US Senate Committee on Commerce, science and transport 4 March 2026 officially approved the updated NASA Authorization Bill (S. 933), which makes strategic changes to the Artemis program and continues the operation of the ISS.
Key provisions of the draft law:
Extension of the term of validity of the ISS: The work of the International Space Station has been extended for two years - until the end 2032 year. This decision is due to delays in the development of private space stations (of the CLD program), which are to replace the ISS.
Changes in the Artemis program: The document supports NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's updated plan (Jared Isaacman), declared 27 February 2026 year:
Mission Artemis III no longer involves landing on the moon, and will focus on technological tests in Earth orbit.
The first landing of man on the surface of the moon now planned as part of the Artemis IV mission 2028 year.
Construction of a base on the moon: The bill directly obliges NASA to develop a strategy for creating a permanent lunar base, which is part of a broader goal of outpacing China in the "moon race".
Optimization of the SLS rocket: Due to budget overruns and top tier delays (EUS), NASA is allowed to look for alternatives and "standardize" the Space Launch System rocket for more frequent launches.
Financing: The document provides for the allocation of approx $25,5 billion per 2026 The financial year, rejecting previously proposed budget cuts.
The Senate's move is in response to growing competition from China and the need to ensure a continuous US presence in low Earth orbit until commercial alternatives emerge.
Source: https://spacenews.com