51 U.S.C. § 60501 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 605 / Section 60501: Goal
Goal
Status: in_force

The goal for the Administration's Earth Science program shall be to pursue a program of Earth observations, research, and applications activities to better understand the Earth, how it supports life, and how human activities affect its ability to do so in the future. In pursuit of this goal, the Administration's Earth Science program shall ensure that securing practical benefits for society will be an important measure of its success in addition to securing new knowledge about the Earth system and climate change. In further pursuit of this goal, the Administration shall, together with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other relevant agencies, provide United States leadership in developing and carrying out a cooperative international Earth observations-based research program.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3425.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

60501
42 U.S.C. 17711.
Pub. L. 110–422, title II, §201, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4784.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Earth Science Missions and Programs

Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title VII, §10824, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1742, provided that:

"(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that—

"(1) the Earth science and applications program of the [National Aeronautics and Space] Administration provides increasingly valuable data for natural resource management, agriculture, forestry, food security, air quality monitoring, and many other application areas; and

"(2) a robust and balanced Earth science and applications program contributes significantly to—

"(A) the scientific discovery and economic growth of the United States; and

"(B) supporting the health and safety of the people of the United States and the citizens of the world.

"(b) Reaffirmation.—Congress reaffirms the goal for the Administration's Earth science and applications program set forth in section 60501 of title 51, United States Code, which states: 'The goal for the Administration's Earth Science program shall be to pursue a program of Earth observations, research, and applications activities to better understand the Earth, how it supports life, and how human activities affect its ability to do so in the future. In pursuit of this goal, the Administration's Earth Science program shall ensure that securing practical benefits for society will be an important measure of its success in addition to securing new knowledge about the Earth system and climate change. In further pursuit of this goal, the Administration shall, together with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other relevant agencies, provide United States leadership in developing and carrying out a cooperative international Earth observations-based research program.'.[sic]

"(c) Earth Science Missions and Programs.—With respect to the missions and programs of the Earth Science Division, the Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] shall, to the maximum extent practicable, follow the recommendations and guidance provided by the scientific community through the decadal survey for Earth science and applications from space of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, including—

"(1) the science priorities described in such survey;

"(2) the execution of the series of existing or previously planned observations (commonly known as the 'program of record'); and

"(3) the development of a range of missions of all classes, including opportunities for principal investigator-led, competitively selected missions.

"(d) Earth System Observatory.—The Administrator shall pursue an Earth System Observatory, which shall consist of an array of new and complementary Earth-observing scientific satellites, instruments, and missions—

"(1) to address the recommendations of the 2018 Earth science and applications decadal survey of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine entitled 'Thriving on our Changing Planet', including by conducting priority observations in—

"(A) aerosols;

"(B) cloud convection and precipitation;

"(C) mass change;

"(D) surface biology and geology;

"(E) surface deformation and change; and

"(F) other observation areas designated as high-priority by such decadal survey; and

"(2) to achieve the goal of the Earth Science Program set forth in section 60501 of title 51, United States Code.

"(e) Survey of Use of Earth Observation Data by States, Tribes, and Territories.—

"(1) Survey.—The Administrator shall arrange for the conduct of a survey of the use of NASA [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] Earth observation data by States, Tribal organizations, and territories.

"(2) Submission.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 9, 2022], the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives] the results of the survey conducted under paragraph (1).

"(f) Climate Architecture Plan.—The Administrator shall—

"(1) maintain a comprehensive, strategic Climate Architecture Plan for Earth Observations and Applications from Space that describes an integrated and balanced program of Earth science and applications observations to advance science, policy, and applications and societal benefits; and

"(2) update such plan every 5 years so as to align with the release of the decadal surveys in Earth science and applications from space and the mid-decade assessments of the National Academics of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [probably should be "National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine"]."

Carbon Cycle Remote Sensing Applications Research

Pub. L. 106–391, title III, §315, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1595, provided that:

"(a) Carbon Cycle Remote Sensing Applications Research Program.—

"(1) In general.—The Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] shall develop a carbon cycle remote sensing applications research program—

"(A) to provide a comprehensive view of vegetation conditions;

"(B) to assess and model agricultural carbon sequestration; and

"(C) to encourage the development of commercial products, as appropriate.

"(2) Use of centers.—The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall use regional earth science application centers to conduct applications research under this section.

"(3) Researched areas.—The areas that shall be the subjects of research conducted under this section include—

"(A) the mapping of carbon-sequestering land use and land cover;

"(B) the monitoring of changes in land cover and management;

"(C) new approaches for the remote sensing of soil carbon; and

"(D) region-scale carbon sequestration estimation.

"(b) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 of funds authorized by section 102 [114 Stat. 1581] for fiscal years 2001 through 2002."

Earth Observing System

Pub. L. 102–588, title I, §102(g), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5111, directed the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to carry out an Earth Observing System program addressing highest priority international climate change research goals; within 180 days after Nov. 4, 1992, submit to Congress a plan to ensure that the highest priority measurements were maintained on schedule to the greatest extent practicable while lower priority measurements were deferred or deleted; and within 90 days after Nov. 4, 1992, submit to Congress a Development Plan.
51 U.S.C. § 50112 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 501 / Subchapter II / Section 50112: Promotion of United States Global Positioning System standards
Promotion of United States Global Positioning System standards
Status: in_force

In order to support and sustain the Global Positioning System in a manner that will most effectively contribute to the national security, public safety, scientific, and economic interests of the United States, Congress encourages the President to—

(1) ensure the operation of the Global Positioning System on a continuous worldwide basis free of direct user fees;

(2) enter into international agreements that promote cooperation with foreign governments and international organizations to—

(A) establish the Global Positioning System and its augmentations as an acceptable international standard; and

(B) eliminate any foreign barriers to applications of the Global Positioning System worldwide; and

(3) provide clear direction and adequate resources to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information so that on an international basis the Assistant Secretary can—

(A) achieve and sustain efficient management of the electromagnetic spectrum used by the Global Positioning System; and

(B) protect that spectrum from disruption and interference.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3397.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

50112
42 U.S.C. 14712(b).
Pub. L. 105–303, title I, §104(b), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2852.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Finding

Pub. L. 105–303, title I, §104(a), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2852, provided that: "The Congress finds that the Global Positioning System, including satellites, signal equipment, ground stations, data links, and associated command and control facilities, has become an essential element in civil, scientific, and military space development because of the emergence of a United States commercial industry which provides Global Positioning System equipment and related services."
51 U.S.C. § 60134 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 601 / Subchapter IV / Section 60134: Preference for private sector land remote sensing system
Preference for private sector land remote sensing system
Status: in_force

(a) In General.—If a successor land remote sensing system to Landsat 7 can be funded and managed by the private sector while still achieving the goals stated in subsection (b) without jeopardizing the domestic, national security, and foreign policy interests of the United States, preference should be given to the development of such a system by the private sector without competition from the United States Government.

(b) Goals.—The goals referred to in subsection (a) are—

(1) to encourage the development, launch, and operation of a land remote sensing system that adequately serves the civilian, national security, commercial, and foreign policy interests of the United States;

(2) to encourage the development, launch, and operation of a land remote sensing system that maintains data continuity with the Landsat system; and

(3) to incorporate system enhancements, including any such enhancements developed under the technology demonstration program under section 60133 of this title, which may potentially yield a system that is less expensive to build and operate, and more responsive to data users, than is the Landsat system otherwise projected to be in operation in the future.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3418.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

60134(a)
15 U.S.C. 5641(c).
Pub. L. 102–555, title IV, §401(b), (c), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4176.

60134(b)
15 U.S.C. 5641(b).

In subsection (b), in the matter before paragraph (1), the words "In carrying out subsection (a), the Landsat Program Management shall consider the ability of each of the options to" are omitted as obsolete. The omitted words refer to section 401(a) of the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 (15 U.S.C. 5641(a)), which required, within 5 years after October 28, 1992, the Landsat Program Management, in consultation with representatives of appropriate United States Government agencies, to assess and report to Congress on options for a successor land remote sensing system to Landsat 7.

In subsection (b)(3), the words "otherwise projected to be in operation in the future" are substituted for "projected to be in operation through the year 2000" to eliminate obsolete language.
51 U.S.C. § 51103 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 511 / Section 51103: Grant applications
Grant applications
Status: in_force

(a) General.—A sponsor may submit to the Secretary of Transportation an application for a project grant. The application must state the project to be undertaken and be in the form and contain the information the Secretary requires.

(b) Considerations and Consultation.—(1) In selecting proposed projects for grants under this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider—

(A) the contribution of the project to industry capabilities that serve the United States Government's space transportation needs;

(B) the extent of industry's financial contribution to the project;

(C) the extent of industry's participation in the project;

(D) the positive impact of the project on the international competitiveness of the United States space transportation industry;

(E) the extent of State contributions to the project; and

(F) the impact of the project on launch operations and other activities at Government launch ranges.

(2) The Secretary of Transportation shall consult with the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the National Space and Aeronautics Administration, and the heads of other appropriate agencies of the Government about paragraph (1)(A) and (F) of this subsection.

(c) Requirements.—The Secretary of Transportation may approve an application only if the Secretary is satisfied that—

(1) the project will contribute to the purposes of this chapter;

(2) the project is reasonably consistent with plans (existing at the time of approval of the project) of public agencies that are—

(A) authorized by the State in which the project is located; and

(B) responsible for the development of the area surrounding the project site;

(3) if the application proposes to use Government property, the specific consent of the head of the appropriate agency has been obtained;

(4) the project will be completed without unreasonable delay;

(5) the sponsor submitting the application has the legal authority to engage in the project; and

(6) any additional requirements prescribed by the Secretary have been met.

(d) Preference for Industry Contributions.—The Secretary of Transportation shall give preference to applications for projects for which there will be greater industry financial contributions, all other factors being equal.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1344, §70303 of title 49; renumbered §70303 then §51103 of title 51, Pub. L. 111–314, §4(d)(2), (4)(C), Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3440, 3441.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70303(a)
15:5804(d)(1).
Nov. 4, 1992, Pub. L. 102–588, §505(c), (d), 106 Stat. 5125.

70303(b)(1)
15:5804(c)(1).

70303(b)(2)
15:5804(c)(2).

70303(c)
15:5804(d)(2).

70303(d)
15:5804(c)(3).

In subsection (a), the words "for one or more projects" are omitted as unnecessary because of the definition of "project" in section 70301 of the revised title.

