OPERATION OF THE ISS.

SEC. 301. [51 U.S.C. 50111 note] OPERATION OF THE ISS. (a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that— (1) after 15 years of continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit, the ISS continues to overcome challenges and operate safely; (2) the ISS is a unique testbed for future space exploration systems development, including long-duration space travel; (3) the expansion of partnerships, scientific research, and commercial applications of the ISS is essential to ensuring the greatest return on investments made by the United States and its international space partners in the development, assembly, and operations of that unique facility; (4) utilization of the ISS will sustain United States leadership and progress in human space exploration by— (A) facilitating the commercialization and economic development of low-Earth orbit; (B) serving as a testbed for technologies and a platform for scientific research and development; and (C) serving as an orbital facility enabling research upon— (i) the health, well-being, and performance of humans in space; and (ii) the development of in-space systems enabling human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit; and (5) the ISS provides a platform for fundamental, microgravity, discovery-based space life and physical sciences research that is critical for enabling space exploration, protecting humans in space, increasing pathways for commercial space development that depend on advances in basic research, and contributes to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research. (b) Objectives.—The primary objectives of the ISS program shall be— (1) to achieve the long term goal and objectives under section 202 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312); and (2) to pursue a research program that advances knowledge and provides other benefits to the Nation. (c) Continuation of the ISS.—Section 501 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18351) is amended to read as follows: “SEC. 501. CONTINUATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION “(a) Policy of the United States.—It shall be the policy of the United States, in consultation with its international partners in the ISS program, to support full and complete utilization of the ISS through at least 2024. “(b) NASA Action.—In furtherance of the policy set forth in subsection (a), NASA shall— “(1) pursue international, commercial, and intragovernmental means to maximize ISS logistics supply, maintenance, and operational capabilities, reduce risks to ISS systems sustainability, and offset and minimize United States operations costs relating to the ISS; “(2) utilize, to the extent practicable, the ISS for the development of capabilities and technologies needed for the future of human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit; and “(3) utilize, if practical and cost effective, the ISS for Science Mission Directorate missions in low-Earth orbit.” .