National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Executive orders directing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · 46 in Search.
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Orders
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Leading the World in Supersonic Flight
This executive order directs the FAA to repeal the 50-year ban on overland supersonic flight within 180 days and establish interim noise-based certification standards. It also mandates rulemaking for permanent supersonic aircraft noise standards within 18-24 months, coordinates federal R&D through OSTP, and directs international engagement to align global supersonic regulations.
Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Committees and Amendments to Other Executive Orders
This executive order extends 37 federal advisory committees until September 30, 2025, delegates presidential FACA functions to agency heads, and amends two prior executive orders—expanding the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander commission's outreach role and increasing the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities membership from 25 to 30 while adding similar liaison functions.
Federal Research and Development in Support of Domestic Manufacturing and United States Jobs
This executive order directs federal agencies to prioritize domestic manufacturing when commercializing technologies developed with federal R&D funding. It establishes new reporting requirements, tightens waiver processes for Bayh-Dole Act domestic manufacturing requirements, and creates coordination mechanisms across defense, energy, health, and other research agencies to strengthen U.S. industrial competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy
This executive order launches a whole-of-government initiative to advance U.S. biotechnology and biomanufacturing capabilities across health, climate, energy, agriculture, and national security sectors. It mandates numerous agency reports and plans with specific deadlines, establishes a Data for the Bioeconomy Initiative, creates workforce development programs with equity commitments, streamlines biotechnology regulation, strengthens biosafety and biosecurity protections, and tasks intelligence agencies with assessing foreign threats to the U.S. bioeconomy.
The National Space Council
This executive order reconstitutes the National Space Council, chaired by the Vice President, with a broad membership of cabinet secretaries and senior officials. It establishes the Council's advisory and coordination functions for national space policy across civil, commercial, and national security sectors, creates a Users' Advisory Group of non-Federal industry representatives, and revokes two Trump-era executive orders on the same body.
Cybersecurity Principles for Space Systems
This Space Policy Directive-5 establishes cybersecurity principles for U.S. space systems, directing executive agencies to foster practices that protect government and commercial space assets from cyber threats. It mandates risk-based, cybersecurity-informed engineering for space systems throughout their lifecycle, with specific requirements for encryption, access protection, jamming/spoofing defenses, supply chain security, and information sharing. The directive applies to government national security space systems, civil space systems, and private space systems.
Ocean Mapping of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone and the Shoreline and Nearshore of Alaska
This memorandum directs development of national strategies to map and characterize the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and Alaska's shoreline, aiming to advance economic, security, and environmental interests through ocean exploration. It requires three proposed strategies within 180 days covering EEZ mapping, Alaska shoreline mapping, and streamlined permitting for ocean research activities.
Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities
This executive order directs federal agencies to tie higher education grant funding to campus free speech protections and mandates new transparency tools for student borrowers. It requires the Education Department to launch a loan information website by January 1, 2020, expand the College Scorecard with program-level earnings and debt data, and report on risk-sharing options for student loans.
Ocean Policy To Advance the Economic, Security, and Environmental Interests of the United States
This executive order revokes the 2010 National Ocean Policy (EO 13547) and establishes a new interagency Ocean Policy Committee co-chaired by CEQ and OSTP to coordinate federal ocean activities. It prioritizes economic growth, security, and environmental interests in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes waters while requiring agencies to review their regulations for consistency within 90 days.
Streamlining Regulations on Commercial Use of Space
This 2018 Space Policy Directive directs multiple Cabinet secretaries and agency heads to streamline federal regulations governing commercial space activities, including launch/re-entry licensing, remote sensing, spectrum policy, and export controls. It sets specific deadlines for regulatory reviews, legislative proposals, and reports to reduce burdens on the U.S. commercial space sector while protecting public safety and national security.
