HR5529-118

1. Study of risk of space debris impacting a metropolitan area Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Secretary of Defense, shall carry out a study to examine the risk of space debris impacting a metropolitan area within the next 25 years. The study required under subsection (a) shall address the following: In the next 25 years, the probability of a space-based, manmade object impacting a populated area exceeding 1 million inhabitants. The ability to predict such an incident. The ability to warn the affected area, including regarding the amount of time needed to do so. Would an evacuation process be possible, and if so, how such would be carried out. How could relief via a Federal response be provided, and an identification of which agencies would be tasked with so responding. Options to defend against an imminent impact. Not later than 28 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate a report containing the results of the study required under subsection (a).