into cooperative agreements with universities with unmanned aerial vehicle 
programs and related assets to conduct collaborative research and develop-
ment activities, including development of appropriate applications of small 
unmanned aerial vehicle technologies and systems in remote areas. 
§ 31505. Development of enhanced-use lease policy 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall develop an agency-wide en-
hanced-use lease policy that— 
(1) is based upon sound business practices and lessons learned from 
the demonstration centers; and 
(2) establishes controls and procedures to ensure accountability and 
protect the interests of the Government. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The policy required by subsection (a) shall include the 
following: 
(1) CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING ECONOMIC VALUE.—Criteria for 
determining whether enhanced-use lease provides better economic value 
to the Government than other options, such as— 
(A) Federal financing through appropriations; or 
(B) sale of the property. 
(2) SECURITY AND ACCESS.—Requirement for the identification of 
proposed physical and procedural changes needed to ensure security 
and restrict access to specified areas, coordination of proposed changes 
with existing site tenants, and development of estimated costs of such 
changes. 
(3) MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS.—Measures of effectiveness for 
the enhanced-use lease program. 
(4) ACCOUNTING CONTROLS.—Accounting controls and procedures to 
ensure accountability, such as an audit trail and documentation to 
readily support financial transactions. 
Subtitle IV—Aeronautics and Space 
Research and Education 
CHAPTER 401—AERONAUTICS 
SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL 
Sec. 
40101.
Definition of institution of higher education. 
40102.
Governmental interest in aeronautics research and development. 
40103.
Cooperation with other agencies on aeronautics activities. 
40104.
Cooperation among Mission Directorates. 
SUBCHAPTER II—HIGH PRIORITY AERONAUTICS RESEARCH AND 
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS 
40111.
Fundamental research program. 
40112.
Research and technology programs. 
40113.
Airspace systems research. 
40114.
Aviation safety and security research.
40115.
Aviation weather research. 
40116.
University-based Centers for Research on Aviation Training. 
SUBCHAPTER III—SCHOLARSHIPS 
40131.
Aeronautics scholarships. 
SUBCHAPTER IV—DATA REQUESTS 
40141.
Aviation data requests. 
SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL 
§ 40101. Definition of institution of higher education 
In this chapter, the term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has the mean-
ing given the term by section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1001). 
§ 40102. Governmental interest in aeronautics research and 
development 
Congress reaffirms the national commitment to aeronautics research 
made in chapter 201 of this title. Aeronautics research and development re-
mains a core mission of the Administration. The Administration is the lead 
agency for civil aeronautics research. Further, the government of the United 
States shall promote aeronautics research and development that will expand 
the capacity, ensure the safety, and increase the efficiency of the Nation’s 
air transportation system, promote the security of the Nation, protect the 
environment, and retain the leadership of the United States in global avia-
tion. 
§ 40103. Cooperation with other agencies on aeronautics ac-
tivities 
The Administrator shall coordinate, as appropriate, the Administration’s 
aeronautics activities with relevant programs in the Department of Trans-
portation, 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 Of-
fice established under section 709 of the Vision 100—Century of Aviation 
Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108–176, 49 U.S.C. 40101 note). 
§ 40104. Cooperation among Mission Directorates 
Research and development activities performed by the Aeronautics Re-
search Mission Directorate with the primary objective of assisting in the de-
velopment of a flight project in another Mission Directorate shall be funded 
by the Mission Directorate seeking assistance. 
SUBCHAPTER II—HIGH PRIORITY AERONAUTICS RESEARCH 
AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS 
§ 40111. Fundamental research program 
(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 edu-
cation under this section shall be awarded through merit review. 
§ 40112. Research and technology programs 
(a) SUPERSONIC TRANSPORT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.—The Ad-
ministrator may establish an initiative with the objective of developing and 
demonstrating, in a relevant environment, airframe and propulsion tech-
nologies to enable efficient, economical overland flight of supersonic civil 
transport aircraft with no significant impact on the environment. 
(b) ROTORCRAFT AND OTHER RUNWAY-INDEPENDENT AIR VEHICLES.— 
The Administrator may establish a rotorcraft and other runway-independent 
air vehicles initiative with the objective of developing and demonstrating im-
proved safety, noise, and environmental impact in a relevant environment. 