Reinvigorating America's Human Space Exploration Program
This Space Policy Directive–1 amends the 2010 National Space Policy to shift NASA's human space exploration goals from a flexible 'far-reaching milestones' framework to a specific sequence: return humans to the Moon for long-term exploration, then Mars and other destinations, emphasizing commercial and international partnerships. It represents a structural redirection of U.S. space policy toward the Artemis program's foundational architecture.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program
This memorandum directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a three-year pilot program testing integration of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) into national airspace with selected state, local, and tribal governments. The program aims to evaluate regulatory models, encourage innovation, and inform future federal UAS policy while coordinating with defense, homeland security, and law enforcement agencies on safety and security risks.
Reviving the National Space Council
This executive order revives the National Space Council, which had been dormant since 1993, and places the Vice President as its chair. The Council is tasked with coordinating national space policy across civilian, military, and commercial sectors, with membership drawn from key cabinet departments and agencies.
Safeguarding the Nation From the Impacts of Invasive Species
This executive order updates and strengthens federal coordination on invasive species by amending Executive Order 13112. It maintains the National Invasive Species Council with expanded membership, adds new priorities including climate change and public health impacts, and mandates a new management plan with specific reporting requirements.
Coordinating Efforts To Prepare the Nation for Space Weather Events
This executive order establishes a coordinated federal framework to prepare for and mitigate space weather events such as solar flares and geomagnetic disturbances that threaten critical infrastructure including GPS, satellites, aviation, and the electrical power grid. It assigns specific roles to multiple agencies, creates a new NSTC subcommittee for coordination, and mandates several plans and assessments within 60-180 days to enhance forecasting, infrastructure protection, and emergency response capabilities.
Global Entrepreneurship
This executive order establishes the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) Program under the Commerce Department to leverage successful entrepreneurs' networks for mentoring and policy advocacy worldwide. It also creates a Global Connect Initiative and interagency Steering Group to expand internet access in developing countries, with reporting requirements through 2020.
Continuance or Reestablishment of Certain Federal Advisory Committees
This executive order continues or reestablishes 40 federal advisory committees until September 30, 2017, transferring FACA compliance responsibilities to designated agency heads and updating administrative oversight for the National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee.
Enhancing Coordination of National Efforts in the Arctic
This executive order establishes an Arctic Executive Steering Committee to coordinate federal Arctic policy across agencies during the U.S. chairmanship of the Arctic Council. It mandates improved interagency coordination, tribal consultation with Alaska Native governments, and a report identifying overlaps and gaps in Arctic policy implementation.
Climate-Resilient International Development
This executive order requires federal agencies with international development programs to systematically integrate climate-resilience considerations into their strategies, planning, and funding decisions. It establishes a Working Group co-chaired by Treasury and USAID to develop guidelines, tools, and metrics, while also directing agencies to promote similar practices in multilateral development institutions.
National Defense Resources Preparedness
This executive order delegates authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to various cabinet secretaries for prioritizing and allocating resources (food, energy, health, transportation, water, and other materials) in support of national defense. It establishes frameworks for loan guarantees, industrial base expansion, voluntary agreements, a National Defense Executive Reserve, and labor coordination during emergencies, while revoking and replacing Executive Order 12919 from 1994.
Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes
This executive order establishes a National Ocean Council to coordinate federal stewardship of oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, implementing recommendations from the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. It creates a framework for coastal and marine spatial planning to manage competing uses of marine environments while promoting ecosystem-based conservation. The order directs executive agencies to align their decisions with national ocean policy priorities and to participate in regional planning processes.
Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and Economic Development
President Obama established an interagency task force co-chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and NASA Administrator to develop an economic development action plan for Florida's Space Coast and other aerospace communities affected by the end of the Space Shuttle program. The task force must submit a comprehensive plan by August 15, 2010, recommending how to invest $40 million in transition assistance funding, and will terminate after 3 years unless extended.
Original Classification Authority
This presidential order designates specific Executive Office and agency officials with authority to originally classify information as 'Top Secret' or 'Secret' under Executive Order 13526 on classified national security information. It revokes prior classification designations while preserving certain delegations made under the previous executive order regime.
