Bill > S3247

This bill establishes a Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies to address interference with scientific research caused by satellite and space activities. The Center will be funded with $20 million over five years and will be competitively awarded to an eligible entity such as a nonprofit, federal laboratory, university, Native entity, or observatory. The Center's primary objectives include developing best practices to reduce optical and radio interference with astronomical observations, identifying facilities for testing interference mitigation techniques, conducting research to track and minimize scientific research disruptions, and creating voluntary guidelines for the satellite industry. The Center will work closely with multiple federal agencies including NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Federal Communications Commission, and will publish its research findings in a publicly accessible repository. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology will oversee the Center, which will be required to submit annual reports to Congress demonstrating its effectiveness and outlining future goals. The bill emphasizes voluntary collaboration between federal agencies and the private sector to protect the integrity of scientific research observing celestial bodies, with a focus on developing innovative solutions to minimize technological interference with astronomical studies.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3247/all-info