(c) HYPERSONICS
RESEARCH.—The Administrator may establish a 
hypersonics research program with the objective of exploring the science and 
technology of hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion concepts, 
through a mix of theoretical work, basic and applied research, and develop-
ment of flight research demonstration vehicles. The program may also in-
clude the transition to the hypersonic range of Mach 3 to Mach 5. 
(d) REVOLUTIONARY AERONAUTICAL CONCEPTS.—The Administrator 
may establish a research program which covers a unique range of subsonic, 
fixed wing vehicles and propulsion concepts. This research is intended to 
push technology barriers beyond current subsonic technology. Propulsion 
concepts include advanced materials, morphing engines, hybrid engines, and 
fuel cells. 
(e) FUEL CELL-POWERED AIRCRAFT RESEARCH.— 
(1) OBJECTIVE.—The Administrator may establish a fuel cell-pow-
ered aircraft research program whose objective shall be to develop and 
test concepts to enable a hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft that would 
have no hydrocarbon or nitrogen oxide emissions into the environment. 
(2) APPROACH.—The Administrator may establish a program of 
competitively awarded grants available to teams of researchers that 
may include the participation of individuals from universities, industry, 
and government for the conduct of this research. 
(f) MARS AIRCRAFT RESEARCH.— 
(1) OBJECTIVE.—The Administrator may establish a Mars Aircraft 
project whose objective shall be to develop and test concepts for an
uncrewed aircraft that could operate for sustained periods in the at-
mosphere of Mars. 
(2) APPROACH.—The Administrator may establish a program of 
competitively awarded grants available to teams of researchers that 
may include the participation of individuals from universities, industry, 
and government for the conduct of this research. 
§ 40113. Airspace systems research 
(a) OBJECTIVE.—The Airspace Systems Research program shall pursue 
research and development to enable revolutionary improvements to and mod-
ernization of the National Airspace System, as well as to enable the intro-
duction of new systems for vehicles that can take advantage of an improved, 
modern air transportation system. 
(b) ALIGNMENT.—Not later than 1 year after December 30, 2005, the 
Administrator shall align the projects of the Airspace Systems Research 
program so that they directly support the objectives of the Joint Planning 
and Development Office’s Next Generation Air Transportation System Inte-
grated Plan. 
§ 40114. Aviation safety and security research 
(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 miti-
gation 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. 
§ 40115. Aviation weather research 
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. 
§ 40116. University-based Centers for Research on Aviation 
Training 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall award grants to institutions 
of higher education (or consortia thereof) to establish one or more Centers 
for Research on Aviation Training under cooperative agreements with ap-
propriate Administration Centers.
(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Centers for Research on Aviation 
Training shall be to investigate the impact of new technologies and proce-
dures, particularly those related to the aircraft flight deck and to the air 
traffic management functions, on training requirements for pilots and air 
traffic controllers. 
(c) APPLICATION.—An institution of higher education (or a consortium 
of such institutions) seeking funding under this section shall submit an ap-
plication to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing 
such information as the Administrator may require, including, at a min-
imum, a 5-year research plan. 
(d) AWARD DURATION.—An award made by the Administrator under this 
section shall be for a period of 5 years and may be renewed on the basis 
of— 
(1) satisfactory performance in meeting the goals of the research 
plan proposed in the application submitted under subsection (c); and 
(2) other requirements as specified by the Administrator. 
SUBCHAPTER III—SCHOLARSHIPS 
§ 40131. Aeronautics scholarships 
(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 inten-
tion to enroll in, accredited Masters degree programs in aeronautical engi-
neering 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 re-
search and development during the summer prior to the first year of the 
student’s Masters program, and between the first and second year, if appli-
cable. 
SUBCHAPTER IV—DATA REQUESTS 
§ 40141. Aviation data requests 
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 Admin-
istration or the Director of the Five Star Medallion Program, to assist and 
train pilots in navigating challenging topographical features of such terrain.
(1) AERONAUTICAL
AND
SPACE
ACTIVITIES.—The term ‘‘aero-
nautical and space activities’’ has the meaning given the term in sec-
tion 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, edu-
cation, economics, sociology, communications, planning, law, inter-
national affairs, and public administration) which is concerned with or 
likely to improve the understanding, assessment, development, and uti-
lization 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 (in-
cluding any space grant college, space grant regional consortium, insti-
tution of higher education, institute, or laboratory), or any State, polit-
ical 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 re-
gional consortium, institution of higher education, institute, lab-
oratory, 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 tan-
gible 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. 
