U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act
PL 114-90 (H.R.2262), enacted 11/25/2015

129 STAT. 704 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
Public Law 114–90 
114th Congress 
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 
regulatory conditions, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS; REFERENCES. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘U.S. Commer-
cial Space Launch Competitiveness Act’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of this Act 
is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; references. 
TITLE I—SPURRING PRIVATE AEROSPACE COMPETITIVENESS AND 
ENTREPRENEURSHIP 
Sec. 101. Short title. 
Sec. 102. International launch competitiveness. 
Sec. 103. Indemnification for space flight participants. 
Sec. 104. Launch license flexibility. 
Sec. 105. Licensing report. 
Sec. 106. Federal jurisdiction. 
Sec. 107. Cross waivers. 
Sec. 108. Space authority. 
Sec. 109. Orbital traffic management. 
Sec. 110. Space surveillance and situational awareness data. 
Sec. 111. Consensus standards and extension of certain safety regulation require-
ments. 
Sec. 112. Government astronauts. 
Sec. 113. Streamline commercial space launch activities. 
Sec. 114. Operation and utilization of the ISS. 
Sec. 115. State commercial launch facilities. 
Sec. 116. Space support vehicles study. 
Sec. 117. Space launch system update. 
TITLE II—COMMERCIAL REMOTE SENSING 
Sec. 201. Annual reports. 
Sec. 202. Statutory update report. 
TITLE III—OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCE 
Sec. 301. Renaming of office of space commercialization. 
Sec. 302. Functions of the office of space commerce. 
TITLE IV—SPACE RESOURCE EXPLORATION AND UTILIZATION 
Sec. 401. Short title. 
Sec. 402. Title 51 amendment. 
Sec. 403. Disclaimer of extraterritorial sovereignty. 
(c) REFERENCES TO TITLE 51, UNITED STATES CODE.—Except 
as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amend-
ment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or 
51 USC 10101 
note. 
U.S. Commercial 
Space Launch 
Competitiveness 
Act. 
Nov. 25, 2015 
[H.R. 2262] 
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129 STAT. 705 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be consid-
ered to be made to a section or other provision of title 51, United 
States Code. 
TITLE 
I—SPURRING 
PRIVATE 
AERO-
SPACE COMPETITIVENESS AND EN-
TREPRENEURSHIP 
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Spurring Private Aerospace 
Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship Act of 2015’’ or ‘‘SPACE 
Act of 2015’’. 
SEC. 102. INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH COMPETITIVENESS. 
(a) SENSE
OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
it is in the public interest to update the methodology used to 
calculate the maximum probable loss from claims under section 
50914 of title 51, United States Code, with a validated risk profile 
approach in order to consistently compute valid and reasonable 
maximum probable loss values. 
(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in con-
sultation with the commercial space sector and insurance providers, 
shall— 
(1) evaluate the methodology used to calculate the max-
imum probable loss from claims under section 50914 of title 
51, United States Code, and, if necessary, develop a plan to 
update that methodology; 
(2) in evaluating or developing a plan under paragraph 
(1)— 
(A) ensure that the Federal Government is not exposed 
to greater costs than intended and that launch companies 
are not required to purchase more insurance coverage than 
necessary; and 
(B) consider the impact of the cost to both the industry 
and the Government of implementing an updated method-
ology; and 
(3) submit the evaluation, and any plan, to the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and 
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives. 
(c) INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT.—Not later than 270 days after 
the date the evaluation is submitted under subsection (b)(3), the 
Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
an assessment of— 
(1) the analysis and conclusions provided by the Secretary 
of Transportation in the evaluation, and any plan, under sub-
section (b); 
(2) the implementation schedule proposed by the Secretary 
in the plan described in paragraph (1); 
(3) the suitability of the plan described in paragraph (1) 
for implementation; and 
Deadline. 
Deadline. 
Consultation. 
Evaluation. 
Plans. 
51 USC 10101 
note. 
Spurring Private 
Aerospace 
Competitiveness 
and Entre- 
preneurship 
Act of 2015. 
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129 STAT. 706 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
(4) any further actions needed to implement the plan 
described in paragraph (1) or otherwise accomplish the purpose 
of this section. 
