The ASCEND Act directs NASA to establish a program for acquiring and distributing commercial Earth observation data to support scientific, operational, and educational purposes.
John Hickenlooper
Senator
CO
The ASCEND Act directs NASA to establish a program for acquiring and disseminating commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery to support its scientific, operational, and educational goals, as well as to benefit other federal agencies and researchers. This program will prioritize data acquisition from U.S. vendors and ensure that data licenses do not hinder scientific publication. The NASA Administrator is required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the program's activities, including vendor information, license terms, and advancements in scientific research and applications.
ASCEND Act Formalizes NASA Program to Buy Commercial Satellite Data, Prioritizes US Vendors
The proposed "Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act," or ASCEND Act, aims to lock in a permanent program for NASA to purchase Earth observation data and imagery from commercial satellite companies. This isn't just about NASA; the goal is to get this valuable data into the hands of scientists, educators, other federal agencies, and researchers for a wide range of uses, from tracking environmental changes to informing operational decisions. The bill builds on NASA's existing pilot program but makes it official, embedding it within the agency's Earth Science Division.
From Pilot to Prime Time: NASA's Data Shopping Spree Gets Official
Remember NASA's Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Pilot Program started back in 2019? The ASCEND Act essentially takes that successful trial run and makes it a core part of how NASA gets its Earth-gazing data. Section 2 of the bill directs the NASA Administrator to establish this formal program under section 60307 of title 51, U.S. Code. The key directive is clear: acquire commercial Earth remote sensing data – think detailed images and measurements of our planet from space – to boost scientific research, operational work (like disaster monitoring), and educational initiatives. A big part of this involves ensuring the data licenses allow for broad use and publication for scientific purposes, potentially even by researchers not directly funded by NASA.
Made in the USA: A Boost for Domestic Space Companies?
One significant detail tucked into the bill is the requirement that NASA procure this data from "United States vendors" to the "maximum extent practicable." A "United States vendor" is defined simply as a commercial or non-profit entity incorporated stateside. While this aims to support the domestic commercial space industry, it raises questions about how strictly "maximum extent practicable" will be interpreted. Could it mean potentially overlooking better or more cost-effective data from international companies? The bill requires NASA to report annually to Congress, listing its vendors, the license terms, and how the data is advancing science, which should provide some transparency on this front.
More Data, More Discoveries: What It Means Down Here
So, why does this matter? Having more readily available, high-quality satellite data can accelerate research on everything from climate change impacts and agricultural yields to urban development and natural resource management. Imagine researchers getting faster access to imagery after a wildfire to assess damage or scientists using consistent data streams to monitor melting glaciers. By making it easier for NASA, other agencies, and funded researchers to access commercial data, the ASCEND Act could streamline these efforts. The main point of discussion will likely be balancing the goal of supporting US companies with ensuring access to the best possible data for taxpayer-funded science, wherever that data originates.