Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act
Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act
Plain Language Summary
# Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would allow NASA to provide transportation to astronauts and other space travelers to and from medical appointments and recovery activities after they return from space missions. Currently, astronauts undergo post-mission medical evaluations and are often temporarily prohibited from driving themselves. This bill would let NASA use government vehicles to transport them during this recovery period, rather than requiring astronauts to arrange their own transportation while medically restricted from driving. **Who It Affects:** The bill applies to U.S. government-employed astronauts, certain international partner astronauts, and other people who traveled in space on launch or reentry vehicles.
It essentially addresses a practical gap in the astronaut recovery process—ensuring they can get to necessary medical appointments safely during the post-mission period when they're not cleared to drive. **Key Provisions:** NASA would be permitted to operate, maintain, and repair passenger vehicles dedicated to this purpose. Transportation would only cover necessary post-mission activities including medical research, monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment before astronauts receive clearance to operate motor vehicles on their own. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S. 582, sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz) and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Astronaut Ground Travel Support ActThis 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.) 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. 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. 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.
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