(d) LAUNCH LIABILITY EXTENSION.—Section 50915(f) is amended 
by striking ‘‘December 31, 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 
2025’’. 
SEC. 103. INDEMNIFICATION FOR SPACE FLIGHT PARTICIPANTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 509 is amended— 
(1) in section 50914(a)— 
(A) in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(E) space flight participants.’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(5) Subparagraph (E) of paragraph (4) ceases to be effective 
September 30, 2025.’’; and 
(2) in section 50915(a)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘a licensee or trans-
feree under this chapter, a contractor, subcontractor, or 
customer of the licensee or transferee, or a contractor or 
subcontractor of a customer, but not against a space flight 
participant,’’ and inserting ‘‘a person described in para-
graph (3)(A)’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(3)(A) A person described in this subparagraph is— 
‘‘(i) a licensee or transferee under this chapter; 
‘‘(ii) a contractor, subcontractor, or customer of the 
licensee or transferee; 
‘‘(iii) a contractor or subcontractor of a customer; or 
‘‘(iv) a space flight participant. 
‘‘(B) Clause (iv) of subparagraph (A) ceases to be effective 
September 30, 2025.’’. 
SEC. 104. LAUNCH LICENSE FLEXIBILITY. 
Section 50906 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), 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’’; 
(B) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: 
‘‘(1) research and development to test design concepts, 
equipment, or operating techniques;’’; and 
(C) in paragraph (3)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘prior to obtaining a license’’; and 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘or vehicle’’ after ‘‘design of the 
rocket’’; 
(2) in subsection (e)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘suborbital rocket 
design’’ and inserting ‘‘suborbital rocket or suborbital rocket 
design, or for a particular reusable launch vehicle or 
reusable launch vehicle design,’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘or launch vehicle’’ 
after ‘‘the suborbital rocket’’; 
(3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: 
‘‘(g) The Secretary may issue a permit under this section not-
withstanding any license issued under this chapter. The issuance 
of a license under this chapter may not invalidate a permit issued 
under this section.’’; and 
Termination 
date. 
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129 STAT. 707 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
(4) in subsection (h), by inserting ‘‘or reusable launch 
vehicle’’ after ‘‘suborbital rocket’’. 
SEC. 105. LICENSING REPORT. 
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report on approaches for streamlining the 
licensing and permitting process of launch vehicles, reentry vehicles, 
or components of launch or reentry vehicles, to enable non-launch 
flight operations related to space transportation. The report shall 
include approaches to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs, 
resolve 
inconsistencies, 
remove 
duplication, 
and 
minimize 
unwarranted constraints. The report shall also include an assess-
ment of existing private and government infrastructure, as appro-
priate, in future licensing activities. 
SEC. 106. FEDERAL JURISDICTION. 
Section 50914 is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(g) FEDERAL JURISDICTION.—Any claim by a third party or 
space flight participant for death, bodily injury, or property damage 
or loss resulting from an activity carried out under the license 
shall be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal courts.’’. 
SEC. 107. CROSS WAIVERS. 
Section 50914(b)(1) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(1)(A) A launch or reentry license issued or transferred 
under this chapter shall contain a provision requiring the 
licensee or transferee to make a reciprocal waiver of claims 
with applicable parties involved in launch services or reentry 
services under which each party to the waiver agrees to be 
responsible for personal injury to, death of, or property damage 
or loss sustained by it or its own employees resulting from 
an activity carried out under the applicable license. 
‘‘(B) In this paragraph, the term ‘applicable parties’ 
means— 
‘‘(i) contractors, subcontractors, and customers of the 
licensee or transferee; 
‘‘(ii) contractors and subcontractors of the customers; 
and 
‘‘(iii) space flight participants. 
‘‘(C) Clause (iii) of subparagraph (B) ceases to be effective 
September 30, 2025.’’. 
SEC. 108. SPACE AUTHORITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science and 
Technology Policy, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the 
Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration, the heads of other relevant 
Federal agencies, and the commercial space sector, shall— 
(1) assess current, and proposed near-term, commercial 
non-governmental activities conducted in space; 
(2) identify appropriate authorization and supervision 
authorities for the activities described in paragraph (1); 
Assessment. 