In subsection (c)(5), the words "as proposed" are omitted as surplus.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2010—Pub. L. 111–314 successively renumbered section 70303 of title 49 and section 70303 of this title as this section.
51 U.S.C. § 40909 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 409 / Section 40909: Compliance with title IX of Education Amendments of 1972
Compliance with title IX of Education Amendments of 1972
Status: in_force

To comply with title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), the Administrator shall conduct compliance reviews of at least 2 grantees annually.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3394.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40909
42 U.S.C. 16798(b).
Pub. L. 109–155, title VI, §619(b), Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2935.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Education Amendments of 1972, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 92–318, June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 235. Title IX of the Act, known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, is classified principally to chapter 38 (§1681 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of title IX to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1681 of Title 20 and Tables.
51 U.S.C. § 60608 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 606 / Section 60608: Space weather benchmarks
Space weather benchmarks
Status: in_force

The interagency working group established under section 60601(c) shall periodically review and update the benchmarks described in the report of the National Science and Technology Council entitled "Space Weather Phase 1 Benchmarks" and dated June 2018, as necessary, based on—

(1) any significant new data or advances in scientific understanding that become available; or

(2) the evolving needs of entities impacted by space weather phenomena.

(Pub. L. 116–181, §2(b), Oct. 21, 2020, 134 Stat. 892.)
51 U.S.C. § 71102 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 711 / Section 71102: Requests for information
Requests for information
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall issue requests for information on—

(1) a low-cost space mission with the purpose of rendezvousing with, attaching a tracking device,1 and characterizing the Apophis asteroid; and

(2) a medium-sized space mission with the purpose of detecting near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3439.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

71102
42 U.S.C. 17793.
Pub. L. 110–422, title VIII, §803, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4803.

1 So in original. The comma probably should be preceded by "to".
51 U.S.C. § 40103 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 401 / Subchapter I / Section 40103: Cooperation with other agencies on aeronautics activities
Cooperation with other agencies on aeronautics activities
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall coordinate, as appropriate, the Administration's aeronautics activities with relevant programs in the Department of Transportation, the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Homeland Security, including the activities of the Next Generation Air Transportation System Joint Planning and Development Office established under section 709 of the Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108–176, 49 U.S.C. 40101 note).

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3379.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40103
42 U.S.C. 16712(b).
Pub. L. 110–69, title II, §2002(b), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 583.

The words "Next Generation Air Transportation System" are inserted before "Joint Planning and Development Office" for consistency with section 709 of the Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108–176, 49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
51 U.S.C. § 50301 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 503 / Section 50301: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

In this chapter:

(1) Commercial provider.—The term "commercial provider" means any person or entity providing commercial reusable in-orbit space transportation services or systems, primary control of which is held by persons other than the Federal Government, a State or local government, or a foreign government.

(2) In-space transportation services.—The term "in-space transportation services" means operations and activities involved in the direct transportation or attempted transportation of a payload or object from one orbit to another by means of an in-space transportation vehicle.

(3) In-space transportation system.—The term "in-space transportation system" means the space and ground elements, including in-space transportation vehicles and support space systems, and ground administration and control facilities and associated equipment, necessary for the provision of in-space transportation services.

(4) In-space transportation vehicle.—The term "in-space transportation vehicle" means a vehicle designed—

(A) to be based and operated in space;

(B) to transport various payloads or objects from one orbit to another orbit; and

(C) to be reusable and refueled in space.

(5) Secretary.—The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Defense.

(6) United states commercial provider.—The term "United States commercial provider" means any commercial provider organized under the laws of the United States that is more than 50 percent owned by United States nationals.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3401.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

50301
42 U.S.C. 14753.
Pub. L. 107–248, title IX, §904, Oct. 23, 2002, 116 Stat. 1576.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Findings

Pub. L. 107–248, title IX, §902, Oct. 23, 2002, 116 Stat. 1573, provided that: "Congress makes the following findings:

"(1) It is in the national interest to encourage the production of cost-effective, in-space transportation systems, which would be built and operated by the private sector on a commercial basis.

"(2) The use of reusable in-space transportation systems will enhance performance levels of in-space operations, enhance efficient and safe disposal of satellites at the end of their useful lives, and increase the capability and reliability of existing ground-to-space launch vehicles.

"(3) Commercial reusable in-space transportation systems will enhance the economic well-being and national security of the United States by reducing space operations costs for commercial and national space programs and by adding new space capabilities to space operations.

"(4) Commercial reusable in-space transportation systems will provide new cost-effective space capabilities (including orbital transfers from low altitude orbits to high altitude orbits and return, the correction of erroneous satellite orbits, and the recovery, refurbishment, and refueling of satellites) and the provision of upper stage functions to increase ground-to-orbit launch vehicle payloads to geostationary and other high energy orbits.

"(5) Commercial reusable in-space transportation systems can enhance and enable the space exploration of the United States by providing lower cost trajectory injection from earth orbit, transit trajectory control, and planet arrival deceleration to support potential National Aeronautics and Space Administration missions to Mars, Pluto, and other planets.

"(6) Satellites stranded in erroneous earth orbit due to deficiencies in their launch represent substantial economic loss to the United States and present substantial concerns for the current backlog of national space assets.

"(7) Commercial reusable in-space transportation systems can provide new options for alternative planning approaches and risk management to enhance the mission assurance of national space assets.

"(8) Commercial reusable in-space transportation systems developed by the private sector can provide in-space transportation services to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Defense, the National Reconnaissance Office, and other agencies without the need for the United States to bear the cost of production of such systems.

"(9) The availability of loan guarantees, with the cost of credit risk to the United States paid by the private-sector, is an effective means by which the United States can help qualifying private-sector companies secure otherwise unattainable private financing for the production of commercial reusable in-space transportation systems, while at the same time minimizing Government commitment and involvement in the development of such systems."
51 U.S.C. § 50910 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 509 / Section 50910: Preemption of scheduled launches or reentries
Preemption of scheduled launches or reentries
Status: in_force

(a) General.—With the cooperation of the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Secretary of Transportation shall act to ensure that a launch or reentry of a payload is not preempted from access to a United States Government launch site, reentry site, or launch property, except for imperative national need, when a launch date commitment or reentry date commitment from the Government has been obtained for a launch or reentry licensed under this chapter. A licensee or transferee preempted from access to a launch site, reentry site, or launch property does not have to pay the Government any amount for launch services, or services related to a reentry, attributable only to the scheduled launch or reentry prevented by the preemption.

(b) Imperative National Need Decisions.—In consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Defense or the Administrator shall decide when an imperative national need requires preemption under subsection (a) of this section. That decision may not be delegated.

(c) Reports.—In cooperation with the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Defense or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall submit to Congress not later than 7 days after a decision to preempt under subsection (a) of this section, a report that includes an explanation of the circumstances justifying the decision and a schedule for ensuring the prompt launching or reentry of a preempted payload.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1335, §70109 of title 49; Pub. L. 105–303, title I, §102(a)(9), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2849; renumbered §70109 then §50910 of title 51, Pub. L. 111–314, §4(d)(2), (3)(J), Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3440, 3441.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70109(a)
49 App.:2614(b)(4)(A) (1st, last sentences).
Oct. 30, 1984, Pub. L. 98–575, 98 Stat. 3055, §15(b)(4); added Nov. 15, 1988, Pub. L. 100–657, §7, 102 Stat. 3906.

70109(b)
49 App.:2614(b)(4)(A) (2d sentence).

70109(c)
49 App.:2614(b)(4)(B).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2010—Pub. L. 111–314 successively renumbered section 70109 of title 49 and section 70109 of this title as this section.

1998—Pub. L. 105–303, §102(a)(9)(A), substituted "Preemption of scheduled launches or reentries" for "Preemption of scheduled launches" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–303, §102(a)(9)(B), inserted "or reentry" after "ensure that a launch", ", reentry site," after "United States Government launch site", "or reentry date commitment" after "launch date commitment", "or reentry" after "obtained for a launch", ", reentry site," after "access to a launch site", ", or services related to a reentry," after "amount for launch services", and "or reentry" after "the scheduled launch".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–303, §102(a)(9)(C), inserted "or reentry" after "prompt launching".
51 U.S.C. § 40111 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 401 / Subchapter II / Section 40111: Fundamental research program
Fundamental research program
Status: in_force

(a) Objective.—In order to ensure that the Nation maintains needed capabilities in fundamental areas of aeronautics research, the Administrator shall establish a program of long-term fundamental research in aeronautical sciences and technologies that is not tied to specific development projects.

(b) Operation.—The Administrator shall conduct the program under this section, in part by awarding grants to institutions of higher education. The Administrator shall encourage the participation of institutions of higher education located in States that participate in the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. All grants to institutions of higher education under this section shall be awarded through merit review.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3379.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40111
42 U.S.C. 16721(a), (b).
Pub. L. 109–155, title IV, §421(a), (b), Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2924.
51 U.S.C. § 40503 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 405 / Section 40503: Biomedical research fellowships
Biomedical research fellowships
Status: in_force

The Administrator and the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall create a joint program of graduate research fellowships in biomedical research described in section 40501(a) of this title. Fellowships under such program may provide for participation in approved research conferences and symposia.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3389.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40503
42 U.S.C. 2487c.
Pub. L. 102–588, title VI, §604, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5131.
51 U.S.C. § 20133 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 201 / Subchapter III / Section 20133: Permission to carry firearms
Permission to carry firearms
Status: in_force

As the Administrator deems necessary in the public interest, the Administrator may—

(1) direct officers and employees of the Administration to carry firearms while in the conduct of their official duties; and

(2) authorize employees of contractors and subcontractors of the Administration who are engaged in the protection of property owned by the United States, and located at facilities owned by or contracted to the United States, to carry firearms while in the conduct of their official duties.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3338.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

20133
42 U.S.C. 2456.
Pub. L. 85–568, title III, §304(e), July 29, 1958, 72 Stat. 435.
51 U.S.C. § 60502 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 605 / Section 60502: Transitioning experimental research into operational services
Transitioning experimental research into operational services
Status: in_force

(a) Interagency Process.—The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with the Administrator, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other relevant stakeholders, shall develop a process to transition, when appropriate, Administration Earth science and space weather missions or sensors into operational status. The process shall include coordination of annual agency budget requests as required to execute the transitions.

(b) Responsible Agency Official.—The Administrator and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall each designate an agency official who shall have the responsibility for and authority to lead the Administration's and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's transition activities and interagency coordination.

