INDEPENDENT STUDY ON HUMAN EXPLORATION OF SPACE.

SEC. 204. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON HUMAN EXPLORATION OF SPACE.(a) In General.—In fiscal year 2012 the Administrator shall contract with the National Academies for a review of the goals, core capabilities, and direction of human space flight, using the goals set forth in the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, the goals set forth in this Act, and goals set forth in any existing statement of space policy issued by the President.(b) Elements.—The review shall include—(1) a broad spectrum of participation with representatives of a range of disciplines, backgrounds, and generations, including civil, commercial, international, scientific, and national security interests;(2) input from NASA’s international partner discussions and NASA’s Human Exploration Framework Team;(3) an examination of the relationship of national goals to foundational capabilities, robotic activities, technologies, and missions authorized by this Act; (4) a review and prioritization of scientific, engineering, economic, and social science questions to be addressed by human space exploration to improve the overall human condition; and(5) findings and recommendations for fiscal years 2014 through 2023.