Deadline. 
Consultation. 
Termination 
date. 
Definition. 
Assessment. 
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129 STAT. 708 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
(3) recommend an authorization and supervision approach 
that would prioritize safety, utilize existing authorities, mini-
mize burdens to the industry, promote the U.S. commercial 
space sector, and meet the United States obligations under 
international treaties; and 
(4) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report 
on the activities described in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3). 
(b) EXCEPTION.—Nothing in this section shall apply to the 
activities of the ISS national laboratory as described in section 
504 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354), including any research 
or development projects utilizing the ISS national laboratory. 
SEC. 109. ORBITAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of the Congress that 
an improved framework may be necessary for space traffic manage-
ment of United States Government assets and United States private 
sector assets in outer space and orbital debris mitigation. 
(b) STUDY.—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 Secretary of 
Transportation, the Chair of the Federal Communications Commis-
sion, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Defense, 
shall enter into an arrangement with an independent systems 
engineering and technical assistance organization to study alternate 
frameworks for the management of space traffic and orbital activi-
ties. 
(c) CONTENTS.—The study shall include the following: 
(1) An assessment of current regulations, best practices, 
and industry standards that apply to space traffic management 
and orbital debris mitigation. 
(2) An assessment of current statutory authorities granted 
to the Federal Communications Commission, the Department 
of Transportation, and the Department of Commerce that apply 
to space traffic management and orbital debris mitigation 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 international arrangements in which the 
United States participates, and the manner and extent to which 
the Federal Government complies with those requirements and 
arrangements. 
(4) An assessment of existing Federal Government assets 
used to conduct space traffic management and space situational 
awareness. 
(5) An assessment of the risk to space traffic management 
associated with smallsats and any necessary Government 
coordination for their launch and utilization to avoid congestion 
of the orbital environment and improve space situational aware-
ness. 
(6) An assessment of existing private sector information 
sharing activities associated with space situational awareness 
and space traffic management. 
Review. 
Assessments. 
Deadline. 
Consultation. 
Reports. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
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129 STAT. 709 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
(7) Recommendations related to the appropriate framework 
for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the 
public and economic vitality of the space industry. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Represent-
atives the study required in subsection (b). 
(e) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORITIES.— 
(1) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
the Department of Defense plays a vital and unique role in 
protecting national security assets in space. 
(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section may 
be construed to affect the authority of the Secretary of Defense 
as it relates to safeguarding the national security. 
SEC. 110. SPACE SURVEILLANCE AND SITUATIONAL AWARENESS DATA. 
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Transportation in concurrence with the Sec-
retary of Defense shall— 
(1) in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal 
agencies, study the feasibility of processing and releasing 
safety-related space situational awareness data and information 
to any entity consistent with national security interests and 
public safety obligations of the United States; and 
(2) submit a report on the feasibility study to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives. 
SEC. 111. CONSENSUS STANDARDS AND EXTENSION OF CERTAIN 
SAFETY REGULATION REQUIREMENTS. 
Section 50905(c) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘IN GENERAL.—’’ before 
‘‘The Secretary’’; 
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘REGULATIONS.—’’ before 
‘‘Regulations’’; 
(3) by striking paragraph (3); 
(4) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (10); 
(5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: 
‘‘(3) FACILITATION OF STANDARDS.—The Secretary shall con-
tinue to work with the commercial space sector, including the 
Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee, or its 
successor organization, to facilitate the development of vol-
untary industry consensus standards based on recommended 
best practices to improve the safety of crew, government astro-
nauts, and space flight participants as the commercial space 
sector continues to mature. 
‘‘(4) COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPARENCY.—Nothing in this 
subsection shall be construed to limit the authority of the 
Secretary to discuss potential regulatory approaches, potential 
performance standards, or any other topic related to this sub-
section with the commercial space industry, including observa-
tions, findings, and recommendations from the Commercial 
Space Transportation Advisory Committee, or its successor 
organization, prior to the issuance of a notice of proposed rule-
making. Such discussions shall not be construed to permit 
Reports. 
Consultation. 
