IIB 
114TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 2262 
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 
MAY 22, 2015 
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation 
AN ACT 
To facilitate a pro-growth environment for the developing 
commercial space industry by encouraging private sector 
investment and creating more stable and predictable reg-
ulatory conditions, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘Spurring Private Aerospace Competitiveness and Entre-
preneurship Act of 2015’’ or the ‘‘SPACE Act of 2015’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
TITLE I—COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH 
Sec. 101. Consensus standards. 
Sec. 102. International launch competitiveness. 
Sec. 103. Launch license flexibility. 
Sec. 104. Government astronauts. 
Sec. 105. Indemnification for space flight participants. 
Sec. 106. Independent study of indemnification for space flight participants. 
Sec. 107. Federal jurisdiction. 
Sec. 108. Cross-waivers. 
Sec. 109. Orbital traffic management. 
Sec. 110. State commercial launch facilities. 
Sec. 111. Space support vehicles study. 
Sec. 112. Streamline commercial space launch activities. 
Sec. 113. Space Launch System update. 
TITLE II—SPACE RESOURCE EXPLORATION AND UTILIZATION 
Sec. 201. Short title. 
Sec. 202. Title 51 amendment. 
TITLE III—COMMERCIAL REMOTE SENSING 
Sec. 301. Annual reporting. 
Sec. 302. Statutory update report. 
TITLE IV—OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCE 
Sec. 401. Renaming of Office of Space Commercialization. 
Sec. 402. Functions of the Office of Space Commerce. 
TITLE I—COMMERCIAL SPACE 
LAUNCH 
SEC. 101. CONSENSUS STANDARDS. 
Section 50905(c) of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(1) by striking paragraph (3); 
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as para-
graph (8); and 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(3) INTERIM
INDUSTRY
VOLUNTARY
CON-
SENSUS
STANDARDS
REPORT.—The Secretary, in 
consultation with the Commercial Space Transpor-
tation Advisory Committee, or its successor organi-
zation, shall provide a report to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the 
progress of the commercial space transportation in-
dustry in developing voluntary consensus standards 
or any other construction that promotes best prac-
tices to improve the industry. Such report shall in-
clude, at a minimum— 
‘‘(A) any voluntary industry consensus 
standards or any other construction that have 
been accepted by the industry at large; 
‘‘(B) the identification of areas that have 
the potential to become voluntary industry con-
sensus standards or another potential construc-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
tion that are currently under consideration by 
the industry at large; 
‘‘(C) an assessment from the Secretary on 
the general progress of the industry in adopting 
voluntary consensus standards or any other 
construction; 
‘‘(D) lessons learned about voluntary in-
dustry consensus standards or any other con-
struction, best practices, and commercial space 
launch operations; 
‘‘(E) any lessons learned associated with 
the development, potential application, and ac-
ceptance of voluntary industry consensus stand-
ards or any other construction, best practices, 
and commercial space launch operations; and 
‘‘(F) recommendations, findings, or obser-
vations from the Commercial Space Transpor-
tation Advisory Committee, or its successor or-
ganization, on the progress of the industry in 
developing industry consensus standards or any 
other construction. 
This report, with the appropriate updates in the in-
tervening periods, shall be transmitted to such com-
mittees no later than December 31, 2016, December 
31, 2018, December 31, 2020, and December 31, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
2022. Each report shall describe and assess the 
progress achieved as of 6 months prior to the speci-
fied transmittal date. 
‘‘(4) INTERIM
REPORT
ON
KNOWLEDGE
AND 
OPERATIONAL
EXPERIENCE.—The Secretary shall 
provide a report to the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the of the Senate on the status of 
the knowledge and operational experience acquired 
by the industry while providing flight services for 
compensation or hire to support the development of 
a safety framework. Interim reports shall by trans-
mitted to such committees no later than December 
31, 2018, December 31, 2020, and December 31, 
2022. Each report shall describe and assess the 
progress achieved as of 6 months prior to the speci-
fied transmittal date. 
