data from United States vendors to the maximum extent practicable.
This aims to support and grow the domestic commercial space industry, fostering American innovation and economic strength.
PROVISION 05
Requires annual reports to Congress detailing agreements, vendors, license terms, and scientific uses of the acquired commercial data.
This ensures transparency and accountability for the program, allowing Congress and the public to monitor its effectiveness and resource allocation.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 6
R· Colorado
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 66%
DEM 4 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
13 EVENTSFEB 24
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 344.
FEB 23
Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
FEB 23
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2242-2244)
FEB 23
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2600.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2600
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedApr 2, 2025
Last actionFeb 24, 2026
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED APR 2, 2025
House BillHR 2600Spacecraft and satellitesPhotography and imaging
ASCEND Act
INTRODUCED APR 2, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 24, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
6
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
