Der Kongress erweitert die ISS und fordert die NASA auf, private Raumstationen in Angriff zu nehmen | „Wir haben uns über das erneuerte Engagement für den Übergang von der ISS gefreut.“

>Two months ago, a key staffer for Sen. Ted Cruz said in a public meeting that she was “begging” NASA to release a document that would kick off the second round of a competition among private companies to develop replacements for the International Space Station.

>There has been no movement since then, as NASA has yet to release this “request for proposals.” So this week, Cruz stepped up the pressure on the space agency with a NASA Authorization bill that passed his committee on Wednesday.

>Regarding NASA’s support for the development of commercial space stations, the bill mandates the following, within specified periods, of passage of the law:

>* Within 60 days, publicly release the requirements for commercial space stations in low-Earth orbit

>* Within 90 days, release the final “request for proposals” to solicit industry responses

>* Within 180 days, enter into contracts with “two or more” commercial providers for such stations

So rich people trying to get to space before nuclear war, got it.

NASA: Can we have additional funding then?

Congress: No, we need another thirty missiles to drop on innocent children in the Middle East.