Celestial Time Standardization Act

H.R. 2313 would direct NASA to develop a new time standard for the Moon and other celestial bodies beyond Earth. Currently, space operations use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is designed for Earth. However, time measurement becomes problematic on the Moon and other celestial bodies due to gravitational differences and relativistic effects, creating challenges for precision navigation and scientific research. This bill would require NASA to study, define, and implement a coordinated lunar time system that could support future operations and infrastructure on and around the Moon.

If enacted, NASA would need to develop a strategy for implementing this new celestial time standard while coordinating with other federal agencies including the Departments of Commerce, Defense, State, and Transportation, as well as private sector and international partners. The bill requires NASA to report to Congress within two years of enactment describing plans, timelines, and resource needs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the reporting requirement would cost less than $500,000 over the 2026-2031 period, with NASA expected to use existing personnel and resources for the work.