HR. 2600Introduced
ASCEND Act
Establishes statutory authority for NASA’s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition program to obtain commercial satellite remote sensing data for Earth science research and broaden permitted use of that data
Plain-English overview
What this bill does
Establishes statutory authority for NASA’s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition program to obtain commercial satellite remote sensing data for Earth science research and broaden permitted use of that data
Key points
- Establish NASA CSDA authority
- Require U.S. vendor acquisition when practicable
- Prohibit limits on scientific publication
- Allow broader data end use
Current status
Where it stands
Status
Introduced
Latest action
2026-02-24 — Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 344.
Related context
Topics and policy areas
undefinedCongressional oversightEarth sciencesPhotography and imagingScience, Technology, CommunicationsSpace flight and explorationSpacecraft and satellites