Deadline. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
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129 STAT. 710 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
the Secretary to promulgate industry regulations except as 
otherwise provided in this section. 
‘‘(5) INTERIM VOLUNTARY INDUSTRY CONSENSUS STANDARDS 
REPORTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 31, 2016, 
and every 30 months thereafter until December 31, 2021, 
the Secretary, in consultation and coordination with the 
commercial space sector, including the Commercial Space 
Transportation Advisory Committee, or its successor 
organization, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives a report on the progress of the commer-
cial space transportation industry in developing voluntary 
industry consensus standards that promote best practices 
to improve industry safety. 
‘‘(B) CONTENTS.—The report shall include, at a min-
imum— 
‘‘(i) any voluntary industry consensus standards 
that have been accepted by the industry at large; 
‘‘(ii) the identification of areas that have the poten-
tial to become voluntary industry consensus standards 
that are currently under consideration by the industry 
at large; 
‘‘(iii) an assessment from the Secretary on the 
general progress of the industry in adopting voluntary 
industry consensus standards; 
‘‘(iv) any lessons learned about voluntary industry 
consensus standards, best practices, and commercial 
space launch operations; 
‘‘(v) any lessons learned associated with the 
development, potential application, and acceptance of 
voluntary industry consensus standards, best practices, 
and commercial space launch operations; and 
‘‘(vi) recommendations, findings, or observations 
from the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory 
Committee, or its successor organization, on the 
progress of the industry in developing voluntary 
industry consensus standards that promote best prac-
tices to improve industry safety. 
‘‘(6) REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after the date of 
enactment of the SPACE Act of 2015, the Secretary, in consulta-
tion and coordination with the commercial space sector, 
including the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Com-
mittee, or its successor organization, shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives a report specifying key industry 
metrics that might indicate readiness of the commercial space 
sector and the Department of Transportation to transition to 
a safety framework that may include regulations under para-
graph (9) that considers space flight participant, government 
astronaut, and crew safety. 
‘‘(7) REPORTS.—Not later than March 31 of each of 2018 
and 2022, the Secretary, in consultation and coordination with 
the commercial space sector, including the Commercial Space 
Consultation. 
Coordination. 
Consultation. 
Coordination. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Assessment. 
Deadlines. 
Consultation. 
Coordination. 
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129 STAT. 711 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
Transportation Advisory Committee, or its successor organiza-
tion, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
a report that identifies the activities, described in this sub-
section and subsection (d) most appropriate for a new safety 
framework that may include regulatory action, if any, and 
a proposed transition plan for such safety framework. 
‘‘(8) INDEPENDENT REVIEW.—Not later than December 31, 
2022, an independent systems engineering and technical assist-
ance organization or standards development organization con-
tracted by the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives an assessment of the readiness of the 
commercial space industry 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 voluntary industry consensus standards as 
reported by the Secretary in the interim assessments 
included in the reports under paragraph (5); 
‘‘(B) the progress of the commercial space industry 
toward meeting the key industry metrics identified by the 
report under paragraph (6), including the knowledge and 
operational experience obtained by the commercial space 
industry while providing services for compensation or hire; 
and 
‘‘(C) whether the areas identified in the reports under 
paragraph (5) are appropriate for regulatory action, or fur-
ther development of voluntary industry consensus stand-
ards, considering the progress evaluated in subparagraphs 
(A) and (B) of this paragraph. 
‘‘(9) LEARNING PERIOD.—Beginning on October 1, 2023, the 
Secretary may propose regulations under this subsection with-
out regard to subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (2). 
The development of any such regulations shall take into consid-
eration the evolving standards of the commercial space flight 
industry as identified in the reports published under para-
graphs (5), (6), and (7).’’; and 
(6) in paragraph (10), as redesignated, by inserting ‘‘RULE 
OF CONSTRUCTION.—’’ before ‘‘Nothing’’. 
SEC. 112. GOVERNMENT ASTRONAUTS. 
