; and (B) imperative to continuing United States global leadership in human space exploration, science, research, technology development, and education opportunities that contribute to development of the next generation of American scientists, engineers, and leaders, and to creating the opportunity for economic development of low-Earth orbit. (5) NASA has made measurable progress in the development and testing of the Space Launch System and Orion exploration systems with the near-term objectives of the initial integrated test flight and launch in 2018, a human mission in 2021, and continued missions with an annual cadence in cis-lunar space and eventually to the surface of Mars. (6) The Commercial Crew Program has made measurable progress toward reestablishing the capability to launch United States government astronauts from United States soil into low-Earth orbit by the end of 2018. (7) The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, in its 2015 Annual Report, urged continuity of purpose noting concerns over the potential for cost overruns and schedule slips that could accompany significant changes to core NASA programs. III Maximizing utilization of the ISS and low-Earth orbit 301. Operation of the ISS (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) after 15 years of continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit, the ISS continues to overcome challenges and operate safely; (2) the ISS is a unique testbed for future space exploration systems development, including long-duration space travel; (3) the expansion of partnerships, scientific research, and commercial applications of the ISS is essential to ensuring the greatest return on investments made by the United States and its international space partners in the development, assembly, and operations of that unique facility; (4) utilization of the ISS will sustain United States leadership and progress in human space exploration by— (A) facilitating the commercialization and economic development of low-Earth orbit