§ 40303. National space grant college and fellowship pro-
gram 
(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 activi-
ties provided for in this chapter. The Administrator shall establish long- 
range planning guidelines and priorities, and adequately evaluate the pro-
gram. 
(b) FUNCTIONS.—Within the Administration, the program shall— 
(1) apply the long-range planning guidelines and the priorities estab-
lished by the Administrator under subsection (a); 
(2) advise the Administrator with respect to the expertise and capa-
bilities which are available through the national space grant college and 
fellowship program, and make such expertise available to the Adminis-
tration 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 instrumen-
talities to use and take advantage of the expertise and capabilities 
which are available through the national space grant college and fellow-
ship program, on a cooperative or other basis; 
(5) encourage cooperation and coordination with other Federal pro-
grams concerned with the development of space resources and fields re-
lated to space; 
(6) advise the Administrator on the designation of recipients sup-
ported by the national space grant college and fellowship program and, 
in appropriate cases, on the termination or suspension of any such des-
ignation; and 
(7) encourage the formation and growth of space grant and fellow-
ship 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 appro-
priate. 
§ 40304. Grants or contracts 
(a) AUTHORITY
OF ADMINISTRATOR.—The Administrator may make 
grants and enter into contracts or other transactions under this subsection 
to assist any space grant and fellowship program or project if the Adminis-
trator finds that the program or project will carry out the purposes set forth 
in section 40301 of this title. The total amount paid pursuant to a grant 
or contract may equal not more than 66 percent of the total cost of the 
space grant and fellowship program or project involved, except in the case 
of grants or contracts paid for with funds accepted by the Administrator 
pursuant to section 40303(c)(2) of this title. 
(b) SPECIAL GRANTS.—The Administrator may make special grants 
under this subsection to carry out the purposes set forth in section 40301 
of this title. The amount of a special grant may equal up to 100 percent 
of the total cost of the project involved. A special grant may be made under 
this subsection only if the Administrator finds that— 
(1) no reasonable means is available through which the applicant can 
meet the matching requirement for a grant under subsection (a); 
(2) the probable benefit of the project outweighs the public interest 
in the matching requirement; and 
(3) the same or equivalent benefit cannot be obtained through the 
award of a contract or grant under subsection (a) or section 40305 of 
this title. 
(c) APPLICATION.—Any person may apply to the Administrator for a 
grant or contract under this section. Application shall be made in such form 
and manner, and with such content and other submissions, as the Adminis-
trator shall by regulation prescribe. 
(d) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Any grant made, or contract entered into, under 
this section shall be subject to the limitations and provisions set forth 
in paragraphs (2) and (3) and to such other terms, conditions, and re-
quirements as the Administrator considers necessary or appropriate. 
(2) LIMITATIONS.—No payment under any grant or contract under 
this section may be applied to— 
(A) the purchase of any land; 
(B) the purchase, construction, preservation, or repair of any 
building; or
(C) the purchase or construction of any launch facility or launch 
vehicle. 
(3) LEASES.—Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the items in subpara-
graphs (A), (B), and (C) of such paragraph may be leased upon writ-
ten approval of the Administrator. 
(4) RECORDS.—Any person that receives or utilizes any proceeds of 
any grant or contract under this section shall keep such records as the 
Administrator shall by regulation prescribe as being necessary and ap-
propriate to facilitate effective audit and evaluation, including records 
which fully disclose the amount and disposition by such recipient of 
such proceeds, the total cost of the program or project in connection 
with which such proceeds were used, and the amount, if any, of such 
cost which was provided through other sources. Such records shall be 
maintained for 3 years after the completion of such a program or 
project. The Administrator and the Comptroller General of the United 
States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have ac-
cess, for the purpose of audit and evaluation, to any books, documents, 
papers, and records of receipts which, in the opinion of the Adminis-
trator or the Comptroller General, may be related or pertinent to such 
grants and contracts. 
§ 40305. Specific national needs 
(a) IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIFIC NEEDS AND GRANT-MAKING AND CON-
TRACTING AUTHORITY.—The Administrator shall identify specific national 
needs and problems relating to space. The Administrator may make grants 
or enter into contracts under this section with respect to such needs or 
problems. The amount of any such grant or contract may equal up to 100 
percent of the total cost of the project involved. 
