Space and Aeronautics Prize Act

H.R. 5336, the Space and Aeronautics Prize Act, proposes the creation of a new federal entity called the National Endowment for Space and Aeronautics. This organization would be tasked with awarding cash prizes to individuals or private companies for significant breakthroughs in space technology, research, and flight demonstrations.

A primary goal of the bill is to incentivize private sector innovation, specifically by offering a major prize for the successful launch and return of a crewed spacecraft that completes at least three Earth orbits. For the average citizen, this legislation aims to accelerate the development of space travel and technology through competition, while also increasing public engagement with science and space exploration through commercial partnerships and educational outreach.