Designation of Officers of the National Aeronautics And Space Administration To Act as Administrator
This memorandum establishes the order of succession for acting NASA Administrator when both the Administrator and Deputy Administrator are unable to serve, listing five NASA officials in priority order. It is a routine internal management document issued under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998.
Transformation of the National Air Transportation System
This executive order directs the Secretary of Transportation to lead implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), a modernized air traffic control system. It establishes interagency coordination requirements across Defense, Commerce, Homeland Security, and NASA, with specific deadlines for creating support staff and an advisory committee.
Amending Executive Order 12989, as Amended
This executive order amends a 1996 order to require federal contractors to use an electronic employment eligibility verification system (E-Verify) to confirm workers are legally authorized to work in the U.S. It mandates that contracting agencies include this requirement as a condition of federal contracts, with the Secretary of Homeland Security designated to administer the verification system.
National Aeronautics Research and Development
This executive order establishes a national policy to advance U.S. aeronautics research and development through 2020, directing the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to review federal aeronautics R&D funding, develop a national plan, and coordinate across government agencies and with private sector partners. The order emphasizes technological leadership, infrastructure maintenance, workforce development, and technology transition from research to applications.
Committee on Ocean Policy
This executive order establishes the Committee on Ocean Policy within the Council on Environmental Quality to coordinate federal agency activities on ocean-related matters, advance environmental/economic/security interests, and facilitate consultation with state, tribal, local, and international stakeholders. The Committee comprises cabinet secretaries, agency heads, and presidential assistants but functions solely in an advisory capacity without regulatory authority.
Delegation of Certain Reporting Authority
This memorandum delegates to the NASA Administrator the President's statutory authority under section 206 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to provide a specified report to Congress. The delegation preserves OMB's authority over budget, administrative, and legislative proposals.
Delegation of Authority Under the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-178)
President Clinton delegated presidential authorities under the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 to the Secretary of State (most provisions) and NASA Administrator (specific space-related provisions in sections 6(f) and 6(g)), with authority to redelegate.
Global Disaster Information Network
This executive order establishes the Global Disaster Information Network, a coordinated federal effort led by an Interagency Coordinating Committee (co-chaired by the Vice President's office, NOAA, and State Department) to improve how the U.S. government uses information technology to collect and share disaster-related information for domestic and international preparedness, response, and recovery. A Committee Support Office will develop plans and strategies, with NOAA providing administrative and funding support.
Using Technology To Improve Training Opportunities for Federal Government Employees
This executive order establishes a presidential task force and advisory committee to promote technology-based training for federal employees. It directs agencies to designate representatives, develop training technology standards, create online training databases, and explore individual training accounts for workers.
Coral Reef Protection
This executive order establishes a federal policy to protect U.S. coral reef ecosystems by requiring agencies to identify actions affecting reefs and avoid degrading them. It creates the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force co-chaired by Interior and Commerce to coordinate mapping, monitoring, research, conservation, and international cooperation efforts.
Strengthened Protections for Human Subjects of Classified Research
This 1997 presidential memorandum strengthens ethical protections for human subjects in classified government research by implementing recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments. It prohibits waiver of informed consent for classified research, requires disclosure of sponsoring agencies and classification status to subjects, mandates special institutional review board procedures including nongovernmental members and appeals processes, requires annual public disclosure of secret research projects, and bars agencies from conducting such research without first adopting modified Common Rule regulations.
Empowerment Contracting
This executive order establishes an "Empowerment Contracting Program" to expand federal competition by offering price or evaluation credits to businesses operating in economically distressed communities. The Secretary of Commerce must develop policies and procedures to incentivize qualified large and small businesses to locate in or hire from areas with high poverty rates, designated empowerment zones, or other distressed areas, with annual reporting requirements and implementation rules due within 90 days.
