This bill allows NASA to use government vehicles to transport astronauts and other space flight participants to medical research and treatment activities after missions. Astronauts may be temporarily prohibited from driving during post-mission recovery, and NASA can maintain vehicles for this purpose.
Latest Action
Star Print ordered on report 119-82.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill allows NASA to use government vehicles to transport astronauts and other space flight participants to medical research and treatment activities after missions. Astronauts may be temporarily prohibited from driving during post-mission recovery, and NASA can maintain vehicles for this purpose.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act</strong></p><p>This bill permits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to use government-owned passenger vehicles to transport astronauts and other space flight participants to and from post-mission medical research and treatment activities. (After returning to earth, astronauts generally undergo a post-mission medical recovery program and may be prohibited from driving motor vehicles for varying periods of time.) </p><p>Under the bill, transportation may be provided to necessary post-mission activities including medical research and the monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of an astronaut or space flight participant before they receive post-mission clearance to operate a motor vehicle. Only astronauts employed by the U.S. government, certain international partner astronauts, and other individuals carried in launch or reentry vehicles are eligible for transportation. </p><p>The bill also permits NASA to maintain, operate, and repair one or more passenger vehicles, including motor vehicles, aircraft, and other means of transportation, for the purpose of providing such post-mission transportation. </p><p>The cost of transporting international partner astronauts and space flight participants not employed by the U.S. government must be reimbursed to the Department of the Treasury. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Permits NASA to transport astronauts to post-mission medical care
Addresses driving restrictions during astronaut recovery periods
Includes both U.S. and international partner astronauts
Covers space flight participants on NASA missions
Requires reimbursement for transporting non-U.S. government personnel
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Astronauts who cannot drive during their post-mission medical recovery would have reliable transportation to necessary medical appointments and research activities. This removes a logistical barrier to proper post-flight healthcare and supports ongoing health monitoring of space travelers.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Science, Technology, Communications
Related Subjects
Commuting
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Space flight and exploration
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
582, 119th Congress (2025). "Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-582