(b) APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS OR CONTRACTS.—Any person may apply 
to the Administrator for a grant or contract under this section. In addition, 
the Administrator may invite applications with respect to specific national 
needs or problems identified under subsection (a). Application shall be made 
in such form and manner, and with such content and other submissions, 
as the Administrator shall by regulation prescribe. Any grant made, or con-
tract entered into, under this section shall be subject to the limitations and 
provisions set forth in paragraphs (2) and (4) of section 40304(d) of this 
title and to such other terms, conditions, and requirements as the Adminis-
trator considers necessary or appropriate. 
§ 40306. Space grant college and space grant regional con-
sortium 
(a) DESIGNATION AND QUALIFICATIONS.—
(1) AUTHORITY
TO
DESIGNATE.—The Administrator may des-
ignate— 
(A) any institution of higher education as a space grant college; 
and 
(B) any association or other alliance of 2 or more persons, other 
than individuals, as a space grant regional consortium. 
(2) SPACE
GRANT
COLLEGE
REQUIREMENTS.—No institution of 
higher education may be designated as a space grant college unless the 
Administrator finds that such institution— 
(A) is maintaining a balanced program of research, education, 
training, and advisory services in fields related to space; 
(B) will act in accordance with such guidelines as are prescribed 
under subsection (b)(2); and 
(C) meets such other qualifications as the Administrator con-
siders necessary or appropriate. 
(3) SPACE GRANT REGIONAL CONSORTIUM REQUIREMENTS.—No as-
sociation or other alliance of 2 or more persons may be designated as 
a space grant regional consortium unless the Administrator finds that 
such association or alliance— 
(A) is established for the purpose of sharing expertise, research, 
educational facilities or training facilities, and other capabilities in 
order to facilitate research, education, training, and advisory serv-
ices in any field related to space; 
(B) will encourage and follow a regional approach to solving 
problems or meeting needs relating to space, in cooperation with 
appropriate space grant colleges, space grant programs, and other 
persons in the region; 
(C) will act in accordance with such guidelines as are prescribed 
under subsection (b)(2); and 
(D) meets such other qualifications as the Administrator con-
siders necessary or appropriate. 
(b) QUALIFICATIONS AND GUIDELINES.—The Administrator shall by reg-
ulation prescribe— 
(1) the qualifications required to be met under paragraphs (2)(C) 
and (3)(D) of subsection (a); and 
(2) guidelines relating to the activities and responsibilities of space 
grant colleges and space grant regional consortia. 
(c) SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF DESIGNATION.—The Administrator 
may, for cause and after an opportunity for hearing, suspend or terminate 
any designation under subsection (a).
§ 40307. Space grant fellowship program 
(a) AWARD OF FELLOWSHIPS.—The Administrator shall support a space 
grant fellowship program to provide educational and training assistance to 
qualified individuals at the graduate level of education in fields related to 
space. Such fellowships shall be awarded pursuant to guidelines established 
by the Administrator. Space grant fellowships shall be awarded to individ-
uals at space grant colleges, space grant regional consortia, other colleges 
and institutions of higher education, professional associations, and institutes 
in such a manner as to ensure wide geographic and institutional diversity 
in the pursuit of research under the fellowship program. 
(b) LIMITATION ON AMOUNT PROVIDED.—The total amount which may 
be provided for grants under the space grant fellowship program during any 
fiscal year shall not exceed an amount equal to 50 percent of the total funds 
appropriated for such year pursuant to this chapter. 
(c) AUTHORITY TO SPONSOR OTHER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS 
UNAFFECTED.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the 
Administrator from sponsoring any research fellowship program, including 
any special emphasis program, which is established under an authority other 
than this chapter. 
§ 40308. Space grant review panel 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator shall establish an independent 
committee known as the space grant review panel, which shall not be subject 
to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 App. U.S.C.). 
(b) DUTIES.—The panel shall take such steps as may be necessary to re-
view, and shall advise the Administrator with respect to— 
(1) applications or proposals for, and performance under, grants and 
contracts awarded pursuant to sections 40304 and 40305 of this title; 
(2) the space grant fellowship program; 
(3) the designation and operation of space grant colleges and space 
grant regional consortia, and the operation of space grant and fellow-
ship programs; 
(4) the formulation and application of the planning guidelines and 
priorities pursuant to subsections (a) and (b)(1) of section 40303 of 
this title; and 
(5) such other matters as the Administrator refers to the panel for 
review and advice. 