(c) Plan.—For each mission or sensor that is determined to be appropriate for transition under subsection (a), the Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall transmit to Congress a joint plan for conducting the transition. The plan shall include the strategy, milestones, and budget required to execute the transition. The transition plan shall be transmitted to Congress no later than 60 days after the successful completion of the mission or sensor critical design review.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3425.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

60502(a)
42 U.S.C. 17712(b).
Pub. L. 110–422, title II, §204(b), (c), (d), Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4785.

60502(b)
42 U.S.C. 17712(c).

60502(c)
42 U.S.C. 17712(d).
51 U.S.C. § 60148 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 601 / Subchapter V / Section 60148: Enforcement
Enforcement
Status: in_force

(a) In General.—In order to ensure that unenhanced data from the Landsat system received solely for noncommercial purposes are not used for any commercial purpose, the Secretary (in collaboration with private sector entities responsible for the marketing and distribution of unenhanced data generated by the Landsat system) shall develop and implement a system for enforcing this prohibition, in the event that unenhanced data from the Landsat system are made available for noncommercial purposes at a different price than such data are made available for other purposes.

(b) Authority of Secretary.—Subject to subsection (d), the Secretary may impose any of the enforcement mechanisms described in subsection (c) against a person that—

(1) receives unenhanced data from the Landsat system under this chapter solely for noncommercial purposes (and at a different price than the price at which such data are made available for other purposes); and

(2) uses such data for other than noncommercial purposes.

(c) Enforcement Mechanisms.—Enforcement mechanisms referred to in subsection (b) may include civil penalties of not more than $10,000 (per day per violation), denial of further unenhanced data purchasing privileges, and any other penalties or restrictions the Secretary considers necessary to ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that unenhanced data provided for noncommercial purposes are not used to unfairly compete in the commercial market against private sector entities not eligible for data at the cost of fulfilling user requests.

(d) Procedures and Regulations.—The Secretary shall issue any regulations necessary to carry out this section and shall establish standards and procedures governing the imposition of enforcement mechanisms under subsection (b). The standards and procedures shall include a procedure for potentially aggrieved parties to file formal protests with the Secretary alleging instances where such unenhanced data have been, or are being, used for commercial purposes in violation of the terms of receipt of such data. The Secretary shall promptly act to investigate any such protest, and shall report annually to Congress on instances of such violations.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3421.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

60148
15 U.S.C. 5658.
Pub. L. 102–555, title V, §508, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4179.

In subsection (d), in the second sentence, the words "have been, or are being" are substituted for "has been, or is being" to correct an error in the law.
51 U.S.C. § 60607 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 606 / Section 60607: Pilot program for obtaining commercial sector space weather data
Pilot program for obtaining commercial sector space weather data
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.—Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the PROSWIFT Act, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may establish a pilot program under which the Administrator will offer to enter into contracts with one or more entities in the commercial space weather sector for the provision to the Administrator of space weather data generated by such an entity that meets the standards and specifications published under subsection (b).

(b) Data Standard and Specifications.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the PROSWIFT Act, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, may publish standards and specifications for ground-based, ocean-based, air-based, and space-based commercial space weather data and metadata.

(c) Contracts.—

(1) In general.—Within 12 months after the date of transmission of the review of the integrated strategy to Congress under section 60602(c)(3) and taking into account the results of the review, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may offer to enter, through an open competition, into at least one contract with one or more commercial space weather sector entities capable of providing space weather data that—

(A) meets the standards and specifications established for providing such data under subsection (b); and

(B) is provided in a manner that allows the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to calibrate and evaluate the data for use in space weather research and forecasting models of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Defense, or both.

(2) Assessment.—If one or more contract is entered into under paragraph (1), not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the PROSWIFT Act, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall assess, and submit to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Armed Services of the Senate, a report on the extent to which the pilot program has demonstrated data provided under contracts described in paragraph (1) meet the standards and specifications established under subsection (b) and the extent to which the pilot program has demonstrated—

(A) the viability of assimilating the commercially provided data into National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration space weather research and forecasting models;

(B) whether, and by how much, the data so provided add value to space weather forecasts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Defense; and

(C) the accuracy, quality, timeliness, validity, reliability, usability, information technology security, and cost-effectiveness of obtaining commercial space weather data from commercial sector providers.

(Pub. L. 116–181, §2(b), Oct. 21, 2020, 134 Stat. 891.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of the PROSWIFT Act, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), and (c)(2), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 116–181, which was approved Oct. 21, 2020.
51 U.S.C. § 70102 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 701 / Section 70102: Space launch system use policy
Space launch system use policy
Status: in_force

(a) In General.—The Space Launch System may be used for the following circumstances:

(1) Payloads and missions that contribute to extending human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and substantially benefit from the unique capabilities of the Space Launch System.

(2) Other payloads and missions that substantially benefit from the unique capabilities of the Space Launch System.

(3) On a space available basis, Federal Government or educational payloads that are consistent with NASA's mission for exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.

(4) Compelling circumstances, as determined by the Administrator.

(b) Agreements With Foreign Entities.—The Administrator may plan, negotiate, or implement agreements with foreign entities for the launch of payloads for international collaborative efforts relating to science and technology using the Space Launch System.

(c) Compelling Circumstances.—Not later than 30 days after the date the Administrator makes a determination under subsection (a)(4), the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives written notification of the Administrator's intent to select the Space Launch System for a specific mission under that subsection, including justification for the determination.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3427; Pub. L. 114–90, title I, §117(a)(3), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 717.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70102(a)
42 U.S.C. 2465a(a).
Pub. L. 101–611, title I, §112(a), (c), (d), Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3198, 3199.

70102(b)
42 U.S.C. 2465a(c).

70102(c)
42 U.S.C. 2465a(d).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2015—Pub. L. 114–90 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to space shuttle use policy.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Flight Opportunities

Pub. L. 115–10, title VIII, §826, Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 65, provided that:

"(a) Development of Payloads.—

"(1) In general.—In order to conduct necessary research, the Administrator [of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] shall continue and, as the Administrator considers appropriate, expand the development of technology payloads for—

"(A) scientific research; and

"(B) investigating new or improved capabilities.

"(2) Funds.—For the purpose of carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall make funds available for—

"(A) flight testing;

"(B) payload development; and

"(C) hardware related to subparagraphs (A) and (B).

"(b) Reaffirmation of Policy.—Congress reaffirms that the Administrator should provide flight opportunities for payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes as authorized by section 907 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405)."

Secondary Payload Capability

Pub. L. 109–155, title VI, §602, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2931, provided that:

"(a) In General.—In order to provide more routine and affordable access to space for a broad range of scientific payloads, the Administrator is encouraged to provide the capabilities to support secondary payload flight opportunities on United States launch vehicles, or free flyers, for satellites or scientific payloads weighing less than 500 kilograms.

"(b) Feasibility study.—The Administrator shall initiate a feasibility study for designating a National Free Flyer Launch Coordination Center as a means of coordinating, consolidating, and integrating secondary launch capabilities, launch opportunities, and payloads.

"(c) Assessment.—The feasibility study required by subsection (b) shall include an assessment of the feasibility of integrating a National Free Flyer Launch Coordination Center within the operations and facilities of an existing nonprofit organization such as the Inland Northwest Space Alliance in Missoula, Montana, or a similar entity, and shall include an assessment of the potential utilization of existing launch and launch support facilities and capabilities, including but not limited to those in the States of Montana and New Mexico and their respective contiguous States, and the State of Alaska, for the integration and launch of secondary payloads, including an assessment of the feasibility of establishing cooperative agreements among such facilities, existing or future commercial launch providers, payload developers, and the designated Coordination Center."
51 U.S.C. § 40302 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 403 / Section 40302: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

In this chapter:

(1) Aeronautical and space activities.—The term "aeronautical and space activities" has the meaning given the term in section 20103 of this title.

(2) Field related to space.—The term "field related to space" means any academic discipline or field of study (including the physical, natural, and biological sciences, and engineering, space technology, education, economics, sociology, communications, planning, law, international affairs, and public administration) which is concerned with or likely to improve the understanding, assessment, development, and utilization of space.

(3) Panel.—The term "panel" means the space grant review panel established pursuant to section 40308 of this title.

(4) Person.—The term "person" means any individual, any public or private corporation, partnership, or other association or entity (including any space grant college, space grant regional consortium, institution of higher education, institute, or laboratory), or any State, political subdivision of a State, or agency or officer of a State or political subdivision of a State.

(5) Space environment.—The term "space environment" means the environment beyond the sensible atmosphere of the Earth.

(6) Space grant college.—The term "space grant college" means any public or private institution of higher education which is designated as such by the Administrator pursuant to section 40306 of this title.

(7) Space grant program.—The term "space grant program" means any program that—

(A) is administered by any space grant college, space grant regional consortium, institution of higher education, institute, laboratory, or State or local agency; and

(B) includes 2 or more projects involving education and one or more of the following activities in the fields related to space:

(i) Research.

(ii) Training.

(iii) Advisory services.

(8) Space grant regional consortium.—The term "space grant regional consortium" means any association or other alliance that is designated as a space grant regional consortium by the Administrator pursuant to section 40306 of this title.

(9) Space resource.—The term "space resource" means any tangible or intangible benefit which can be realized only from—

(A) aeronautical and space activities; or

(B) advancements in any field related to space.

(10) State.—The term "State" means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3383.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40302
42 U.S.C. 2486b.
Pub. L. 100–147, title II, §204, Oct. 30, 1987, 101 Stat. 870.

The definitions of "Administration" and "Administrator" in section 204 of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Act (Public Law 100–147, title II, 101 Stat. 870) are omitted as unnecessary because of the definitions added by section 10101 of title 51.
51 U.S.C. § 30310 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 303 / Section 30310: Exception to alternative fuel procurement requirement
Exception to alternative fuel procurement requirement
Status: in_force

Section 526(a) 1 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17142(a)) does not prohibit the Administration from entering into a contract to purchase a generally available fuel that is not an alternative or synthetic fuel or predominantly produced from a nonconventional petroleum source, if—

(1) the contract does not specifically require the contractor to provide an alternative or synthetic fuel or fuel from a nonconventional petroleum source;

(2) the purpose of the contract is not to obtain an alternative or synthetic fuel or fuel from a nonconventional petroleum source; and

(3) the contract does not provide incentives for a refinery upgrade or expansion to allow a refinery to use or increase its use of fuel from a nonconventional petroleum source.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3366.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

30310
42 U.S.C. 17827.
Pub. L. 110–422, title XI, §1112, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4811.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 526(a) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, referred to in text, probably means section 526 of Pub. L. 110–140, which is classified to section 17142 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, but does not contain subsecs.