Economy and Efficiency in Government Procurement Through Compliance With Certain Immigration and Naturalization Act Provisions
This executive order directs federal contracting agencies to avoid doing business with contractors that knowingly employ unauthorized workers, and establishes a debarment process where the Attorney General can investigate and recommend exclusion of non-compliant contractors from federal procurement for one-year periods. It mandates amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement these procedures while explicitly prohibiting additional contract certification requirements.
Agency Procurement Protests
This executive order requires federal agencies to establish internal administrative procedures for resolving procurement contract protests as an alternative to external forums. It mandates that the Federal Acquisition Regulation be amended within 180 days to support these goals, and requires a report to the President within 2 years on agency implementation.
Ensuring the Economical and Efficient Administration and Completion of Federal Government Contracts
This executive order prohibits federal agencies from contracting with employers that permanently replace lawfully striking employees. It authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate complaints, terminate existing contracts for convenience, and debar contractors from future federal work, with the goal of reducing prolonged labor disputes that could disrupt government operations.
Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments
This executive order creates a temporary Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments to investigate and evaluate U.S. government-sponsored human radiation experiments conducted from 1944 to 1974, and to provide recommendations on ethical and scientific standards to an interagency working group. The committee of up to 15 members will review specific Cold War-era experiments including the 'Green Run test' and various radiation warfare tests, with authority to recommend notification of affected individuals or descendants about health risks.
National Microgravity Research Board
This executive order establishes the National Microgravity Research Board, chaired by the NASA Administrator with members from multiple cabinet departments and agencies, to coordinate and stimulate microgravity research across government, academia, and industry. The Board is tasked with developing policy recommendations, advising on research priorities, and promoting commercial applications of microgravity science, with automatic termination after 5 years unless extended.
Assignment of emergency preparedness responsibilities
This executive order assigns comprehensive emergency preparedness responsibilities across all federal departments and agencies for national security emergencies, including nuclear attack, natural disasters, and technological emergencies. It establishes the National Security Council as the principal policy forum, designates FEMA's Director as NSC advisor, and details specific lead and support roles for each Cabinet department in areas such as continuity of government, resource management, agriculture, energy, health services, and defense production.
Facilitating access to science and technology
This executive order directs federal agencies to accelerate technology transfer from government laboratories to universities and private industry, particularly small businesses. It establishes cooperative research agreements, royalty-sharing for inventors, a Technology Share Program for consortia, scientist exchange programs, and international technology cooperation guidelines, while requiring reports on progress within one year.
Management Reform in the Federal Government
This executive order creates the President's Council on Management Improvement, an interagency body chaired by OMB's Deputy Director to develop and oversee government-wide management reforms, formulate long-range plans, identify cross-cutting agency improvements, and resolve interagency management problems. The Council includes senior administration officials from 22 agencies and offices but is explicitly prohibited from interfering with existing lines of authority.
Commercial expendable launch vehicle activities
This executive order designates the Department of Transportation as the lead federal agency for promoting commercial expendable launch vehicle (ELV) operations by private U.S. companies. It establishes an interagency group to coordinate efforts and directs all federal agencies to streamline regulations and expedite licensing for private space launches.
Exercise of Authority Under Section 218 of Title 18, United States Code
This executive order delegates presidential authority under 18 U.S.C. § 218 to agency heads, allowing them to void contracts and benefits obtained through bribery, graft, or conflicts of interest after a final criminal conviction. It requires Defense, GSA, and NASA to jointly issue government-wide regulations, while mandating procedural protections including notice, opportunity to respond, hearings, and written decisions with restitution calculations.
Federal procurement reforms
This 1982 executive order directs federal agencies to reform procurement practices by reducing administrative burdens, strengthening competition, simplifying small purchases, ensuring timely contractor payments, and creating professional procurement workforces. It mandates completion of a unified Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) by year-end 1982 and assigns coordination roles to OMB, OPM, and the Defense/GSA/NASA triumvirate.