(a) FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.—Section 50901(15) is amended by 
inserting ‘‘, government astronauts,’’ after ‘‘crew’’ each place it 
appears. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—The National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration has a need to fly government astronauts (as defined 
in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code, as amended) 
within commercial launch vehicles and reentry vehicles under 
chapter 509 of that title. This need was identified by the Secretary 
of Transportation and the Administrator of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration due to the intended use of 
commercial launch vehicles and reentry vehicles developed under 
the Commercial Crew Development Program, authorized in section 
51 USC 20113 
note. 
Effective date. 
Evaluation. 
Deadline. 
Contracts. 
Assessment. 
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129 STAT. 712 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
402 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2010 (124 Stat. 2820; Public Law 111–267). 
It is the sense of Congress that the authority delegated to the 
Administration by the amendment made by subsection (d) of this 
section should be used for that purpose. 
(c) DEFINITION OF GOVERNMENT ASTRONAUT.—Section 50902 
is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (22) as para-
graphs (7) through (25), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: 
‘‘(4) ‘government astronaut’ means an individual who— 
‘‘(A) is designated by the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration under section 20113(n); 
‘‘(B) is carried within a launch vehicle or reentry 
vehicle in the course of his or her employment, which 
may include performance of activities directly relating to 
the launch, reentry, or other operation of the launch vehicle 
or reentry vehicle; and 
‘‘(C) is either— 
‘‘(i) an employee of the United States Government, 
including the uniformed services, engaged in the 
performance of a Federal function under authority of 
law or an Executive act; or 
‘‘(ii) an international partner astronaut. 
‘‘(5) ‘international partner astronaut’ means an individual 
designated under Article 11 of the International Space Station 
Intergovernmental Agreement, by a partner to that agreement 
other than the United States, as qualified to serve as an Inter-
national Space Station crew member. 
‘‘(6) ‘International Space Station Intergovernmental Agree-
ment’ means the Agreement Concerning Cooperation on the 
International Space Station, signed at Washington January 
29, 1998 (TIAS 12927).’’. 
(d) POWERS
OF
THE
NATIONAL
AERONAUTICS
AND
SPACE 
ADMINISTRATION IN PERFORMANCE OF FUNCTIONS.—Section 20113 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(n) IDENTIFICATION OF GOVERNMENT ASTRONAUTS.—For pur-
poses of a license issued or transferred by the Secretary of Transpor-
tation under chapter 509 to launch a launch vehicle or to reenter 
a reentry vehicle carrying a government astronaut (as defined in 
section 50902), the Administration shall designate a government 
astronaut in accordance with requirements prescribed by the 
Administration.’’. 
(e) DEFINITION OF LAUNCH.—Paragraph (7) of section 50902, 
as redesignated, is amended by striking ‘‘and any payload, crew, 
or space flight participant’’ and inserting ‘‘and any payload or 
human being’’. 
(f) DEFINITION OF LAUNCH SERVICES.—Paragraph (9) of section 
50902, as redesignated, is amended by striking ‘‘payload, crew 
(including crew training), or space flight participant’’ and inserting 
‘‘payload, crew (including crew training), government astronaut, 
or space flight participant’’. 
(g) DEFINITION
OF REENTER
AND REENTRY.—Paragraph (16) 
of section 50902, as redesignated, is amended by striking ‘‘and 
its payload, crew, or space flight participants, if any,’’ and inserting 
‘‘and its payload or human beings, if any,’’. 
Designation. 
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129 STAT. 713 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
(h) DEFINITION OF REENTRY SERVICES.—Paragraph (17) of sec-
tion 50902, as redesignated, is amended by striking ‘‘payload, crew 
(including crew training), or space flight participant, if any,’’ and 
inserting ‘‘payload, crew (including crew training), government 
astronaut, or space flight participant, if any,’’. 
(i) DEFINITION OF SPACE FLIGHT PARTICIPANT.—Paragraph (20) 
of section 50902, as redesignated, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(20) ‘space flight participant’ means an individual, who 
is not crew or a government astronaut, carried within a launch 
vehicle or reentry vehicle.’’. 
(j) DEFINITION OF THIRD PARTY.—Paragraph (24)(E) of section 
50902, as redesignated, is amended by inserting ‘‘, government 
astronauts,’’ after ‘‘crew’’. 
