National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, 1985

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 1985 was passed on July 16, 1984, authorizing appropriations for various NASA programs, including research and development, space flight, control and data communications, construction of facilities, and research and program management. The act allocated funds for specific projects, such as the Space Shuttle production and operational capability, Space Transportation Capability Development, and the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite flight program. It also established a National Commission on Space to define long-range needs and goals for the Nation's civilian space program. The commission was directed to study existing and proposed space activities, formulate an agenda for the US civilian space program, and identify long-range goals and policy options for US civilian space activity over the next 20 years.