1 See References in Text note below.
51 U.S.C. § 30308 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 303 / Section 30308: Cost effectiveness calculations
Cost effectiveness calculations
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Commercial provider.—The term "commercial provider" means any person providing space transportation services or other space-related activities, the primary control of which is held by persons other than a Federal, State, local, or foreign government.

(2) State.—The term "State" means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

(b) In General.—Except as otherwise required by law, in calculating the cost effectiveness of the cost of the Administration engaging in an activity as compared to a commercial provider, the Administrator shall compare the cost of the Administration engaging in the activity using full cost accounting principles with the price the commercial provider will charge for such activity.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3366.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

30308(a)
(no source)

30308(b)
42 U.S.C. 2459h.
Pub. L. 106–391, title III, §304, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1592.

In subsection (a), definitions of "commercial provider" and "State" are added to carry forward the appropriate definitions from section 3 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–391, 114 Stat. 1579, 1580).
51 U.S.C. § 40309 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 403 / Section 40309: Availability of other Federal personnel and data
Availability of other Federal personnel and data
Status: in_force

Each department, agency, or other instrumentality of the Federal Government that is engaged in or concerned with, or that has authority over, matters relating to space—

(1) may, upon a written request from the Administrator, make available, on a reimbursable basis or otherwise, any personnel (with their consent and without prejudice to their position and rating), service, or facility which the Administrator considers necessary to carry out any provision of this chapter;

(2) may, upon a written request from the Administrator, furnish any available data or other information which the Administrator considers necessary to carry out any provision of this chapter; and

(3) may cooperate with the Administration.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3388.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40309
42 U.S.C. 2486i.
Pub. L. 100–147, title II, §211, Oct. 30, 1987, 101 Stat. 875.
51 U.S.C. § 70906 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 709 / Section 70906: International Space Station National Laboratory Advisory Committee
International Space Station National Laboratory Advisory Committee
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.—Not later than one year after October 15, 2008, the Administrator shall establish under chapter 10 of title 5 a committee to be known as the "International Space Station National Laboratory Advisory Committee" (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Committee").

(b) Membership.—

(1) Composition.—The Committee shall be composed of individuals representing organizations that have formal agreements with the Administration to utilize the United States portion of the International Space Station, including allocations within partner elements.

(2) Chair.—The Administrator shall appoint a chair from among the members of the Committee, who shall serve for a 2-year term.

(c) Duties of the Committee.—

(1) In general.—The Committee shall monitor, assess, and make recommendations regarding effective utilization of the International Space Station as a national laboratory and platform for research.

(2) Annual report.—The Committee shall submit to the Administrator, on an annual basis or more frequently as considered necessary by a majority of the members of the Committee, a report containing the assessments and recommendations required by paragraph (1).

(d) Duration.—The Committee shall exist for the life of the International Space Station.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3438; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(327), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4342.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70906
42 U.S.C. 17752.
Pub. L. 110–422, title VI, §602, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4795.

In subsection (a), the date "October 15, 2008" is substituted for "the date of enactment of this Act" to reflect the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–422, 122 Stat. 4779).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 10 of title 5" for "the Federal Advisory Committee Act".
51 U.S.C. § 50506 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 505 / Section 50506: Commercial Space Achievement Award
Commercial Space Achievement Award
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.—There is established a Commercial Space Achievement Award. The award shall consist of a medal, which shall be of such design and materials and bear such inscriptions as determined by the Secretary of Commerce. A cash prize may also be awarded if funding for the prize is available under subsection (d).

(b) Criteria for Award.—The Secretary of Commerce shall periodically make awards under this section to individuals, corporations, corporate divisions, or corporate subsidiaries substantially engaged in commercial space activities that in the opinion of the Secretary of Commerce best meet the following criteria:

(1) Non-governmental revenue.—For corporate entities, at least half of the revenues from the space-related activities of the corporation, division, or subsidiary is derived from sources other than the United States Government.

(2) Substantial contribution.—The activities and achievements of the individual, corporation, division, or subsidiary have substantially contributed to the United States gross national product and the stature of United States industry in international markets, with due consideration for both the economic magnitude and the technical quality of the activities and achievements.

(3) Substantial advancement of technology.—The individual, corporation, division, or subsidiary has substantially advanced space technology and space applications directly related to commercial space activities.

(c) Limitations.—No individual or corporate entity may receive an award under this section more than once every 5 years.

(d) Funding for Award.—The Secretary of Commerce may seek and accept gifts of money from public and private sources for the purpose of making cash prize awards under this section. Such money may be used only for that purpose, and only such money may be used for that purpose. The Secretary of Commerce shall make publicly available an itemized list of the sources of such funding.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3407.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

50506
15 U.S.C. 5808.
Pub. L. 102–588, title V, §510, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5129.

In subsection (b), in the matter before paragraph (1), the words "The Secretary of Commerce shall periodically make awards" are substituted for "The Secretary of Commerce shall periodically make, and the Chairman of the National Space Council shall present, awards" to eliminate obsolete language. The reference to the Chairman of the National Space Council is obsolete because the National Space Council (established by section 501 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989 (Public Law 100–685, 102 Stat. 4102)) has not functioned or been staffed since 1993.
51 U.S.C. § 51303 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 513 / Section 51303: Asteroid resource and space resource rights
Asteroid resource and space resource rights
Status: in_force

A United States citizen engaged in commercial recovery of an asteroid resource or a space resource under this chapter shall be entitled to any asteroid resource or space resource obtained, including to possess, own, transport, use, and sell the asteroid resource or space resource obtained in accordance with applicable law, including the international obligations of the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 114–90, title IV, §402(a), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 721.)
51 U.S.C. § 50923 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 509 / Section 50923: Report to Congress
Report to Congress
Status: in_force

The Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress an annual report to accompany the President's budget request that—

(1) describes all activities undertaken under this chapter, including a description of the process for the application for and approval of licenses under this chapter and recommendations for legislation that may further commercial launches and reentries; and

(2) reviews the performance of the regulatory activities and the effectiveness of the Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

(Added Pub. L. 105–303, title I, §102(a)(16), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2851, §70121 of title 49; renumbered §70121 then §50923 of title 51, Pub. L. 111–314, §4(d)(2), (3)(W), Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3440, 3441.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2010—Pub. L. 111–314 successively renumbered section 70121 of title 49 and section 70121 of this title as this section.
51 U.S.C. § 70507 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 705 / Section 70507: Technology development
Technology development
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall establish an intra-Directorate long-term technology development program for space and Earth science within the Science Mission Directorate for the development of new technology. The program shall be independent of the flight projects under development. The Administration shall have a goal of funding the intra-Directorate technology development program at a level of 5 percent of the total Science Mission Directorate annual budget. The program shall be structured to include competitively awarded grants and contracts.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3431.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70507
42 U.S.C. 17741.
Pub. L. 110–422, title V, §501, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4791.
51 U.S.C. § 71103 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 711 / Section 71103: Developing policy and recommending responsible Federal agency
Developing policy and recommending responsible Federal agency
Status: in_force

Within 2 years after October 15, 2008, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall—

(1) develop a policy for notifying Federal agencies and relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-Earth object threat, if near-term public safety is at risk; and

(2) recommend a Federal agency or agencies to be responsible for—

(A) protecting the United States from a near-Earth object that is expected to collide with Earth; and

(B) implementing a deflection campaign, in consultation with international bodies, should one be necessary.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3439.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

71103
42 U.S.C. 17794.
Pub. L. 110–422, title VIII, §804, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4804.

In the matter before paragraph (1), the date "October 15, 2008" is substituted for "the date of enactment of this Act" to reflect the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008.
51 U.S.C. § 20115 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 201 / Subchapter II / Section 20115: International cooperation
International cooperation
Status: in_force

The Administration, under the foreign policy guidance of the President, may engage in a program of international cooperation in work done pursuant to this chapter, and in the peaceful application of the results thereof, pursuant to agreements made by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3337.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

20115
42 U.S.C. 2475.
Pub. L. 85–568, title II, §205, July 29, 1958, 72 Stat. 432.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Authority

Memorandum of President of the United States, Oct. 10, 1995, 60 F.R. 53251, provided:

Memorandum for the Administrator of the National and Aeronautics and Space Administration

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to facilitate the efficient operations of the aeronautical and space programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), it is hereby ordered as follows:

The authority conferred upon the President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America to executive mutual waivers of claims of liability on behalf of the United States for damages arising out of cooperative activities is hereby delegated to the Administrator of NASA for agreements with foreign governments and their agents regarding aeronautical, science, and space activities that are executed pursuant to the authority granted NASA by the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, Public Law 85–568, as amended [see 51 U.S.C. 20101 et seq.]. All such agreements shall be subject to coordination with and the concurrence of the Department of State to the extent provided by applicable law, regulations, and procedures. All such waivers of liability entered into prior to the date of this memorandum are hereby ratified.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

William J. Clinton.
51 U.S.C. § 50504 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 505 / Section 50504: Use of Government facilities
Use of Government facilities
Status: in_force

(a) Authority.—

(1) In general.—Federal agencies, including the Administration and the Department of Defense, may allow non-Federal entities to use their space-related facilities on a reimbursable basis if the Administrator, the Secretary of Defense, or the appropriate agency head determines that—

(A) the facilities will be used to support commercial space activities;

(B) such use can be supported by existing or planned Federal resources;

(C) such use is compatible with Federal activities;

(D) equivalent commercial services are not available on reasonable terms; and

(E) such use is consistent with public safety, national security, and international treaty obligations.

(2) Consultation.—In carrying out paragraph (1)(E), each agency head shall consult with appropriate Federal officials.

(b) Reimbursement Payment.—

(1) Amount.—The reimbursement referred to in subsection (a) may be an amount equal to the direct costs (including salaries of United States civilian and contractor personnel) incurred by the United States as a result of the use of such facilities by the private sector. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term "direct costs" means the actual costs that can be unambiguously associated with such use, and would not be borne by the United States Government in the absence of such use.