(k) RESTRICTIONS ON LAUNCHES, OPERATIONS, AND REENTRIES; 
SINGLE LICENSE
OR PERMIT.—Section 50904(d) is amended by 
striking ‘‘activities involving crew or space flight participants’’ and 
inserting ‘‘activities involving crew, government astronauts, or space 
flight participants’’. 
(l) LICENSE APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS; APPLICATIONS.— 
Section 50905 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ‘‘crews and space flight 
participants’’ and inserting ‘‘crew, government astronauts, and 
space flight participants’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(D), by striking ‘‘crew or space flight 
participants’’ and inserting ‘‘crew, government astronauts, or 
space flight participants’’; and 
(3) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘crew and space flight 
participants’’ and inserting ‘‘crew, government astronauts, 
and space flight participants’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘to crew or space 
flight participants’’ each place it appears and inserting 
‘‘to crew, government astronauts, or space flight partici-
pants’’. 
(m) MONITORING ACTIVITIES.—Section 50907(a) is amended by 
striking ‘‘at a site used for crew or space flight participant training’’ 
and inserting ‘‘at a site not owned or operated by the Federal 
Government or a foreign government used for crew, government 
astronaut, or space flight participant training’’. 
(n) ADDITIONAL SUSPENSIONS.—Section 50908(d)(1) is amended 
by striking ‘‘to crew or space flight participants’’ each place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘to any human being’’. 
(o) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER EXECUTIVE AGENCIES, LAWS, AND 
INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS; NONAPPLICATION.—Section 50919(g) 
is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(g) NONAPPLICATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—This chapter does not apply to— 
‘‘(A) a launch, reentry, operation of a launch vehicle 
or reentry vehicle, operation of a launch site or reentry 
site, or other space activity the Government carries out 
for the Government; or 
‘‘(B) planning or policies related to the launch, reentry, 
operation, or activity under subparagraph (A). 
‘‘(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—The following activities are 
not space activities the Government carries out for the Govern-
ment under paragraph (1): 
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129 STAT. 714 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
‘‘(A) A government astronaut being carried within a 
launch vehicle or reentry vehicle under this chapter. 
‘‘(B) A government astronaut performing activities 
directly relating to the launch, reentry, or other operation 
of the launch vehicle or reentry vehicle under this chapter.’’. 
SEC. 113. STREAMLINE COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH ACTIVITIES. 
(a) SENSE
OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
eliminating duplicative requirements and approvals for commercial 
launch and reentry operations will promote and encourage the 
development of the commercial space sector. 
(b) REAFFIRMATION OF POLICY.—Congress reaffirms that the 
Secretary of Transportation, in overseeing and coordinating 
commercial launch and reentry operations, should— 
(1) promote commercial space launches and reentries by 
the private sector; 
(2) facilitate Government, State, and private sector involve-
ment in enhancing U.S. launch sites and facilities; 
(3) protect public health and safety, safety of property, 
national security interests, and foreign policy interests of the 
United States; and 
(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 nec-
essary to provide consistent application of licensing require-
ments under chapter 509 of title 51, United States Code. 
(c) REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Transportation under 
section 50918 of title 51, United States Code, and subject to 
section 50905(b)(2)(C) of that title, shall consult with the Sec-
retary of Defense, the Administrator of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration, and the heads of other 
executive 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 vehicle; 
and 
(B) to evaluate the requirements identified in subpara-
graph (A) and, in coordination with the licensee or trans-
feree and the heads of the relevant executive agencies— 
(i) determine whether the satisfaction of a require-
ment of one agency could result in the satisfaction 
of a requirement of another agency; and 
(ii) resolve any inconsistencies and remove any 
outmoded or duplicative requirements or approvals of 
the Federal Government 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 Sec-
retary of Transportation determines no outmoded or duplicative 
requirements or approvals of the Federal Government exist, 
the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Sec-
retary of Defense, the Administrator of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration, the commercial space sector, 
Determination. 
Consultation. 
Determination. 
Evaluation. 
Coordination. 
Consultation. 
51 USC 50918 
note. 