‘‘(5) INDEPENDENT
REVIEW.—No later than 
December 31, 2023, an independent, private systems 
engineering and technical assistance organization or 
standards development organization contracted by 
the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
Science, and Transportation of the Senate an assess-
ment of the readiness of the commercial space indus-
try and the Federal Government to transition to a 
safety framework that may include regulations. As 
part of the review, the contracted organization shall 
evaluate— 
‘‘(A) the progress of the commercial space 
industry in adopting industry voluntary stand-
ards or any other construction as reported by 
the Secretary in the interim assessments in-
cluded in reports provided under paragraph (3); 
and 
‘‘(B) the knowledge and operational experi-
ence obtained by the commercial space industry 
while providing services for compensation or 
hire as reported by the Secretary in the interim 
knowledge and operational reports provided 
under paragraph (4). 
‘‘(6) LEARNING
PERIOD.—Beginning on De-
cember 31, 2025, the Secretary may propose regula-
tions under this subsection without regard to para-
graph (2)(C) and (D). The development of any such 
regulations shall take into consideration the evolving 
standards of the commercial space flight industry as 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
identified through the reports published under para-
graphs (3) and (4). 
‘‘(7) COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPARENCY.— 
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit 
the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to 
discuss potential approaches, potential performance 
standards, or any other topic related to this sub-
section with the commercial space industry including 
observations, findings, and recommendations from 
the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory 
Committee, or its successor organization, prior to 
the issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking. 
Such discussions shall not be construed to permit 
the Secretary to promulgate industry regulations ex-
cept as otherwise provided in this section.’’. 
SEC. 102. INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH COMPETITIVENESS. 
(a) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this section is to pro-
vide for updating the methodology used to calculate the 
maximum probable loss from claims under section 50914 
of title 51, United States Code, with a validated risk pro-
file approach to provide reasonable maximum probable 
loss values associated with potential third party losses 
from commercially licensed launches. An appropriately up-
dated methodology will help ensure that the Federal Gov-
ernment is not exposed to greater financial risks than in-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
tended and that launch companies are not required to pur-
chase more insurance coverage than necessary. 
(b) MAXIMUM PROBABLE LOSS PLAN.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Transportation shall provide to the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a plan to up-
date the methodology used to calculate maximum probable 
loss from claims under section 50914 of title 51, United 
States Code, through the use of a validated risk profile 
approach. Such plan shall include, at a minimum— 
(1) an evaluation of the reasonableness of the 
current single casualty estimate and, if needed, the 
steps the Secretary will take to update such esti-
mate; 
(2) an evaluation, in consultation with the Ad-
ministrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration and the heads of other relevant exec-
utive agencies, of the reasonableness of the dollar 
value of the insurance requirement required by the 
Secretary for launch providers to cover damage to 
Government property resulting from a commercially 
licensed space launch activity, and recommendations 
as to a reasonable calculation if, as determined by 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
the Secretary, the current statutory threshold is in-
sufficient; 
(3) a schedule of when updates to the method-
ology and calculations for the totality of the Max-
imum Probable Loss will be implemented, and a de-
tailed explanation of any changes to the current cal-
culation; and 
(4) consideration of the impact of the cost of its 
implementation on the licensing process, both in 
terms of the cost to industry of collecting and pro-
viding the requisite data and cost to the Government 
of analyzing the data. 
(c) INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT.—Not later than 
270 days after transmittal of the plan under subsection 
(b), the Comptroller General shall provide to the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate an assessment 
of— 
(1) the conclusions and analysis provided by the 
Secretary of Transportation in the plan required 
under subsection (b); 
(2) the implementation schedule proposed by 
the Secretary in such plan; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(3) the suitability of the plan for implementa-
tion; and 
(4) any further actions needed to implement the 
plan or otherwise accomplish the purpose of this sec-
tion. 
(d) 
LAUNCH
LIABILITY
EXTENSION.—Section 
50915(f) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ‘‘December 31, 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘December 
31, 2025’’. 
