Support for Astrophysical Observatories and National High-Energy Astrophysics Hubs Act of 2026

This bill would require the head of NASA to designate certain facilities as national high-energy astrophysics hubs. A facility would qualify if it has a contract with NASA and plans and operates missions for purposes such as research leadership, workforce training, software and spaceflight capabilities, future mission planning, or serving as a shared resource for partners. Eligible facilities include colleges and universities, State or Federal entities such as federally funded research centers, and certain nongovernmental organizations with advanced energy technology expertise. The bill also states Congress's view that the United States should support X-ray flagship missions recommended by the National Academies' decadal surveys.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Edward J. Markey Democrat sponsor
• 1 cosponsors