Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act

The Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act would permit NASA to use government-owned vehicles to transport astronauts and space flight participants to and from medical research, monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment activities following their return from space. After returning to Earth, astronauts typically undergo recovery programs and may be temporarily prohibited from driving. This bill would address that gap by authorizing NASA to maintain and operate passenger vehicles, including cars and aircraft, specifically for this post-mission transportation purpose.

The bill would cover U.S. government-employed astronauts, certain international partner astronauts, and other individuals carried on launch or reentry vehicles. International partner astronauts and non-government space flight participants would be required to reimburse the U.S. Treasury for their transportation costs. The bill has passed committee review and is eligible for a floor vote in the Senate, though it would still require presidential approval to become law.