SEC. 103. LAUNCH LICENSE FLEXIBILITY. 
Section 50906 of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘that will be 
launched or reentered’’ and inserting ‘‘or reusable 
launch vehicles that will be launched into a sub-
orbital trajectory or reentered under that permit’’; 
(2) by amending subsection (d)(1) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(1) research and development to test design 
concepts, equipment, or operating techniques;’’; 
(3) in subsection (d)(3)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘prior to obtaining a li-
cense’’; and 
(B) by inserting ‘‘or vehicle’’ after ‘‘design 
of the rocket’’; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(4) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ‘‘suborbital 
rocket design’’ and inserting ‘‘suborbital rocket or 
rocket design, or for a particular reusable launch ve-
hicle or reusable launch vehicle design,’’; 
(5) in subsection (e)(2), by inserting ‘‘or launch 
vehicle’’ after ‘‘the suborbital rocket’’; 
(6) by amending subsection (g) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(g) The Secretary may issue a permit under this sec-
tion notwithstanding any license issued under this chapter. 
The issuance of a license under this chapter shall not in-
validate a permit under this section.’’; and 
(7) in subsection (h), by inserting ‘‘or reusable 
launch vehicle’’ after ‘‘suborbital rocket’’. 
SEC. 104. GOVERNMENT ASTRONAUTS. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—Section 50902 of title 51, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through 
(22) as paragraphs (5) through (23), respectively; 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol-
lowing new paragraph: 
‘‘(4) ‘government astronaut’ means an indi-
vidual designated as such by the Administrator of 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
pursuant requirements established by the Adminis-
trator, who— 
‘‘(A) is an employee of— 
‘‘(i) the United States Government, 
including the United States Armed Forces; 
or 
‘‘(ii) a foreign government that is a 
party to the Intergovernmental Agreement 
Among the Government of Canada, Gov-
ernments of Member States of the Euro-
pean Space Agency, the Government of 
Japan, the Government of the Russian 
Federation, and the Government of the 
United States of America Concerning Co-
operation on the Civil International Space 
Station, signed on January 29, 1998; and 
‘‘(B) is carried within a launch vehicle or 
reentry vehicle in the course of his or her em-
ployment, which may include performance of ac-
tivities directly relating to the launch, reentry, 
or other operation of the launch vehicle or re-
entry vehicle.’’; 
(3) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated by 
paragraph (1) of this subsection, by inserting ‘‘gov-
ernment astronaut,’’ after ‘‘crew,’’; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(4) in paragraph (7)(A), as so redesignated by 
paragraph (1) of this subsection, by inserting ‘‘gov-
ernment astronaut,’’ after ‘‘(including crew train-
ing),’’; 
(5) in paragraph (14), as so redesignated by 
paragraph (1) of this subsection, by inserting ‘‘gov-
ernment astronauts,’’ after ‘‘crew,’’; 
(6) in paragraph (15)(A), as so redesignated by 
paragraph (1) of this subsection, by inserting ‘‘gov-
ernment astronaut,’’ after ‘‘(including crew train-
ing),’’; 
(7) by amending paragraph (18), as so redesig-
nated by paragraph (1) of this subsection, to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(18) ‘space flight participant’ means an indi-
vidual, who is not crew or a government astronaut, 
carried within a launch vehicle or reentry vehicle.’’; 
and 
(8) in paragraph (22)(E), as so redesignated by 
paragraph (1) of this subsection, by inserting ‘‘, gov-
ernment astronauts,’’ after ‘‘crew’’. 
(b) RESTRICTIONS ON LAUNCHES, OPERATIONS, AND 
REENTRIES; SINGLE
LICENSE
OR
PERMIT.—Section 
50904(d) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ‘‘, government astronauts,’’ after ‘‘crew’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(c) LICENSE APPLICATIONS
AND REQUIREMENTS; 
APPLICATIONS.—Section 50905 of title 51, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ‘‘crews and 
space flight participants’’ and inserting ‘‘crew, gov-
ernment astronauts, and space flight participants’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(D), by inserting ‘‘, gov-
ernment astronauts,’’ after ‘‘crew’’; and 
(3) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘, gov-
ernment astronauts,’’ after ‘‘crew’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘to crew 
or space flight participants’’ each place it ap-
pears and inserting ‘‘to crew, government astro-
nauts, or space flight participants’’. 