(c) PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.—The Administrator 
shall make available to the panel any information, personnel, and adminis-
trative services and assistance which is reasonable to carry out the duties 
of the panel. 
(d) MEMBERS.—
(1) APPOINTMENT.—The Administrator shall appoint the voting 
members of the panel. A majority of the voting members shall be indi-
viduals who, by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are espe-
cially qualified in one or more of the disciplines and fields related to 
space. The other voting members shall be individuals who, by reason 
of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in, or rep-
resentative of, education, extension services, State government, indus-
try, economics, planning, or any other activity related to efforts to en-
hance the understanding, assessment, development, or utilization of 
space resources. The Administrator shall consider the potential conflict 
of interest of any individual in making appointments to the panel. 
(2) CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN.—The Administrator shall select 
one voting member to serve as the Chairman and another voting mem-
ber to serve as the Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall act as 
Chairman in the absence or incapacity of the Chairman. 
(3) REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES.—Voting members of the panel 
who are not Federal employees shall be reimbursed for actual and rea-
sonable expenses incurred in the performance of such duties. 
(4) MEETINGS.—The panel shall meet on a biannual basis and, at 
any other time, at the call of the Chairman or upon the request of a 
majority of the voting members or of the Administrator. 
(5) POWERS.—The panel may exercise such powers as are reasonably 
necessary in order to carry out the duties enumerated in subsection (b). 
§ 40309. Availability of other Federal personnel and data 
Each department, agency, or other instrumentality of the Federal Govern-
ment that is engaged in or concerned with, or that has authority over, mat-
ters relating to space— 
(1) may, upon a written request from the Administrator, make avail-
able, 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. 
§ 40310. Designation or award to be on competitive basis 
The Administrator shall not under this chapter designate any space grant 
college or space grant regional consortium or award any fellowship, grant, 
or contract unless such designation or award is made in accordance with
the competitive, merit-based review process employed by the Administration 
on October 30, 1987. 
§ 40311. Continuing emphasis 
The Administration shall continue its emphasis on the importance of edu-
cation 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. 
CHAPTER 405—BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH IN SPACE 
Sec. 
40501.
Biomedical research joint working group. 
40502.
Biomedical research grants. 
40503.
Biomedical research fellowships. 
40504.
Establishment of electronic data archive. 
40505.
Establishment of emergency medical service telemedicine capability. 
§ 40501. Biomedical research joint working group 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator and the Director of the Na-
tional Institutes of Health shall jointly establish a working group to coordi-
nate biomedical research activities in areas where a microgravity environ-
ment may contribute to significant progress in the understanding and treat-
ment of diseases and other medical conditions. The joint working group 
shall formulate joint and complementary programs in such areas of re-
search. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The joint working group shall include equal represen-
tation from the Administration and the National Institutes of Health, and 
shall include representation from National Institutes of Health councils, as 
selected by the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and from the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Advisory Council. 
(c) ANNUAL BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIA.—The joint working 
group shall organize annual symposia on biomedical research described in 
subsection (a) under the joint sponsorship of the Administration and the 
National Institutes of Health. 
(d) ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENT.—The joint working group shall 
report annually to Congress on its progress in carrying out this section. 
§ 40502. Biomedical research grants 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.—The Administrator and the Director 
of the National Institutes of Health shall establish a joint program of bio-
medical research grants in areas described in section 40501(a) of this title, 
where such research requires access to a microgravity environment. Such 
program shall be consistent with actions taken by the joint working group 
under section 40501 of this title.
(b) RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS.—The grants program 
established under subsection (a) shall annually issue joint research oppor-
tunity announcements under the sponsorship of the National Institutes of 
Health and the Administration. Responses to the announcements shall be 
evaluated by a peer review committee whose members shall be selected by 
the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Administrator, 
and shall include individuals not employed by the Administration or the Na-
tional Institutes of Health. 
§ 40503. Biomedical research fellowships 
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. 
§ 40504. Establishment of electronic data archive 
The Administrator shall create and maintain a national electronic data 
archive for biomedical research data obtained from space-based experiments. 
§ 40505. Establishment of emergency medical service tele-
medicine capability 
The Administrator, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Manage-
ment Agency, the Director of the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and 
the Surgeon General of the United States shall jointly create and maintain 
an international telemedicine satellite consultation capability to support 
emergency medical services in disaster-stricken areas. 
CHAPTER 407—ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY 
AIRCRAFT 
Sec. 