(2) Credit to appropriation.—The amount of any payment received by the United States for use of facilities under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation from which the cost of providing such facilities was paid.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3406.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

50504
15 U.S.C. 5807.
Pub. L. 102–588, title V, §508, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5128.
51 U.S.C. § 60503 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 605 / Section 60503: Reauthorization of Glory Mission
Reauthorization of Glory Mission
Status: in_force

Congress reauthorizes the Administration to continue with development of the Glory Mission, which will examine how aerosols and solar energy affect the Earth's climate.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3425.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

60503
42 U.S.C. 17713(a).
Pub. L. 110–422, title II, §206(a), Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4785.
51 U.S.C. § 30704 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 307 / Section 30704: Offshore performance of contracts for the procurement of goods and services
Offshore performance of contracts for the procurement of goods and services
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall submit to Congress, not later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a report on the contracts and subcontracts performed overseas and the amount of purchases directly or indirectly by the Administration from foreign entities in that fiscal year. The report shall separately indicate—

(1) the contracts and subcontracts and their dollar values for which the Administrator determines that essential goods or services under the contract are available only from a source outside the United States; and

(2) the items and their dollar values for which the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 10a et seq.) 1 was waived pursuant to obligations of the United States under international agreements.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3371.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

30704
42 U.S.C. 16823.
Pub. L. 109–155, title VII, §709, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2938.

In the matter before paragraph (1), the words "beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act [December 30, 2005]" are omitted as obsolete.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Buy American Act, referred to in par. (2), is title III of act Mar. 3, 1933, ch. 212, 47 Stat. 1520, which was classified generally to sections 10a, 10b, and 10c of former Title 41, Public Contracts, and was substantially repealed and restated in chapter 83 (§8301 et seq.) of Title 41, Public Contracts, by Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1933 Act note set out under section 101 of Title 41 and Tables. For disposition of sections of former Title 41, see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of Title 41.

1 See References in Text note below.
51 U.S.C. § 40131 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 401 / Subchapter III / Section 40131: Aeronautics scholarships
Aeronautics scholarships
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.—The Administrator shall establish a program of scholarships for full-time graduate students who are United States citizens and are enrolled in, or have been accepted by and have indicated their intention to enroll in, accredited Masters degree programs in aeronautical engineering or equivalent programs at institutions of higher education. Each such scholarship shall cover the costs of room, board, tuition, and fees, and may be provided for a maximum of 2 years.

(b) Implementation.—Not later than 180 days after December 30, 2005, the Administrator shall publish regulations governing the scholarship program under this section.

(c) Cooperative Training Opportunities.—Students who have been awarded a scholarship under this section shall have the opportunity for paid employment at one of the Administration Centers engaged in aeronautics research and development during the summer prior to the first year of the student's Masters program, and between the first and second year, if applicable.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3381.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40131
42 U.S.C. 16741.
Pub. L. 109–155, title IV, §431, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2927.

In subsection (b), the date "December 30, 2005" is substituted for "the date of enactment of this Act" to reflect the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–155, 119 Stat. 2895).
51 U.S.C. § 30306 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 303 / Section 30306: Small business contracting
Small business contracting
Status: in_force

(a) Plan.—In consultation with the Small Business Administration, the Administrator shall develop a plan to maximize the number and amount of contracts awarded to small business concerns (within the meaning given that term in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) and to meet established contracting goals for such concerns.

(b) Priority.—The Administrator shall establish as a priority meeting the contracting goals developed in conjunction with the Small Business Administration to maximize the amount of prime contracts, as measured in dollars, awarded in each fiscal year by the Administration to small business concerns (within the meaning given that term in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)).

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3365.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

30306
42 U.S.C. 16821.
Pub. L. 109–155, title VII, §707, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2937.
51 U.S.C. § 20142 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 201 / Subchapter III / Section 20142: Contracts regarding expendable launch vehicles
Contracts regarding expendable launch vehicles
Status: in_force

(a) Commitments Beyond Available Appropriations.—The Administrator may enter into contracts for expendable launch vehicle services that are for periods in excess of the period for which funds are otherwise available for obligation, provide for the payment for contingent liability which may accrue in excess of available appropriations in the event the Federal Government for its convenience terminates such contracts, and provide for advance payments reasonably related to launch vehicle and related equipment, fabrication, and acquisition costs, if any such contract limits the amount of the payments that the Government is allowed to make under such contract to amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts. Such contracts may be limited to sources within the United States when the Administrator determines that such limitation is in the public interest.

(b) Termination if Funds Not Available.—If funds are not available to continue any such contract, the contract shall be terminated for the convenience of the Government, and the costs of such contract shall be paid from appropriations originally available for performance of the contract, from other unobligated appropriations currently available for the procurement of launch services, or from funds appropriated for such payments.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3348.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

20142
42 U.S.C. 2459c.
Pub. L. 85–568, title III, §312, formerly §311, as added Pub. L. 100–147, title I, §117, Oct. 30, 1987, 101 Stat. 867; renumbered §312, Pub. L. 106–391, title III, §324(a)(1), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1599.

In subsection (a), the word "expendable" is substituted for "expendabe" to correct an error in the law.
51 U.S.C. § 50502 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 505 / Section 50502: Launch voucher demonstration program
Launch voucher demonstration program
Status: in_force

(a) Requirement To Establish Program.—The Administrator shall establish a demonstration program to award vouchers for the payment of commercial launch services and payload integration services for the purpose of launching payloads funded by the Administration.

(b) Award of Vouchers.—The Administrator shall award vouchers under subsection (a) to appropriate individuals as a part of grants administered by the Administration for the launch of—

(1) payloads to be placed in suborbital trajectories; and

(2) small payloads to be placed in orbit.

(c) Assistance.—The Administrator may provide voucher award recipients with such assistance (including contract formulation and technical support during the proposal evaluation) as may be necessary to ensure the purchase of cost effective and reasonably reliable commercial launch services and payload integration services.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3405.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

50502
15 U.S.C. 5803(a)–(c).
Pub. L. 102–588, title V, §504(a)–(c), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5124; Pub. L. 105–303, title I, §103, Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2851.

In subsection (a), the words "to become effective October 1, 1993", which appeared at the end, are omitted as obsolete.
51 U.S.C. § 40703 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 407 / Section 40703: Research alignment
Research alignment
Status: in_force

In addition to pursuing the research and development initiative described in section 40702 of this title, the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable within available funding, align the fundamental aeronautics research program to address high priority technology challenges of the National Academies' Decadal Survey of Civil Aeronautics, and shall work to increase the degree of involvement of external organizations, and especially of universities, in the fundamental aeronautics research program.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3390.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40703
42 U.S.C. 17722.
Pub. L. 110–422, title III, §303, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4787.
51 U.S.C. § 40311 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 403 / Section 40311: Continuing emphasis
Continuing emphasis
Status: in_force

The Administration shall continue its emphasis on the importance of education to expand opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in the Administration's aeronautics and space projects by supporting and enhancing science and engineering education, research, and public outreach efforts.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3388.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40311
42 U.S.C. 17781(c).
Pub. L. 110–422, title VII, §704(c), Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4803.
51 U.S.C. § 60604 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 606 / Section 60604: Research activities
Research activities
Status: in_force

(a) Basic Research.—The Director of the National Science Foundation, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Secretary of Defense, shall—

(1) continue to carry out basic research on heliophysics, geospace science, and space weather; and

(2) support competitive, peer-reviewed proposals for conducting research, advancing modeling, and monitoring of space weather and its impacts, including the science goals outlined in decadal surveys in solar and space physics conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

(b) Multidisciplinary Research.—

(1) Findings.—Congress finds that the multidisciplinary nature of solar and space physics creates funding challenges that require coordination across scientific disciplines and Federal agencies.

(2) Sense of congress.—It is the sense of Congress that science centers could coordinate multidisciplinary solar and space physics research. The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Director of the National Science Foundation should support competitively awarded grants for multidisciplinary science centers that advance solar and space physics research, including research-to-operations and operations-to-research processes.

(3) Multidisciplinary research.—The Director of the National Science Foundation, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, shall each pursue multidisciplinary research in subjects that further the understanding of solar physics, space physics, and space weather.

(c) Science Missions.—The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration should implement missions that meet the science objectives identified in solar and space physics decadal surveys conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

(d) Research to Operations; Operations to Research.—The interagency working group shall, upon consideration of the advice of the advisory group, develop formal mechanisms to—

(1) transition the space weather research findings, models, and capabilities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, the United States Geological Survey, and other relevant Federal agencies, as appropriate, to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Defense;

(2) enhance coordination between research modeling centers and forecasting centers; and

(3) communicate the operational needs of space weather forecasters of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Department of Defense, as appropriate, to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the United States Geological Survey.

(Pub. L. 116–181, §2(b), Oct. 21, 2020, 134 Stat. 889.)
51 U.S.C. § 40303 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 403 / Section 40303: National space grant college and fellowship program
National space grant college and fellowship program
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.—The Administrator shall establish and maintain, within the Administration, a program to be known as the national space grant college and fellowship program. The national space grant college and fellowship program shall consist of the financial assistance and other activities provided for in this chapter. The Administrator shall establish long-range planning guidelines and priorities, and adequately evaluate the program.

(b) Functions.—Within the Administration, the program shall—

(1) apply the long-range planning guidelines and the priorities established by the Administrator under subsection (a);

(2) advise the Administrator with respect to the expertise and capabilities which are available through the national space grant college and fellowship program, and make such expertise available to the Administration as directed by the Administrator;

(3) evaluate activities conducted under grants and contracts awarded pursuant to sections 40304 and 40305 of this title to ensure that the purposes set forth in section 40301 of this title are implemented;

(4) encourage other Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to use and take advantage of the expertise and capabilities which are available through the national space grant college and fellowship program, on a cooperative or other basis;

(5) encourage cooperation and coordination with other Federal programs concerned with the development of space resources and fields related to space;

(6) advise the Administrator on the designation of recipients supported by the national space grant college and fellowship program and, in appropriate cases, on the termination or suspension of any such designation; and

(7) encourage the formation and growth of space grant and fellowship programs.

(c) General Authorities.—To carry out the provisions of this chapter, the Administrator may—

(1) accept conditional or unconditional gifts or donations of services, money, or property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible;

(2) accept and use funds from other Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to pay for fellowships, grants, contracts, and other transactions; and

(3) issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary and appropriate.

(d) Program Administration Costs.—In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the Administrator—

(1) shall maximize appropriated funds for grants and contracts made under section 40304 in each fiscal year; and

(2) in each fiscal year, the Administrator shall limit its program administration costs to no more than 5 percent of funds appropriated for this program for that fiscal year.

