Government operations and workforce · Advisory committees

Executive Order 13326: President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy

President: George W. Bush

Created a time-limited commission to advise on implementing the 2004 U.S. space exploration vision.

Status: Revoked. Is Executive Order 13326 still in effect? No. Executive Order 13326 was revoked. See Federal Register record.

What does Executive Order 13326 do?

The order directed a commission of up to nine members to study science, technology, management and private and international roles, with a report due 120 days after its first meeting and termination within 60 days after submission. The commission transmitted its final report on June 4, 2004. EO 13385 then expressly revoked EO 13326 in September 2005, describing the listed committees as terminated or their work completed. Its proposals were advice, not enacted programs.

Administration position: The order sought recommendations on how to implement the President’s stated vision for space exploration within available resources.
SignedJanuary 27, 2004
Earlier frameworkThe President announced the Moon, Mars and beyond vision in January 2004, before a commission had been established by this order.
Responsible bodyPresident’s space exploration commission and NASA
Later primary evidenceSeptember 30, 2005: The commission transmitted its final report on June 4, 2004. EO 13385 then expressly revoked EO 13326 in September 2005, describing the listed committees as terminated or their work completed. Its proposals were advice, not enacted programs.

Before and after

Before the order

The President announced the Moon, Mars and beyond vision in January 2004, before a commission had been established by this order.

After the order

The order directed a commission of up to nine members to study science, technology, management and private and international roles, with a report due 120 days after its first meeting and termination within 60 days after submission.

The commission transmitted its final report on June 4, 2004. EO 13385 then expressly revoked EO 13326 in September 2005, describing the listed committees as terminated or their work completed. Its proposals were advice, not enacted programs.

What did the signed order change?

The President announced the Moon, Mars and beyond vision in January 2004, before a commission had been established by this order. The order directed a commission of up to nine members to study science, technology, management and private and international roles, with a report due 120 days after its first meeting and termination within 60 days after submission.

What happened later?

GovInfo — EO 13385 revoked completed commissions documents this later development: The commission transmitted its final report on June 4, 2004. EO 13385 then expressly revoked EO 13326 in September 2005, describing the listed committees as terminated or their work completed. Its proposals were advice, not enacted programs.

What does that evidence establish?

EO 13326 established an advisory body administered by NASA. It required the final report within 120 days of the first meeting and termination within 60 days of submission. Recommendations are advice, not statutory appropriations or proof that a Moon or Mars mission occurred. A delivered report establishes the commission’s work, not adoption of every recommendation. The signed order controls its original terms.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
President’s space exploration commission and NASAPrepared recommendations and delivered a final reportUnder the signed order and governing law

What happened next

EO 13326 signed.

Commission transmitted its final report.

The commission transmitted its final report on June 4, 2004. EO 13385 then expressly revoked EO 13326 in September 2005, describing the listed committees as terminated or their work completed. Its proposals were advice, not enacted programs.