Space RACE Act

Senate Bill

S. 3198

119th Congress

Space RACE Act

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 19, 2025

Primary Sponsor

John Cornyn

R - TX

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Summary

The Space RACE Act establishes the National Institute for Space Research to support the transition of U.S. microgravity research from the aging International Space Station to next-generation commercial platforms. The institute, governed by a 12-member board representing multiple federal agencies, will coordinate grants for research projects and support STEM workforce development.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Space RACE Act establishes the National Institute for Space Research to support the transition of U.S. microgravity research from the aging International Space Station to next-generation commercial platforms. The institute, governed by a 12-member board representing multiple federal agencies, will coordinate grants for research projects and support STEM workforce development.

Last updated: 12/27/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates National Institute for Space Research starting January 2026
Prepares for ISS decommissioning by transitioning to commercial microgravity platforms
Board includes NASA, DOD, NIH, NSF, DOE, FDA, and National Academy of Sciences
Supports qualified national microgravity projects led by universities and nonprofits
Addresses national security applications of in-space research

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Space researchers at universities and research institutions gain coordinated access to commercial space platforms. Commercial space station developers (Axiom, Vast, etc.) benefit from guaranteed government research demand. Pharmaceutical, materials science, and biotech industries can continue microgravity research after ISS retirement. U.S. maintains leadership in space research amid international competition.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3198, 119th Congress (2025). "Space RACE Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-s-3198