National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general.

Authorizes additional appropriations for use to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle.

Requires: (1) a process for transitioning NASA experimental earth science and space weather research into operational services; and (2) a plan for the continuation of Landsat thermal infrared data collection or its equivalent.

Reauthorizes the Glory Mission.

Requires development of a plan for a Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR).

Sets forth provisions concerning environmental aviation research initiatives. Requires a review of NASA's aviation safety-related research programs.

Requires the establishment of an aviation weather research program.

Requires the awarding of grants for the establishment of university-based Centers for Research on Aviation Training.

Sets forth provisions concerning NASA's lunar exploration activities.

Requires the establishment of an exploration technology development program that is not tied to specific flight projects.

Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) a common docking system standard to maximize the ability to rescue astronauts from disabled space vehicles; and (2) a cross-directorate technology development program.

Requires the development of a plan to restart the production of radioisotope thermoelectric generator material for deep space and other science missions.

Ensures that the International Space Station (ISS) remains capable for potential U.S. utilization through at least 2020.

Requires specified Space Shuttle flights to be flown prior to the retirement of the Space Shuttle.

Requires development of a strategy for providing commercial launch services in support of NASA's small and medium-sized science, space operations, and exploration missions.

Provides for notifying federal agencies and relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-Earth object threat.

Sets forth requirements for the use of commercial crew transfer and crew rescue services.

Requires: (1) a review of NASA's information security controls; (2) a report on intrusions of NASA's network resources; and (3) a review of NASA's laboratories.

Requires a survey regarding astronaut health care.

Increases the maximum award amount for an innovation prize.

Sets forth provisions for specified earth science, aeronautics, international exploration, space science, and space operations activities, missions, initiatives, studies, and programs.