The NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, sponsored by Texas Rep. Brian Babin (R-Woodville), moves tomorrow to consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives following unanimous approval by the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
The bill reaffirms bipartisan support for NASA’s core mission of scientific discovery and human and robotic exploration, while extending authorization for existing programs and directing new reports on priorities, including the Artemis lunar campaign, the International Space Station, low-Earth orbit activities and emerging space technologies.
As lawmakers consider the legislation, experts from Rice University — a long-standing partner in U.S. space exploration — are available to provide perspective on the bill’s implications for space science, engineering and aeronautics, artificial intelligence, public-private partnerships and the future aerospace workforce.
Space science, exploration strategy and public-private partnerships
Expert: David Alexander, professor of physics and astronomy, director of the Rice Space Institute and executive committee member of the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium
Can speak to: The bill’s bipartisan support and what that signals for NASA; continued commitment to NASA’s core mission of scientific discovery and human and robotic exploration; the expanding role of public-private partnerships in space exploration.
Engineering, aeronautics and workforce development
Expert: Jane Grande-Allen, senior associate dean in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing and the Isabel C. Cameron Professor of Bioengineering
Can speak to: The bill’s emphasis on engineering, aeronautics and space technology research; interagency cooperation to support workforce development and mentorship; continued attention to building STEM pipelines for the future aerospace workforce.
Space science and exploration policy and NASA’s evolving role
Expert: Kenneth Evans, fellow in science, technology and innovation policy at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
Can speak to: NASA’s evolving role in the U.S. space economy; strategic direction for U.S. space science and exploration; historical importance of NASA reauthorization legislation.
Mission status and outlook
Expert: Patricia Reiff, professor of physics and astronomy and associate director of outreach programs at the Rice Space Institute
Can speak to: Status and funding for the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, which Reiff said has “uncovered the prime mystery of magnetic reconnection and is working on several other crucial problems.”
To schedule an interview with any of Rice’s experts, contact media relations specialists Avery Franklin at ar119@rice.edu or Silvia Cernea Clark at sc220@rice.edu.