China's rising influence in space prompts Senate to call for new US research institute in post-ISS era

Artist's illustration of Chinese space station Tiangong above Earth in the background. .

A bipartisan group of senators wants the U.S. to establish a new National Institute for Space Research to "ensure the nation is equipped to lead in the next space race" against China.

The institute would coordinate national research on whichever private space stations will pick up the baton after the International Space Station (ISS) retires in 2030. But that outcome requires Congress' approval of the newly proposed Space RACE (Research And Continuing Exploration) Act.