• The Space Exploration, Development, and Settlement Act of 2015, drafted by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), would mark the second time in the last three decades that Congress has directed NASA to support efforts for permanent human settlements beyond Earth orbit.
  • Under the bill, NASA would be required to produce a report every two years “which describes the progress made toward expanding permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit” in support of space settlement. Those reports would also require NASA to develop metrics to quantify that progress.
  • While yet to be formally introduced, space advocates have been working to line up support for the bill. In mid-April, the Alliance for Space Development (ASD), a coalition of 11 space organizations, asked its members to contact their congressional representatives and request they co-sponsor the legislation.

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