(d) MONITORING ACTIVITIES.—Section 50907(a) of 
title 51, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘crew 
or space flight participant training’’ and inserting ‘‘crew, 
government astronaut, or space flight participant train-
ing’’. 
(e) 
ADDITIONAL
SUSPENSIONS.—Section 
50908(d)(1) of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘to crew or space flight participants’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘to crew, government astro-
nauts, or space flight participants’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
SEC. 105. INDEMNIFICATION FOR SPACE FLIGHT PARTICI-
PANTS. 
Chapter 509 of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in section 50914(a)(4), by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘(E) space flight participants.’’; and 
(2) in section 50915(a)(1)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘or a contractor’’ and in-
serting ‘‘a contractor’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘but not against’’ and in-
serting ‘‘or’’. 
SEC. 106. INDEPENDENT STUDY OF INDEMNIFICATION FOR 
SPACE FLIGHT PARTICIPANTS. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
detailing the results of a study of the issues associated 
with space flight participants and potential third party 
claims that could arise from a potential accident of a com-
mercial licensed launch vehicle or reentry vehicle that is 
carrying space flight participants. The study shall— 
(1) identify the issues associated with space 
flight participants and third party liability; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(2) identify options for addressing the issues; 
(3) identify any potential unintended con-
sequences and issues associated with each of the op-
tions; and 
(4) identify any potential costs to the Federal 
Government for each of the options. 
SEC. 107. FEDERAL JURISDICTION. 
Section 50914 of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(g) FEDERAL JURISDICTION.—Any action or tort 
arising from a licensed launch or reentry shall be the sole 
jurisdiction of the Federal courts.’’. 
SEC. 108. CROSS-WAIVERS. 
Section 50914(b)(1) of title 51, United States Code, 
is amended to read as follows: ‘‘(1) A launch or reentry 
license issued or transferred under this chapter shall con-
tain a provision requiring the licensee or transferee to 
make a reciprocal waiver of claims with its contractors, 
subcontractors, and customers, the contractors and sub-
contractors of the customers, and any space flight partici-
pants, involved in launch services or reentry services or 
participating in a flight under which each party to the 
waiver agrees to be responsible for property damage or 
loss it or they sustain, or for personal injury to, death 
of, or property damage or loss sustained by its own em-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
ployees resulting from an activity carried out under the 
applicable license.’’. 
SEC. 109. ORBITAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of the Con-
gress that, as none currently exists, there may be a need 
for a framework that addresses space traffic management 
of United States Government assets and United States 
private sector assets to minimize the proliferation of debris 
and decrease the congestion of the orbital environment. 
(b) STUDY REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in 
consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration, the 
Federal Communications Commission, the National Oce-
anic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Depart-
ment of Defense, shall enter into an arrangement with an 
independent, nonprofit, private systems engineering and 
technical assistance organization to study frameworks for 
the management of space traffic and orbital activities. The 
study shall include the following: 
(1) An assessment of current regulations, Gov-
ernment best practices, and industry standards that 
apply to space traffic management and orbital debris 
mitigation. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(2) An assessment of current statutory author-
ity granted to the Federal Communications Commis-
sion, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
and how those agencies utilize and coordinate those 
authorities. 
(3) A review of all space traffic management 
and orbital debris requirements under treaties and 
other international agreements to which the United 
States is a signatory, and other nonbinding inter-
national arrangements in which the United States 
participates, and the manner in which the Federal 
Government complies with those requirements. 
(4) An assessment of existing Federal Govern-
ment assets used to conduct space traffic manage-
ment and space situational awareness. 
