Bill > S1479

This bill, known as the BOOST for Engines Act, requires NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to continue modernizing its rocket propulsion test infrastructure across its facilities with several key objectives. The modernization program aims to increase testing capabilities, enhance safety, support propulsion development, and improve both government and commercial space transportation and exploration efforts. The bill allows NASA to fund projects that include upgrading test stands, improving facility capacity and flexibility, and developing enhanced test and flight certification capabilities, particularly for large thrust-level engines and multi-engine integrated testing. The legislation specifically mandates that NASA continue making underutilized test facilities available for commercial use on a reimbursable basis, while carefully evaluating cost agreements with commercial entities. Importantly, the bill requires NASA to ensure that these modernization efforts do not negatively impact or delay existing government program testing, such as the Space Launch System, in-space propulsion exploration missions, or nuclear propulsion testing. The bill provides flexibility for NASA to pursue infrastructure improvements while maintaining the integrity of ongoing space exploration and research programs.