(e) Reports.—For any fiscal year in which the Administrator cannot meet the administration cost target under subsection (d)(2), if the Administration is unable to limit program costs under subsection (b), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report, including—

(1) a description of why the Administrator did not meet the cost target under subsection (d); and

(2) the measures the Administrator will take in the next fiscal year to meet the cost target under subsection (d) without drawing upon other Federal funding.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3383; Pub. L. 114–329, title III, §302(b), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3003.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40303
42 U.S.C. 2486c.
Pub. L. 100–147, title II, §205, Oct. 30, 1987, 101 Stat. 871.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 114–329 added subsecs. (d) and (e).
51 U.S.C. § 31503 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 315 / Section 31503: Laboratory productivity
Laboratory productivity
Status: in_force

The Administration's laboratories are a critical component of the Administration's research capabilities, and the Administrator shall ensure that those laboratories remain productive.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3377.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

31503
42 U.S.C. 17812(a).
Pub. L. 110–422, title X, §1003(a), Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4807.
51 U.S.C. § 70505 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 705 / Section 70505: Lunar outpost
Lunar outpost
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.—As the Administration works toward the establishment of a lunar outpost, the Administration shall make no plans that would require a lunar outpost to be occupied to maintain its viability. Any such outpost shall be operable as a human-tended facility capable of remote or autonomous operation for extended periods.

(b) Designation.—The United States portion of the first human-tended outpost established on the surface of the Moon shall be designated the "Neil A. Armstrong Lunar Outpost".

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3431.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70505(a)
42 U.S.C. 17732(a).
Pub. L. 110–422, title IV, §404(a), (b), Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4789.

70505(b)
42 U.S.C. 17732(b).
51 U.S.C. § 40115 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 401 / Subchapter II / Section 40115: Aviation weather research
Aviation weather research
Status: in_force

The Administrator may carry out a program of collaborative research with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on convective weather events, with the goal of significantly improving the reliability of 2-hour to 6-hour aviation weather forecasts.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3381.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40115
42 U.S.C. 16725.
Pub. L. 109–155, title IV, §425, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2926.
51 U.S.C. § 51105 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 511 / Section 51105: Authorization of appropriations
Authorization of appropriations
Status: in_force

Not more than $10,000,000 may be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation to make grants under this chapter. Amounts appropriated under this section remain available until expended.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1345, §70305 of title 49; renumbered §70305 then §51105 of title 51, Pub. L. 111–314, §4(d)(2), (4)(E), Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3440, 3441.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70305
15:5804(b) (2d, last sentences).
Nov. 4, 1992, Pub. L. 102–588, §505(b) (2d, last sentences), 106 Stat. 5125.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2010—Pub. L. 111–314 successively renumbered section 70305 of title 49 and section 70305 of this title as this section.
51 U.S.C. § 50916 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 509 / Section 50916: Disclosing information
Disclosing information
Status: in_force

The Secretary of Transportation, an officer or employee of the United States Government, or a person making a contract with the Secretary under section 50907(b) of this title may disclose information under this chapter that qualifies for an exemption under section 552(b)(4) of title 5 or is designated as confidential by the person or head of the executive agency providing the information only if the Secretary decides withholding the information is contrary to the public or national interest.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1340, §70114 of title 49; renumbered §70114 then §50916 of title 51 and amended Pub. L. 111–314, §4(d)(2), (3)(P), (5)(S), Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3440–3442.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70114
49 App.:2608(c).
Oct. 30, 1984, Pub. L. 98–575, §9(c), 98 Stat. 3059.

The words "data or" are omitted as surplus. The words "the head of" and "executive" are added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2010—Pub. L. 111–314, §4(d)(5)(S), substituted "section 50907(b)" for "section 70106(b)".

Pub. L. 111–314, §4(d)(2), (3)(P), successively renumbered section 70114 of title 49 and section 70114 of this title as this section.
51 U.S.C. § 20146 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 201 / Subchapter III / Section 20146: Retrocession of jurisdiction
Retrocession of jurisdiction
Status: in_force

(a) Definition of State.—In this section, the term "State" means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

(b) Relinquishing Legislative Jurisdiction.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may relinquish to a State all or part of the legislative jurisdiction of the United States over lands or interests under the control of the Administrator in that State.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3353.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

20146
42 U.S.C. 2459k.
Pub. L. 85–568, title III, §316, as added Pub. L. 109–155, title VII, §701, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2935.
51 U.S.C. § 40504 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 405 / Section 40504: Establishment of electronic data archive
Establishment of electronic data archive
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall create and maintain a national electronic data archive for biomedical research data obtained from space-based experiments.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3389.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40504
42 U.S.C. 2487e.
Pub. L. 102–588, title VI, §606, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5131.
51 U.S.C. § 60302 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 603 / Section 60302: General responsibilities
General responsibilities
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall—

(1) develop a sustained relationship with the United States commercial remote sensing industry and, consistent with applicable policies and law, to the maximum practicable, rely on their services; and

(2) in conjunction with United States industry and universities, research, develop, and demonstrate prototype Earth science applications to enhance Federal, State, local, and tribal governments' use of government and commercial remote sensing data, technologies, and other sources of geospatial information for improved decision support to address their needs.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3423.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

60302
42 U.S.C. 16672.
Pub. L. 109–155, title III, §312, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2920.
51 U.S.C. § 70708 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 707 / Section 70708: Compensation and travel expenses
Compensation and travel expenses
Status: in_force

(a) Compensation.—Each member of a Commission may be compensated at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for positions at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5 for each day during which that member is engaged in the actual performance of the duties of the Commission.

(b) Travel Expenses.—While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members of a Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3435.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70708
42 U.S.C. 16848.
Pub. L. 109–155, title VIII, §828, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2944.

In subsection (a), the words "at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate" for "at not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate" for consistency in title 51.

In subsection (b), the words "section 5703 of title 5" are substituted for "section 5703(b) of title 5" to correct an error in the law. Section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, does not contain a subsection (b).
51 U.S.C. § 70104 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 701 / Section 70104: Definition of Space Launch System
Definition of Space Launch System
Status: in_force

In this chapter, the term "Space Launch System" means the Space Launch System authorized under section 302 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322).

(Added Pub. L. 114–90, title I, §117(a)(5), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 718.)
51 U.S.C. § 20164 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 201 / Subchapter IV / Section 20164: International cooperation
International cooperation
Status: in_force

In carrying out the provisions of this subchapter, the Administration, subject to the direction of the President and after consultation with the Secretary of State, shall make every effort to enlist the support and cooperation of appropriate scientists and engineers of other countries and international organizations.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3355.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

20164
42 U.S.C. 2484.
Pub. L. 85–568, title IV, §404, as added Pub. L. 94–39, §8, June 19, 1975, 89 Stat. 223.
51 U.S.C. § 60605 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 606 / Section 60605: Space weather data
Space weather data
Status: in_force

(a) In General.—The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Director of the National Science Foundation shall continue to—

(1) make space weather-related data obtained for scientific research purposes available to space weather forecasters and operations centers; and

(2) support model development and model applications to space weather forecasting.

(b) Research.—The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall make space weather-related data obtained from operational forecasting available for research.

(Pub. L. 116–181, §2(b), Oct. 21, 2020, 134 Stat. 890.)
51 U.S.C. § 50911 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 509 / Section 50911: Space advertising
Space advertising
Status: in_force

(a) Licensing.—Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or any other provision of law, the Secretary may not, for the launch of a payload containing any material to be used for the purposes of obtrusive space advertising—

(1) issue or transfer a license under this chapter; or

(2) waive the license requirements of this chapter.

(b) Launching.—No holder of a license under this chapter may launch a payload containing any material to be used for purposes of obtrusive space advertising.

(c) Commercial Space Advertising.—Nothing in this section shall apply to nonobtrusive commercial space advertising, including advertising on—

(1) commercial space transportation vehicles;

(2) space infrastructure payloads;

(3) space launch facilities; and

(4) launch support facilities.

(Added Pub. L. 106–391, title III, §322(b), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1598, §70109a of title 49; renumbered §70109a then §50911 of title 51, Pub. L. 111–314, §4(d)(2), (3)(K), Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3440, 3441.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2010—Pub. L. 111–314 successively renumbered section 70109a of title 49 and section 70109a of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Negotiation With Foreign Launching Nations

Pub. L. 106–391, title III, §322(c), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1598, provided that:

"(1) The President is requested to negotiate with foreign launching nations for the purpose of reaching one or more agreements that prohibit the use of outer space for obtrusive space advertising purposes.

"(2) It is the sense of the Congress that the President should take such action as is appropriate and feasible to enforce the terms of any agreement to prohibit the use of outer space for obtrusive space advertising purposes.

"(3) As used in this subsection, the term 'foreign launching nation' means a nation—

"(A) that launches, or procures the launching of, a payload into outer space; or

"(B) from the territory or facility of which a payload is launched into outer space."
51 U.S.C. § 40908 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 409 / Section 40908: Continuation of certain education programs
Continuation of certain education programs
Status: in_force

From amounts appropriated to the Administration for education programs, the Administrator shall ensure the continuation of the Space Grant Program, the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, and, consistent with the results of the review under section 614 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–155, 119 Stat. 2933), the Administration Explorer School program, to motivate and develop the next generation of explorers.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3394.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40908
42 U.S.C. 16797.
Pub. L. 109–155, title VI, §618, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2934.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 614 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005, referred to in text, was classified to former section 16793 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and was omitted from the Code following the enactment of this title by Pub. L. 111–314.
51 U.S.C. § 70710 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 707 / Section 70710: Reporting requirements and termination
Reporting requirements and termination
Status: in_force

(a) Interim Reports.—A Commission may submit to the President and Congress interim reports containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective actions as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members.

(b) Final Report.—A Commission shall submit to the President and Congress, and make concurrently available to the public, a final report containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective actions as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members. Such report shall include any minority views or opinions not reflected in the majority report.

(c) Termination.—

(1) In general.—A Commission, and all the authorities of this chapter with respect to that Commission, shall terminate 60 days after the date on which the final report is submitted under subsection (b).

(2) Administrative activities before termination.—A Commission may use the 60-day period referred to in paragraph (1) for the purpose of concluding its activities, including providing testimony to committees of Congress concerning its reports and disseminating the final report.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3436.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70710
42 U.S.C. 16850.
Pub. L. 109–155, title VIII, §830, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2944.
51 U.S.C. § 30309 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 303 / Section 30309: Use of abandoned and underutilized buildings, grounds, and facilities
Use of abandoned and underutilized buildings, grounds, and facilities
Status: in_force

(a) Definition of Depressed Communities.—In this section, the term "depressed communities" means rural and urban communities that are relatively depressed, in terms of age of housing, extent of poverty, growth of per capita income, extent of unemployment, job lag, or surplus labor.

