ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13326Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13326

President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy

This executive order establishes a nine-member presidential commission to recommend how to implement the Vision for Space Exploration announced in 2004, including lunar and human/robotic exploration strategies, private sector and international roles, and youth STEM engagement. The commission must report within 120 days of its first meeting and terminates 60 days after submitting its final report.

Federal Register Open PDF 69 FR 5255

Impact dates

  1. Commission terminates after submitting final report

  2. Final report due to President through NASA Administrator

Key directives

  • Establish nine-member Commission on space exploration implementation
  • NASA to provide administrative support and funding
  • Commission to examine seven specified areas including lunar research agenda, in-situ resource use, destination selection criteria, long-term organizational options, private/international roles, youth STEM engagement, and resource management
  • Conduct public meetings across U.S. to solicit views
  • Submit final report to President through NASA Administrator within 120 days of first meeting
  • Terminate within 60 days after final report submission

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Commission establishment
  • NASA designated for administrative support and funding

Near term (90d)

  • Commission membership appointment and designation of Chairman
  • First meeting to be convened
  • Public meetings at various U.S. locations to solicit input

Long term

  • Final report submission (within 120 days of first meeting)
  • Commission termination (60 days after final report)
  • Potential implementation of recommended space exploration policy

Risks & tensions

  • 120-day reporting deadline is relative to first meeting date, not signing date — actual timeline uncertain until first meeting occurs
  • Commission lacks access to classified information (Sec. 4(e)), potentially limiting national security-related recommendations
  • 'Within available resources' constraint (Sec. 3(b)(vii)) may limit ambition of recommendations
  • No enforcement mechanism for recommendations; purely advisory commission
Executive Order 13326: President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy · Executive Orders