S. 141 would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to capture imagery of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). A CME is the release of large quantities of matter and electromagnetic radiation from the sun. The bill also would largely codify existing multi-agency efforts under the National Space Weather Program.
Based on an analysis of information provided by NOAA and assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO estimates that acquiring and launching into space the equipment necessary to capture imagery of CMEs would cost $227 million over the 2018-2022 period.
Enacting S. 141 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
CBO estimates that enacting the legislation would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028.
S. 141 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
