; (2) to enabling a new class of Administration missions beyond low-Earth orbit; and (3) to improving technological capabilities and promote innovation for the Administration and the Nation. (b) Sense of Congress on propulsion technology It is the sense of Congress that advancing propulsion technology would improve the efficiency of trips to Mars and could shorten travel time to Mars, reduce astronaut health risks, and reduce radiation exposure, consumables, and mass of materials required for the journey. (c) Policy It is the policy of the United States that the Administrator shall develop technologies to support the Administration’s core missions, as described in section 2(3) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 ( 42 U.S.C. 18301(3) ), and support sustained investments in early stage innovation, fundamental research, and technologies to expand the boundaries of the national aerospace enterprise. (d) Propulsion technologies A goal of propulsion technologies developed under subsection (c) shall be to significantly reduce human travel time to Mars. 702. Space technology program (a) Space technology program authorized The Administrator shall conduct a space technology program (referred to in this section as the Program ) to research and develop advanced space technologies that could deliver innovative solutions across the Administration's space exploration and science missions. (b) Considerations In conducting the Program, the Administrator shall consider— (1) the recommendations of the National Academies’ review of the Administration’s Space Technology roadmaps and priorities; and (2) the applicable enabling aspects of the stepping stone approach to exploration under section 70504 of title 51, United States Code. (c) Requirements In conducting the Program, the Administrator shall— (1) to the extent practicable, use a competitive process to select research and development projects