40701.
Research and development initiative. 
40702.
Additional research and development initiative. 
40703.
Research alignment. 
40704.
Research program on perceived impact of sonic booms. 
§ 40701. Research and development initiative 
The Administrator may establish an initiative with the objective of devel-
oping, and demonstrating in a relevant environment, 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. 
(2) ENERGY CONSUMPTION.—Twenty-five percent reduction in the 
energy required for medium- to long-range flights, compared to aircraft 
in commercial service as of December 30, 2005.
(3) EMISSIONS.—Nitrogen oxides on take-off and landing that are 
significantly reduced, without adversely affecting hydrocarbons and 
smoke, relative to aircraft in commercial service as of December 30, 
2005. 
§ 40702. Additional research and development initiative 
The Administrator shall establish an initiative involving the Administra-
tion, 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 charac-
teristics: 
(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 green-
house gas emissions compared to aircraft in commercial services as of 
October 15, 2008. 
§ 40703. Research alignment 
In addition to pursuing the research and development initiative described 
in section 40702 of this title, the Administrator shall, to the maximum ex-
tent practicable within available funding, align the fundamental aeronautics 
research program to address high priority technology challenges of the Na-
tional 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. 
§ 40704. Research program on perceived impact of sonic 
booms 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator shall establish a cooperative 
research program with industry, including the conduct of flight demonstra-
tions in a relevant environment, to collect data on the perceived impact of 
sonic booms. The data could enable the promulgation of appropriate stand-
ards for overland commercial supersonic flight operations. 
(b) COORDINATION.—The Administrator shall ensure that sonic boom re-
search is coordinated as appropriate with the Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration, and as appropriate make use of the expertise of 
the Partnership for Air Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction 
Center of Excellence sponsored by the Administration and the Federal Avia-
tion Administration.
CHAPTER 409—MISCELLANEOUS 
Sec. 
40901.
Science, Space, and Technology Education Trust Fund. 
40902.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Endeavor Teacher Fellowship Trust 
Fund. 
40903.
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research—merit grant competition 
requirements. 
40904.
Microgravity research. 
40905.
Program to expand distance learning in rural underserved areas. 
40906.
Equal access to the Administration’s education programs. 
40907.
Museums. 
40908.
Continuation of certain education programs. 
40909.
Compliance with title IX of Education Amendments of 1972. 
§ 40901. Science, Space, and Technology Education Trust 
Fund 
There is appropriated, by transfer from funds appropriated in the De-
partment of Housing and Urban Development—Independent Agencies Ap-
propriations Act, 1989 (Public Law 100–404, 102 Stat. 1014), for ‘‘Con-
struction of facilities’’, the sum of $15,000,000 to the ‘‘Science, Space, and 
Technology Education Trust Fund’’, which is hereby established in the 
Treasury of the United States. The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest 
these funds in the United States Treasury special issue securities, and inter-
est shall be credited to the Trust Fund on a quarterly basis. Such interest 
shall be available for the purpose of making grants for programs directed 
at improving science, space, and technology education in the United States. 
The Administrator, after consultation with the Director of the National 
Science Foundation, shall review applications made for such grants and de-
termine the distribution of available funds on a competitive basis. Grants 
shall be made available to any awardee only to the extent that the awardee 
provides matching funds from non-Federal sources to carry out the program 
for which grants from this Trust Fund are made. Of the funds made avail-
able by this Trust Fund, $250,000 shall be disbursed each calendar quarter 
to the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. The Administrator 
shall submit to Congress an annual report on the grants made pursuant to 
this section. 
§ 40902. National Aeronautics and Space Administration En-
deavor Teacher Fellowship Trust Fund 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the Treasury of the United 
States, in tribute to the dedicated crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger, a 
trust fund to be known as the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion Endeavor Teacher Fellowship Trust Fund (hereafter in this section re-
ferred to as the ‘‘Trust Fund’’). The Trust Fund shall consist of amounts 
which may from time to time, at the discretion of the Administrator, be 
transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Gifts 
and Donations Trust Fund.
(b) INVESTMENT OF TRUST FUND.—The Administrator shall direct the 
Secretary of the Treasury to invest and reinvest funds in the Trust Fund 
in public debt securities with maturities suitable for the needs of the Trust 
Fund, and bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the 
Treasury, taking into consideration the current average market yield on out-
standing marketable obligations of the United States of comparable matu-
rities. Interest earned shall be credited to the Trust Fund. 
