ASCEND Act
Last recorded step: Senate, Dec 10, 2025.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would authorize NASA to acquire and share commercial satellite data and imagery to support Earth science research.
What it does
This bill would provide formal statutory authority for NASA’s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition program, which obtains remote sensing data and imagery from commercial satellites for Earth science research. The legislation would allow NASA to establish agreements that permit other federal agencies and outside individuals to use this data, provided the terms do not prevent the publication of scientific findings. Additionally, the bill would require NASA to prioritize the acquisition of such data and imagery from United States vendors whenever practicable.
Who is affected
The bill primarily affects the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) by providing statutory authority for its Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition program. Other federal agencies and individuals outside of NASA may also be affected through expanded access to acquired remote sensing data and imagery for scientific research. Additionally, U.S. commercial satellite vendors are identified as the preferred sources for the acquisition of these data and imagery products.
Key provisions
- Authorization of the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition program. Provides statutory authority for NASA's existing program to acquire remote sensing data and imagery from commercial satellites to support Earth science research.
- Expansion of data end-use agreements. Authorizes NASA to establish or modify agreements that allow for the broad use of acquired data and imagery by individuals and entities outside of NASA, such as other federal agencies.
- Protection of scientific publication rights. Prohibits acquisition terms from preventing the publication of data, imagery, or derived information for scientific purposes.
- Prioritization of United States vendors. Directs NASA to acquire commercial remote sensing data and imagery from U.S. vendors to the extent practicable.
Fiscal impact
- S. 1437, ASCEND Act· As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on April 30, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This bill provides formal statutory authority for the existing Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program currently operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It further authorizes NASA to modify existing end-use agreements to expand access to acquired commercial satellite data for other federal agencies and the scientific community.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to provide statutory authority for NASA's Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition program, which procures remote sensing data and imagery from commercial satellites to support Earth science research. It seeks to facilitate broader access to this data for other federal agencies and the scientific community while prioritizing the use of U.S. vendors.