Senate panel advances NASA authorization with Artemis tweaks and ISS extension

The Senate Commerce Committee advanced a revised NASA authorization bill (S. 933) that incorporates Artemis changes NASA requested, blocks further Exploration Upper Stage upgrades in favor of a near Block 1 approach, and pushes for a Lunar Surface Base with a designated lead center; it also extends the International Space Station life to 2032 due to delays in the CLD program, requires NASA to select at least two CLD partners, and defers ISS deorbit until a commercial successor is ready. The bill terminates the prior Mars Sample Return program and directs a revised MSR plan with an $8 billion cap, and it supports a competitive U.S. commercial launch market rather than imposing a launch-contract cap; Gateway plans would be briefed within 60 days of enactment.