(b) In General.—In any case in which the Administrator considers the purchase, lease, or expansion of a facility to meet requirements of the Administration, the Administrator shall consider whether those requirements could be met by the use of one of the following:

(1) Abandoned or underutilized buildings, grounds, and facilities in depressed communities that can be converted to Administration usage at a reasonable cost, as determined by the Administrator.

(2) Any military installation that is closed or being closed, or any facility at such an installation.

(3) Any other facility or part of a facility that the Administrator determines to be—

(A) owned or leased by the United States for the use of another agency of the Federal Government; and

(B) considered by the head of the agency involved to be—

(i) excess to the needs of that agency; or

(ii) underutilized by that agency.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3366.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

30309
42 U.S.C. 2473d.
Pub. L. 106–391, title III, §325, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1600.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following prior appropriation authorization act:

Pub. L. 102–588, title II, §220, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5118.
51 U.S.C. § 50114 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 501 / Subchapter II / Section 50114: Administration of commercial space centers
Administration of commercial space centers
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall administer the Commercial Space Center program in a coordinated manner from Administration headquarters in Washington, D.C.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3398.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

50114
42 U.S.C. 14714.
Pub. L. 105–303, title I, §106, Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2853.
51 U.S.C. § 60606 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 606 / Section 60606: Space weather knowledge transfer and information exchange
Space weather knowledge transfer and information exchange
Status: in_force

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the PROSWIFT Act, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in collaboration with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Director of the National Science Foundation, shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to establish a Space Weather Government-Academic-Commercial Roundtable to facilitate communication and knowledge transfer among Government participants in the space weather interagency working group established under section 60601(c), the academic community, and the commercial space weather sector to—

(1) facilitate advances in space weather prediction and forecasting;

(2) increase coordination of space weather research to operations and operations to research; and

(3) improve preparedness for potential space weather phenomena.

(Pub. L. 116–181, §2(b), Oct. 21, 2020, 134 Stat. 891.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of the PROSWIFT Act, referred to in text, is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 116–181, which was approved Oct. 21, 2020.
51 U.S.C. § 40114 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 401 / Subchapter II / Section 40114: Aviation safety and security research
Aviation safety and security research
Status: in_force

(a) Objective.—The Aviation Safety and Security Research program shall pursue research and development activities that directly address the safety and security needs of the National Airspace System and the aircraft that fly in it. The program shall develop prevention, intervention, and mitigation technologies aimed at causal, contributory, or circumstantial factors of aviation accidents.

(b) Alignment.—Not later than 1 year after December 30, 2005, the Administrator shall align the projects of the Aviation Safety and Security Research program so that they directly support the objectives of the Joint Planning and Development Office's Next Generation Air Transportation System Integrated Plan.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3380.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40114
42 U.S.C. 16724.
Pub. L. 109–155, title IV, §424, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2926.

In subsection (b), the date "December 30, 2005" is substituted for "the date of enactment of this Act" to reflect the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–155, 119 Stat. 2895).
51 U.S.C. § 70702 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 707 / Section 70702: Establishment of Commission
Establishment of Commission
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.—The President shall establish an independent, nonpartisan Commission within the executive branch to investigate any incident that results in the loss of—

(1) a space shuttle;

(2) the International Space Station or its operational viability;

(3) any other orbital or suborbital space vehicle carrying humans that is—

(A) owned by the Federal Government; or

(B) being used pursuant to a contract or Space Act Agreement with the Federal Government for carrying a government astronaut or a researcher funded by the Federal Government; or

(4) a crew member or passenger of any space vehicle described in this subsection.

(b) Deadline for Establishment.—The President shall establish a Commission within 7 days after an incident specified in subsection (a).

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Government astronaut.—The term "government astronaut" has the meaning given the term in section 50902.

(2) Space act agreement.—The term "Space Act Agreement" means an agreement entered into by the Administration pursuant to its other transactions authority under section 20113(e).

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3432; Pub. L. 115–10, title VIII, §838, Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 71.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70702
42 U.S.C. 16842.
Pub. L. 109–155, title VIII, §822, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2941.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 115–10, §838(1), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "any other United States space vehicle carrying humans that is owned by the Federal Government or that is being used pursuant to a contract with the Federal Government; or".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–10, §838(2), added subsec. (c).
51 U.S.C. § 40141 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 401 / Subchapter IV / Section 40141: Aviation data requests
Aviation data requests
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall make available upon request satellite imagery and aerial photography of remote terrain that the Administration owns at the time of the request to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration or the Director of the Five Star Medallion Program, to assist and train pilots in navigating challenging topographical features of such terrain.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3382.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40141
42 U.S.C. 16751.
Pub. L. 109–155, title IV, §441, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2927.
51 U.S.C. § 70703 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 707 / Section 70703: Tasks of Commission
Tasks of Commission
Status: in_force

A Commission established pursuant to this chapter shall, to the extent possible, undertake the following tasks:

(1) Investigation.—Investigate the incident.

(2) Cause.—Determine the cause of the incident.

(3) Contributing factors.—Identify all contributing factors to the cause of the incident.

(4) Recommendations.—Make recommendations for corrective actions.

(5) Additional findings or recommendations.—Provide any additional findings or recommendations deemed by the Commission to be important, whether or not they are related to the specific incident under investigation.

(6) Report.—Prepare a report to Congress, the President, and the public.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3432.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70703
42 U.S.C. 16843.
Pub. L. 109–155, title VIII, §823, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2941.
51 U.S.C. § 70301 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 703 / Section 70301: Repealed. Pub. L. 115-10, title IV, §416(b), Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 35
Repealed. Pub. L. 115-10, title IV, §416(b), Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 35
Status: repealed

[§§70301 to 70304. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–10, title IV, §416(b), Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 35]

Section 70301, Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3428, set out Congressional findings.

Section 70302, Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3429, related to purpose, policy, and goals of chapter.

Section 70303, Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3429, defined "additive cost".

Section 70304, Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3429, related to duties of Administrator.
51 U.S.C. § 51501 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 515 / Section 51501: Establishment of Office of Spaceports
Establishment of Office of Spaceports
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment of Office.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall identify, within the Office of Commercial Space Transportation, a centralized policy office to be known as the Office of Spaceports.

(b) Functions.—The Office of Spaceports shall—

(1) support licensing activities for operation of launch and reentry sites;

(2) develop policies that promote infrastructure improvements at spaceports;

(3) provide technical assistance and guidance to spaceports;

(4) promote United States spaceports within the Department; and

(5) strengthen the Nation's competitiveness in commercial space transportation infrastructure and increase resilience for the Federal Government and commercial customers.

(c) Recognition.—In carrying out the functions assigned in subsection (b), the Secretary shall recognize the unique needs and distinctions of spaceports that host— 1

(1) launches to or reentries from orbit; and

(2) are involved in suborbital launch activities.

(d) Director.—The head of the Office of the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation shall designate a Director of the Office of Spaceports.

(e) Definition.—In this section the term "spaceport" means a launch or reentry site that is operated by an entity licensed by the Secretary of Transportation.

(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §580(b)(1), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3395.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (a), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 115–254, which was approved Oct. 5, 2018.

1 So in original. The dash probably should follow "that" and the word "host" probably should appear at the beginning of par. (1).
51 U.S.C. § 50113 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 501 / Subchapter II / Section 50113: Acquisition of space science data
Acquisition of space science data
Status: in_force

(a) Definition of Space Science Data.—In this section, the term "space science data" includes scientific data concerning—

(1) the elemental and mineralogical resources of the moon, asteroids, planets and their moons, and comets;

(2) microgravity acceleration; and

(3) solar storm monitoring.

(b) Acquisition From Commercial Providers.—The Administrator shall, to the extent possible and while satisfying the scientific or educational requirements of the Administration, and where appropriate, of other Federal agencies and scientific researchers, acquire, where cost effective, space science data from a commercial provider.

(c) Treatment of Space Science Data as Commercial Product or Commercial Service Under Acquisition Laws.—Acquisitions of space science data by the Administrator shall be carried out in accordance with applicable acquisition laws and regulations (including applicable provisions of chapters 201 through 285, 341 through 343, and 363 of title 10). For purposes of such law and regulations, space science data shall be considered to be a commercial product or commercial service. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude the United States from acquiring, through contracts with commercial providers, sufficient rights in data to meet the needs of the scientific and educational community or the needs of other government activities.

(d) Safety Standards.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Federal Government from requiring compliance with applicable safety standards.

(e) Limitation.—This section does not authorize the Administration to provide financial assistance for the development of commercial systems for the collection of space science data.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3397; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §836(g)(10)(A), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1874; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, §1702(l)(10), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2161.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

50113
42 U.S.C. 14713.
Pub. L. 105–303, title I, §105, Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2852.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted "including applicable provisions of chapters 201 through 285, 341 through 343, and 363" for "including chapters 137 and 140".

2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "Commercial Product or Commercial Service" for "Commercial Item" in heading and "commercial product or commercial service" for "commercial item" in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Jan. 1, 2020, subject to a savings provision, see section 836(h) of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as an Effective Date of 2018 Amendment; Savings Provision note under section 453b of Title 6, Domestic Security.
51 U.S.C. § 70905 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 709 / Section 70905: National laboratory designation
National laboratory designation
Status: in_force

(a) Definition of United States Segment of the International Space Station.—In this section the term "United States segment of the International Space Station" means those elements of the International Space Station manufactured—

(1) by the United States; or

(2) for the United States by other nations in exchange for funds or launch services.

(b) Designation.—To further the policy described in section 70501(a) of this title, the United States segment of the International Space Station is hereby designated a national laboratory.

(c) Management.—

(1) Partnerships.—The Administrator shall seek to increase the utilization of the International Space Station by other Federal entities and the private sector through partnerships, cost-sharing agreements, and other arrangements that would supplement Administration funding of the International Space Station.

(2) Contracting.—The Administrator may enter into a contract with a nongovernmental entity to operate the International Space Station national laboratory, subject to all applicable Federal laws and regulations.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3437.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70905(a)
42 U.S.C. 16767(d).
Pub. L. 109–155, title V, §507(a), (b), (d), Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2930, 2931.

70905(b)
42 U.S.C. 16767(a).

