Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act; ASCEND Act
Summary
The Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries (ASCEND) Act directs NASA to establish a program for acquiring and disseminating commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery. This program aims to support NASA's scientific, operational, and educational requirements, as well as those of other federal agencies and scientific researchers. The Act emphasizes cost-effectiveness and the widest possible use of procured data, while prioritizing acquisitions from United States vendors.
Expected Effects
The ASCEND Act will likely lead to increased access to commercial satellite data for scientific research and applications. This will enhance NASA's Earth Science program and potentially foster innovation in remote sensing technologies. The Act also mandates annual reports to Congress, ensuring transparency and accountability in the program's implementation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced scientific research capabilities through access to diverse commercial satellite data.
- Potential for innovation and development of new Earth observation technologies.
- Increased collaboration between NASA, other federal agencies, and commercial vendors.
- Promotion of U.S. commercial remote sensing industry.
- Improved understanding of Earth's systems and human impact on the environment.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending on commercial satellite data.
- Risk of data quality issues from commercial sources.
- Possible dependence on a limited number of vendors.
- Challenges in managing and disseminating large volumes of data.
- Potential for misuse of data if not properly regulated.
Constitutional Alignment
The ASCEND Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting scientific research and understanding of the Earth. It also aligns with Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) by supporting the commercial space industry. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).