(c) PURPOSE.—Income accruing from the Trust Fund principal shall be 
used to create the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Endeavor 
Teacher Fellowship Program, to the extent provided in advance in appro-
priation Acts. The Administrator is authorized to use such funds to award 
fellowships to selected United States nationals who are undergraduate stu-
dents pursuing a course of study leading to certified teaching degrees in ele-
mentary education or in secondary education in mathematics, science, or 
technology disciplines. Awards shall be made pursuant to standards estab-
lished for the fellowship program by the Administrator. 
§ 40903. Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive 
Research—merit grant competition requirements 
(a) DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE STATE.—In this section, the term ‘‘eligible 
State’’ means a State designated by the Administrator as eligible to compete 
in the National Science Foundation’s Experimental Program to Stimulate 
Competitive Research. 
(b) COMPETITION.—Making use of the existing infrastructure established 
in eligible States by the National Science Foundation, the Administrator 
shall conduct a merit grant competition among the eligible States in areas 
of research important to the mission of the Administration. With respect to 
a grant application by an eligible State, the Administrator shall consider— 
(1) the application’s merit and relevance to the mission of the Ad-
ministration; 
(2) the potential for the grant to serve as a catalyst to enhance the 
ability of researchers in the State to become more competitive for reg-
ular Administration funding; 
(3) the potential for the grant to improve the environment for 
science, mathematics, and engineering education in the State; and 
(4) the need to ensure the maximum distribution of grants among 
eligible States, consistent with merit. 
(c) SUPPLEMENTAL GRANTS.—The Administrator shall endeavor, where 
appropriate, to supplement grants made under subsection (b) with such 
grants for fellowships, traineeships, equipment, or instrumentation as are 
available.
(d) INFORMATION IN ANNUAL BUDGET SUBMISSION.—In order to ensure 
that research expertise and talent throughout the Nation is developed and 
engaged in Administration research and education activities, the Adminis-
tration shall, as part of its annual budget submission, detail additional steps 
that can be taken to further integrate the participating eligible States in 
both existing and new or emerging Administration research programs and 
center activities. 
§ 40904. Microgravity research 
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 dis-
ciplines 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 mo-
lecular 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. 
§ 40905. Program to expand distance learning in rural un-
derserved areas 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall develop or expand programs 
to extend science and space educational outreach to rural communities and 
schools through video conferencing, interpretive exhibits, teacher education, 
classroom presentations, and student field trips. 
(b) PRIORITIES.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall 
give priority to existing programs, including Challenger Learning Centers— 
(1) that utilize community-based partnerships in the field; 
(2) that build and maintain video conference and exhibit capacity; 
(3) that travel directly to rural communities and serve low-income 
populations; and 
(4) with a special emphasis on increasing the number of women and 
minorities in the science and engineering professions. 
§ 40906. Equal access to the Administration’s education pro-
grams 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall strive to ensure equal access 
for minority and economically disadvantaged students to the Administra-
tion’s education programs. 
(b) REPORT.—Every 2 years, the Administrator shall submit a report to 
the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ate describing the efforts by the Administrator to ensure equal access for 
minority and economically disadvantaged students under this section and 
the results of such efforts. As part of the report, the Administrator shall 
provide— 
(1) data on minority participation in the Administration’s education 
programs, at a minimum in the categories of— 
(A) elementary and secondary education; 
(B) undergraduate education; and 
(C) graduate education; and 
(2) the total value of grants the Administration made to Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities and to Hispanic Serving Institutions 
through education programs during the period covered by the report. 
(c) PROGRAM.—The Administrator shall establish the Dr. Mae C. 
Jemison Grant Program to work with Minority Serving Institutions to bring 
more women of color into the field of space and aeronautics. 
§ 40907. Museums 
The Administrator may provide grants to, and enter into cooperative 
agreements with, museums and planetariums to enable them to enhance 
programs related to space exploration, aeronautics, space science, Earth 
science, or microgravity. 
§ 40908. Continuation of certain education programs 
From amounts appropriated to the Administration for education pro-
grams, 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 Na-
tional 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. 
§ 40909. Compliance with title IX of Education Amendments 
of 1972 
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. 
Subtitle V—Programs Targeting 
Commercial Opportunities 
CHAPTER 501—SPACE COMMERCE 
SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL 
Sec. 
50101.
Definitions.