70905(c)
42 U.S.C. 16767(b).
51 U.S.C. § 60161 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 601 / Subchapter VI / Section 60161: Prohibition
Prohibition
Status: in_force

Neither the President nor any other official of the Government shall make any effort to lease, sell, or transfer to the private sector, or commercialize, any portion of the weather satellite systems operated by the Department of Commerce or any successor agency.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3422.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

60161
15 U.S.C. 5671.
Pub. L. 102–555, title VI, §601, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4179.
51 U.S.C. § 30302 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 303 / Section 30302: Quality assurance personnel
Quality assurance personnel
Status: in_force

(a) Exclusion of Administration Personnel.—A person providing articles to the Administration under a contract entered into after December 9, 1991, may not exclude Administration quality assurance personnel from work sites except as provided in a contract provision that has been submitted to Congress as provided in subsection (b).

(b) Contract Provisions.—The Administration shall not enter into any contract which permits the exclusion of Administration quality assurance personnel from work sites unless the Administrator has submitted a copy of the provision permitting such exclusion to Congress at least 60 days before entering into the contract.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3363.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

30302
42 U.S.C. 2459e.
Pub. L. 102–195, §19, Dec. 9, 1991, 105 Stat. 1615.

In subsection (a), the date "December 9, 1991" is substituted for "the date of enactment of this Act" to reflect the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1992 (Public Law 102–195, 105 Stat. 1605).

In subsection (a), the words "that has been submitted to Congress as provided" are substituted for "described" for clarity.
51 U.S.C. § 40702 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 407 / Section 40702: Additional research and development initiative
Additional research and development initiative
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall establish an initiative involving the Administration, universities, industry, and other research organizations as appropriate, of research, development, and demonstration, in a relevant environment, of technologies to enable the following commercial aircraft performance characteristics:

(1) Noise levels.—Noise levels on takeoff and on airport approach and landing that do not exceed ambient noise levels in the absence of flight operations in the vicinity of airports from which such commercial aircraft would normally operate, without increasing energy consumption or nitrogen oxide emissions compared to aircraft in commercial service as of October 15, 2008.

(2) Greenhouse gas emissions.—Significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to aircraft in commercial services as of October 15, 2008.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3390.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40702
42 U.S.C. 17721.
Pub. L. 110–422, title III, §302, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4786.

In paragraphs (1) and (2), the date "October 15, 2008" is substituted for "the date of enactment of this Act" to reflect the date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–422, 122 Stat. 4779).
51 U.S.C. § 70508 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 705 / Section 70508: Robotic or human servicing of spacecraft
Robotic or human servicing of spacecraft
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall take all necessary steps to ensure that provision is made in the design and construction of all future observatory-class scientific spacecraft intended to be deployed in Earth orbit or at a Lagrangian point in space for robotic or human servicing and repair to the extent practicable and appropriate.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3432.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70508
42 U.S.C. 17742.
Pub. L. 110–422, title V, §502, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4791.
51 U.S.C. § 40101 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 401 / Subchapter I / Section 40101: Definition of institution of higher education
Definition of institution of higher education
Status: in_force

In this chapter, the term "institution of higher education" has the meaning given the term by section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3378.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40101
42 U.S.C. 16701.
Pub. L. 109–155, title IV, §401, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2923.
51 U.S.C. § 60305 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 603 / Section 60305: Data availability
Data availability
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall ensure that the results of each of the pilot projects completed under section 60303 of this title shall be retrievable through an electronic, internet-accessible database.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3424.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

60305
42 U.S.C. 16675.
Pub. L. 109–155, title III, §315, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2922.
51 U.S.C. § 40904 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 409 / Section 40904: Microgravity research
Microgravity research
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall—

(1) ensure the capacity to support ground-based research leading to space-based basic and applied scientific research in a variety of disciplines with potential direct national benefits and applications that can be advanced significantly from the uniqueness of microgravity and the space environment; and

(2) carry out, to the maximum extent practicable, basic, applied, and commercial International Space Station research in fields such as molecular crystal growth, animal research, basic fluid physics, combustion research, cellular biotechnology, low-temperature physics, and cellular research at a level that will sustain the existing United States scientific expertise and research capability in microgravity research.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3393.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

40904(1)
42 U.S.C. 16655(2).
Pub. L. 109–155, title III, §305(2), (3), Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2918.

40904(2)
42 U.S.C. 16655(3).
51 U.S.C. § 20117 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 201 / Subchapter II / Section 20117: Disposal of excess land
Disposal of excess land
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of this or any other law, the Administration may not report to a disposal agency as excess to the needs of the Administration any land having an estimated value in excess of $50,000 that is owned by the United States and under the jurisdiction and control of the Administration, unless—

(1) a period of 30 days has passed after the receipt by the Speaker and the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the President and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of a report by the Administrator or the Administrator's designee containing a full and complete statement of the action proposed to be taken and the facts and circumstances relied upon in support of such action; or

(2) each such committee before the expiration of that period has transmitted to the Administrator written notice to the effect that the committee has no objection to the proposed action.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3337.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

20117
42 U.S.C. 2476a.
Pub. L. 85–568, title II, §207, as added Pub. L. 93–74, §7, July 23, 1973, 87 Stat. 175; amended Pub. L. 103–437, §15(j), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4593.

In paragraph (1), the words "Committee on Science and Technology" are substituted for "Committee on Science, Space, and Technology" on authority of section 1(a)(10) of Public Law 104–14 (2 U.S.C. note prec. 21), Rule X(1)(n) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, adopted by House Resolution No. 5 (106th Congress, January 6, 1999), and Rule X(1)(o) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, adopted by House Resolution No. 6 (110th Congress, January 5, 2007).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Science and Technology of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Jan. 5, 2011.
51 U.S.C. § 20305 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 203 / Section 20305: National Academies decadal surveys
National Academies decadal surveys
Status: in_force

(a) In General.—The Administrator shall enter into agreements on a periodic basis with the National Academies for independent assessments, also known as decadal surveys, to take stock of the status and opportunities for Earth and space science discipline fields and Aeronautics research and to recommend priorities for research and programmatic areas over the next decade.

(b) Independent Cost Estimates.—The agreements described in subsection (a) shall include independent estimates of the life cycle costs and technical readiness of missions assessed in the decadal surveys whenever possible.

(c) Reexamination.—The Administrator shall request that each National Academies decadal survey committee identify any conditions or events, such as significant cost growth or scientific or technological advances, that would warrant the Administration asking the National Academies to reexamine the priorities that the decadal survey had established.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3357.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

20305
42 U.S.C. 17823.
Pub. L. 110–422, title XI, §1104, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4809.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Implementation of Decadal Survey's Recommended Decision Rules

Pub. L. 112–55, div. B, title III, Nov. 18, 2011, 125 Stat. 622, provided in part: "That NASA shall implement the recommendations of the most recent National Research Council planetary decadal survey and shall follow the decadal survey's recommended decision rules regarding program implementation, including a strict adherence to the recommendation that NASA include in a balanced program a flagship class mission, which may be executed in cooperation with one or more international partners, if such mission can be appropriately de-scoped and all NASA costs for such mission can be accommodated within the overall funding levels appropriated by Congress".
51 U.S.C. § 31301 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 313 / Section 31301: Healthcare program
Healthcare program
Status: in_force

The Administrator shall develop a plan to better understand the longitudinal health effects of space flight on humans. In the development of the plan, the Administrator shall consider the need for the establishment of a lifetime healthcare program for Administration astronauts and their families or other methods to obtain needed health data from astronauts and retired astronauts.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3376.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

31301
42 U.S.C. 16822.
Pub. L. 109–155, title VII, §708, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2938.
51 U.S.C. § 60143 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 601 / Subchapter V / Section 60143: Nonreproduction
Nonreproduction
Status: in_force

Unenhanced data distributed by any licensee under subchapter III may be sold on the condition that such data will not be reproduced or disseminated by the purchaser for commercial purposes.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3420.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

60143
15 U.S.C. 5653.
Pub. L. 102–555, title V, §503, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4177.
51 U.S.C. § 30901 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 309 / Section 30901: Congressional Space Medal of Honor
Congressional Space Medal of Honor
Status: in_force

(a) Authority To Award.—The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of appropriate design, which shall be known as the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, to any astronaut who in the performance of the astronaut's duties has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and of humankind.

(b) Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated from time to time such sums of money as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3371.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

30901(a)
42 U.S.C. 2461 (1st par.).
Pub. L. 91–76, §1, Sept. 29, 1969, 83 Stat. 124.

30901(b)
42 U.S.C. 2461 (last par.).
Pub. L. 91–76, §2, Sept. 29, 1969, 83 Stat. 124.
51 U.S.C. § 31302 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 313 / Section 31302: Astronaut healthcare survey
Astronaut healthcare survey
Status: in_force

(a) Survey.—The Administrator shall administer an anonymous survey of astronauts and flight surgeons to evaluate communication, relationships, and the effectiveness of policies. The survey questions and the analysis of results shall be evaluated by experts independent of the Administration. The survey shall be administered on at least a biennial basis.

(b) Report.—The Administrator shall transmit a report of the results of the survey to Congress not later than 90 days following completion of the survey.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3377.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

31302
42 U.S.C. 17822.
Pub. L. 110–422, title XI, §1103, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4808.
51 U.S.C. § 70101 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 701 / Section 70101: Recovery of fair value of placing Department of Defense payloads in orbit with space launch system
Recovery of fair value of placing Department of Defense payloads in orbit with space launch system
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or any interagency agreement, the Administrator shall charge such prices as are necessary to recover the fair value of placing Department of Defense payloads into orbit by means of the space launch system.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3427; Pub. L. 114–90, title I, §117(a)(2), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 717.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

70101
42 U.S.C. 2464.
Pub. L. 97–324, title I, §106(a), Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1600.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2015—Pub. L. 114–90 substituted "space launch system" for "space shuttle" in section catchline and text.
51 U.S.C. § 20134 (2024) — Title 51: NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS / Chapter 201 / Subchapter III / Section 20134: Arrest authority
Arrest authority
Status: in_force

Under regulations prescribed by the Administrator and approved by the Attorney General, employees of the Administration and of its contractors and subcontractors authorized to carry firearms under section 20133 of this title may arrest without warrant for any offense against the United States committed in their presence, or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing such felony. Persons granted authority to make arrests by this section may exercise that authority only while guarding and protecting property owned or leased by, or under the control of, the United States under the administration and control of the Administration or one of its contractors or subcontractors, at facilities owned by or contracted to the Administration.

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3339.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

20134
42 U.S.C. 2456a.
Pub. L. 85–568, title III, §304(f), as added Pub. L. 100–685, title II, §206, Nov. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 4090.