NASA Authorization Act of 2005


The NASA Authorization Act of 2005 is an act of the United States Congress. It was signed by the then President George W. Bush and became Public Law 109-155 on December 30, 2005.
The act requires NASA to carry out a balanced set of programs in human spaceflight, in aeronautics research and development and in scientific research. The act directs NASA to send robotic spacecraft to study the Moon and planets, and to study astronomy and astrophysics. The act directs NASA to use research satellites to conduct earth science research and research on the Sun-Earth connection. The act also directs NASA to support university research in a variety of fields.
In conducting its work, the act directs NASA to consult with other agencies, including the National Science and Technology Council, and to work closely with the private sector, and to "involve other nations to the extent appropriate."

Vision for Space Exploration

The act makes into law, and establishes milestones for, the United States Vision for Space Exploration. Specifically it directs the NASA Administrator to develop a sustained human presence on the Moon with a lunar precursor program, and authorizes international collaborations in pursuit of these goals.

VSE milestones

The NASA Administrator is directed to "strive to achieve" the following milestones:
The act requires establishment of a policy to guide U.S. aeronautics research and development programs through 2020. The act reiterates the Federal Government's interest in conducting research and development programs that:
The act directs the Administrator to "detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical
characteristics of near-Earth objects equal to or greater than
140 meters in diameter in order to assess the threat of such
near-Earth objects to the Earth. It shall be the goal of the
Survey program to achieve 90 percent completion of its nearEarth
object catalogue within 15 years after the date
of enactment of this Act."

Science

The act directs the Administrator to develop a plan for NASA science programs through 2016. The act specifically mentions the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, SIM-Planet Quest, and the "Future Explorers Program".

Hubble repair

The act required NASA to plan the final mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

Budget

The act makes specific requirements regarding the NASA budget.