(5) An assessment of the risk associated with 
smallsats as well as any necessary Government co-
ordination for their launch and utilization. 
(6) An assessment of existing private sector in-
formation sharing activities associated with space 
situational awareness and space traffic management. 
(7) Recommendations related to the framework 
for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
of the public and economic vitality of the space in-
dustry. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall provide to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate the report required in subsection (b). 
(d) DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE AUTHORITIES.— 
Congress recognizes the vital and unique role played by 
the Department of Defense in protecting national security 
assets in space. Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to amend authorities granted to the Department of De-
fense to safeguard the national security. 
SEC. 110. STATE COMMERCIAL LAUNCH FACILITIES. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the Sense of Con-
gress that State involvement, development, ownership, and 
operation of launch facilities can help enable growth of 
the Nation’s commercial suborbital and orbital space en-
deavors and support both commercial and Government 
space programs. It is further the sense of Congress that 
State launch facilities and the people and property within 
the affected launch areas of those State facilities are sub-
ject to risks if the commercial launch vehicle fails or expe-
riences an anomaly. To ensure the success of the commer-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
cial launch industry and the safety of the people and prop-
erty in the affected launch areas, it is the further sense 
of Congress that States and State launch facilities should 
seek to take proper measures to secure their investments 
and the safety of third parties from potential damages 
that could be suffered from commercial launch activities. 
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate a report on the potential inclusion of all govern-
ment property, including State and municipal property, in 
the existing indemnification regime established under sec-
tion 50914 of title 51, United States Code. 
SEC. 111. SPACE SUPPORT VEHICLES STUDY. 
Not less than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, a report on 
the use of space support vehicle services in the commercial 
space industry. This report shall include— 
(1) the extent to which launch providers rely on 
such services as part of their business models; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(2) the statutory, regulatory, and market bar-
riers to the use of such services; and 
(3) recommendations for legislative or regu-
latory action that may be needed to ensure reduced 
barriers to the use of such services if such use is a 
requirement of the industry. 
SEC. 112. STREAMLINE COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH AC-
TIVITIES. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that eliminating duplicative requirements and ap-
provals for commercial launch and reentry operations will 
promote and encourage the development of the commercial 
space sector. 
(b) REAFFIRMATION
OF POLICY.—Congress reaf-
firms that the Secretary of Transportation, in overseeing 
and coordinating commercial launch and reentry oper-
ations, should— 
(1) promote commercial space launches and re-
entries by the private sector; 
(2) facilitate Government, State, and private 
sector involvement in enhancing U.S. launch sites 
and facilities; 
(3) protect public health and safety, safety of 
property, national security interests, and foreign pol-
icy interests of the United States; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(4) consult with the head of another executive 
agency, including the Secretary of Defense or the 
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration, as necessary to provide con-
sistent application of licensing requirements under 
chapter 509 of title 51, United States Code. 
(c) REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Transpor-
tation under section 50918 of title 51, United States 
Code, and subject to section 50905(b)(2)(C) of that 
title, shall consult with the Secretary of Defense, the 
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration, and the heads of other execu-
tive agencies, as appropriate— 
(A) to identify all requirements that are 
imposed to protect the public health and safety, 
safety of property, national security interests, 
and foreign policy interests of the United States 
relevant to any commercial launch of a launch 
vehicle or commercial reentry of a reentry vehi-
cle; and 
(B) to evaluate the requirements identified 
in subparagraph (A) and, in coordination with 
the licensee or transferee and the heads of the 
relevant executive agencies— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(i) determine whether the satisfaction 
of a requirement of one agency could result 
in the satisfaction of a requirement of an-
other agency; and 
(ii) resolve any inconsistencies and re-
move any outmoded or duplicative require-
ments or approvals of the Federal Govern-
ment relevant to any commercial launch of 
a launch vehicle or commercial reentry of 
a reentry vehicle. 
