WASHINGTON, D.C. - Key leaders in the space and aviation industry praised the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for the NASA Authorization Act of 2026, a bipartisan effort led by Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The NASA Authorization Act of 2026, which was approved unanimously by the Committee on March 4, delivers a clear strategic direction to ensure that the United States-not China-leads the next era of space exploration and builds the first moon base.

To see a full list of supporters, click HERE.

Below are some of the statements in support of the NASA Authorization Act of 2026:

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman: "Thank you Chairman @SenTedCruz and @SenateCommerce for advancing the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026. A major bipartisan step towards empowering the agency to execute on @POTUS's National Space Policy to return @NASA astronauts to the Moon and build the base."

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: "The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2026 provides a clear framework for advancing critical missions, including returning Americans to the Moon, supporting commercial space station development, expanding Earth science and space weather capabilities, and fostering public-private partnerships that leverage commercial industry capabilities, drive innovation, and reduce costs to the government."

Commercial Space Federation: "CSF is pleased the legislation supports commercial space capabilities that can accelerate activities on the Moon and Mars and be used to build an enduring American lunar base. We also applaud the committee's commitment to continuous human presence and economic development in low-Earth orbit by providing clear direction to fully utilize the International Space Station through end of life and proceed quickly with the Commercial LEO Destinations program. Finally, we applaud the legislation's support for a balanced space science program that includes private sector capabilities like commercial lunar landers, commercial transportation, in-space research platforms, and commercial data procurement. By employing public-private partnerships and firm-fixed price agreements across the enterprise, NASA and the taxpayers are paying for services and results. Industry partnerships are allowing U.S. space programs to do more - explore more - with fewer resources."

Coalition for Deep Space Exploration: "On behalf of the members of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (CDSE), I am writing to express our support for the policy and direction in the NASA Authorization bill...As the only industry organization representing the breadth of companies from across the nation, from small business suppliers to the prime integrators, partnering with NASA on the Artemis program, we believe this authorization bill is critical to maintaining American leadership in space."

The Planetary Society: "The NASA Authorization Act of 2026 is the most significant piece of NASA policy legislation in years. Our endorsement is offered as a considered judgment that this bill charts a responsible and forward-looking course for the nation's space science and exploration programs. We urge the full Senate to bring S. 933 to a vote without delay."

The Artemis Group: "America succeeds in space when American companies compete, innovate, and grow. I'm encouraged to see Congress take meaningful steps to strengthen the industrial base that underpins both our civil and national security space missions. I commend the Commerce Committee for its leadership and encourage the Senate to swiftly pass the NASA Authorization Act of 2026."

Aerospace Industries Association: "America's leadership in space depends on clear congressional guidance that enables industry to deliver reliable, competitive, and mission-critical capabilities. The NASA Authorization Act sends that signal, reinforcing national priorities across commercial growth, human exploration, and scientific discovery....The Aerospace Industries Association appreciates Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and the Senate Commerce Committee's work to advance this comprehensive legislation, and we support its progress through Congress."

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics: "AIAA appreciates the Committee's leadership in providing clear direction for the nation's civil space program at a time of growing international competition and rapid commercial innovation in space. Authorization legislation plays an important role in establishing long-term priorities that enable NASA, its industry partners, and the broader aerospace community to plan and execute complex missions that span many years."

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership: "By codifying NASA's major programs through the authorization of the Artemis program and the extension of International Space Station (ISS) operations, Senate Bill 933 provides the structural stability required for NASA to execute its most ambitious missions and keep the United States at the forefront of space exploration. SB 933 is a strategic necessity that eliminates the risk of a gap in low-Earth orbit (LEO), ensuring that the United States remains the undisputed leader in orbital research and human presence."

Axiom: "Axiom Space is proud to support the @NASA Authorization Act of 2026. The bill is a clear indicator that Chairman @SenTedCruz and the Senate Commerce Committee are determined to ensure the success of the entire human spaceflight enterprise including the @Space_Station transition and @NASAARTEMIS campaign."

Vast: "The @NASA Authorization Act of 2026 reflects the @SenateCommerce strong commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in human space exploration and supporting the growing commercial space economy. Vast shares the Committee's concern about a potential gap in access to low-Earth orbit and agree that NASA should move quickly to issue the RFP for the next phase of the Commercial LEO Destinations program. We appreciate the Committee's rationale for authorizing an International Space Station extension in that context."

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