NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026

On February 4, 2026, the House committee unanimously ordered the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 (HR7273) to be reported, a strong signal of bipartisan support. The bill reauthorizes NASA's programs and activities through FY2026, including a mandate to continue planning for the International Space Station's deorbit and to advance lunar and Mars exploration. Critically, it requires NASA to submit a low-Earth orbit strategy, which could shape future commercial partnerships. While this is an authorization bill that does not directly allocate funds—actual appropriations require a separate bill—it sets the policy direction and spending ceilings that guide subsequent appropriations. The unanimous 37-0 committee vote indicates broad consensus, increasing the likelihood of floor passage and eventual enactment. The primary beneficiaries are companies with existing NASA contracts in launch services, lunar landers, and space communications. Rocket Lab ($RKLB) has already secured multiple NASA contracts including the ESCAPADE mission, and its Neutron rocket targets the medium-launch market. Intuitive Machines ($LUNR) is a CLPS prime contractor with a successful Nova-C lander mission; the bill's emphasis on lunar exploration directly supports its business model. AST SpaceMobile ($ASTS) is developing a global LEO cellular network; the bill's LEO strategy may drive NASA to lease communications capacity. Larger primes like Boeing ($BA) and Lockheed Martin ($LMT) also benefit, but the impact is more diluted given their diversified portfolios. No real market data was provided, so no price trends are cited. Legislative next steps: the bill must pass the House floor, then the Senate, and be signed by the President. Given the unanimous committee vote and related bills (e.g., the ASCEND Act already in the Senate), passage by the end of 2026 is likely.