(2) REPORTS.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, and annually 
thereafter until the Secretary of Transportation de-
termines no outmoded or duplicative requirements or 
approvals of the Federal Government exist, the Sec-
retary of Transportation, in consultation with the 
Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the Na-
tional Aeronautics and Space Administration, the 
commercial space sector, and the heads of other ex-
ecutive agencies, as appropriate, shall submit to the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate, the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology of the House of Representa-
tives, and the congressional defense committees a re-
port that includes the following: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(A) A description of the process for the ap-
plication for and approval of a permit or license 
under chapter 509 of title 51, United States 
Code, for the commercial launch of a launch ve-
hicle or commercial reentry of a reentry vehicle, 
including the identification of— 
(i) any unique requirements for oper-
ating on a United States Government 
launch site, reentry site, or launch prop-
erty; and 
(ii) any inconsistent, outmoded, or du-
plicative requirements or approvals. 
(B) A description of current efforts, if any, 
to coordinate and work across executive agen-
cies to define interagency processes and proce-
dures for sharing information, avoiding duplica-
tion of effort, and resolving common agency re-
quirements. 
(C) Recommendations for legislation that 
may further— 
(i) streamline requirements in order 
to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary 
costs, resolve inconsistencies, remove dupli-
cation, and minimize unwarranted con-
straints; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(ii) consolidate or modify require-
ments across affected agencies into a sin-
gle application set that satisfies the re-
quirements identified in paragraph (1)(A); 
(iii) facilitate outreach to minority- 
and women-owned businesses on business 
opportunities in the commercial space in-
dustry; and 
(iv) facilitate the participation of the 
Emerging 
Researchers 
National 
Con-
ference in STEM, American Association 
for the Advancement of Science, Louis 
Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation 
Program (LAMP), Historically Black Col-
leges and Universities Undergraduate Pro-
gram (HBCU–UP) of the National Science 
Foundation, Emerging Researchers Na-
tional Conference in Science, Technology, 
Engineering and Mathematics, the Univer-
sity of Florida’s Institute for African- 
American 
Mentoring 
in 
Computing 
Sciences, the Hispanic Association of Col-
leges and Universities, the National Indian 
Education Association, and other institu-
tions, organizations, or associations as the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
Secretary of Transportation determines to 
be useful in investigating the feasibility of 
developing programs for fellowships, work- 
study, and employment opportunities for 
undergraduate and graduate students. 
(3) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sub-
section— 
(A) any applicable definitions set forth in 
section 50902 of title 51, United States Code, 
shall apply; 
(B) the terms ‘‘launch’’, ‘‘reenter’’, and 
‘‘reentry’’ include landing of a launch vehicle or 
reentry vehicle; and 
(C) the terms ‘‘United States Government 
launch site’’ and ‘‘United States Government 
reentry site’’ include any necessary facility, at 
that location, that is commercially operated on 
United States Government property. 
SEC. 113. SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM UPDATE. 
(a) CHAPTER 701.— 
(1) AMENDMENT.—The chapter heading of 
chapter 701 of title 51, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ‘‘SPACE SHUTTLE’’ and 
inserting ‘‘SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
HR 2262 RFS
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The item re-
lating to chapter 701 in the table of chapters of title 
51, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘Space Shuttle’’ and inserting ‘‘Space Launch Sys-
tem’’. 
(b) SECTION 70101.— 
(1) AMENDMENTS.—Section 70101 of title 51, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(A) in the section heading, by striking 
‘‘space shuttle’’ and inserting ‘‘Space 
Launch System’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘space shuttle’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘Space Launch System’’. 
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The item re-
lating section 70101 in the table of sections for 
chapter 701 of title 51, United States Code is 
amended by striking ‘‘space shuttle’’ and inserting 
‘‘Space Launch System’’. 
(c) SECTION 70102.— 
(1) AMENDMENTS.—Section 70102 of title 51, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(A) in the section heading, by striking 
‘‘Space shuttle’’ and inserting ‘‘Space 
Launch System’’; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
05:11 May 23, 2015
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2262.RFS
H2262
rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with BILLS