Senate approves NASA Authorization Act 2026 to extend ISS and lay groundwork for a lunar base

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee advanced the NASA Authorization Act of 2026, extending International Space Station operations to September 30, 2032 and setting the stage for a transition to a commercial station once capable. The bill boosts NASA’s funding to about $24.7 billion for FY 2026 and $25.3 billion for FY 2027, rejects proposed science cuts, and reinstates key NASA leadership roles. It also directs NASA to plan for a sustained lunar base with long‑duration habitation, robotics, and human‑tended industrial operations, plus enhanced crew rescue capabilities. The act envisions Artemis missions and a shift to a commercial platform when ready, with Axiom Space’s module planned for a public‑facing commercial station around 2027–2028. The measure now awaits House approval before taking effect.