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129 STAT. 715 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
and the heads of other executive 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 Representatives, and the congres-
sional defense committees a report that includes the following: 
(A) A description of the process for the application 
for and approval of a permit or license under chapter 
509 of title 51, United States Code, for the commercial 
launch of a launch vehicle or commercial reentry of a 
reentry vehicle, including the identification of— 
(i) any unique requirements for operating on a 
United States Government launch site, reentry site, 
or launch property; and 
(ii) any inconsistent, outmoded, or duplicative 
requirements or approvals. 
(B) A description of current efforts, if any, to coordinate 
and work across executive agencies to define interagency 
processes and procedures for sharing information, avoiding 
duplication of effort, and resolving common agency require-
ments. 
(C) Recommendations for legislation that may fur-
ther— 
(i) streamline requirements in order to improve 
efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs, resolve inconsist-
encies, remove duplication, and minimize unwarranted 
constraints; and 
(ii) consolidate or modify requirements across 
affected agencies into a single application set that 
satisfies the requirements identified in paragraph 
(1)(A). 
(3) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this subsection— 
(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. 114. OPERATION AND UTILIZATION OF THE ISS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) maximum utilization of partnerships, scientific research, 
commercial applications, and exploration test bed capabilities 
of the ISS is essential to ensuring the greatest return on 
investments made by the United States and its international 
partners in the development, assembly, and operations of that 
unique facility; and 
(2) every effort should be made to ensure that decisions 
regarding the service life of the ISS are based on the station’s 
projected capability to continue providing effective and produc-
tive research and exploration test bed capabilities. 
(b) CONTINUATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 501 of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
18351) is amended— 
(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘THROUGH 2020’’; and 
Applicability. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
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129 STAT. 716 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
(B) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘through at least 
2020’’ and inserting ‘‘through at least 2024’’. 
(2) MAINTENANCE OF THE UNITED STATES SEGMENT AND 
ASSURANCE OF CONTINUED OPERATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL 
SPACE STATION.—Section 503 of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
18353) is amended— 
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘through at least 
September 30, 2020’’ and inserting ‘‘through at least Sep-
tember 30, 2024’’; and 
(B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ‘‘In carrying out 
subsection (a), the Administrator’’ and inserting ‘‘The 
Administrator’’. 
(3) RESEARCH CAPACITY ALLOCATION AND INTEGRATION OF 
RESEARCH
PAYLOADS.—Section 504(d) of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 
(42 U.S.C. 18354(d)) is amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 
2020’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘at least September 
30, 2024’’. 
(4) MAINTAINING
USE
THROUGH
AT
LEAST
2024.—Section 
70907 is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 70907. Maintaining use through at least 2024 
‘‘(a) POLICY.—The Administrator shall take all necessary steps 
to ensure that the International Space Station remains a viable 
and productive facility capable of potential United States utilization 
through at least September 30, 2024. 
‘‘(b) NASA ACTIONS.—In furtherance of the policy under sub-
section (a), the Administrator shall ensure, to the extent practicable, 
that the International Space Station, as a designated national lab-
oratory— 
‘‘(1) remains viable as an element of overall exploration 
and partnership strategies and approaches; 
‘‘(2) is considered for use by all NASA mission directorates, 
as appropriate, for technically appropriate scientific data gath-
ering or technology risk reduction demonstrations; and 
‘‘(3) remains an effective, functional vehicle providing 
research and test bed capabilities for the United States through 
at least September 30, 2024.’’. 
(5) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(A) TABLE OF CONTENTS OF 2010 ACT.—The item relating 
to section 501 in the table of contents in section 1(b) of 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2010 (124 Stat. 2806) is amended 
by striking ‘‘through 2020’’. 
(B) TABLE OF CONTENTS OF CHAPTER 709.—The table 
of contents for chapter 709 is amended by amending the 
item relating to section 70907 to read as follows: 
‘‘70907. Maintaining use through at least 2024.’’. 
SEC. 115. STATE COMMERCIAL LAUNCH FACILITIES. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) State involvement, development, ownership, and oper-
ation of launch facilities can enable growth of the Nation’s 
commercial suborbital and orbital space endeavors and support 
both commercial and Government space programs; 
51 USC 
prec. 70901. 
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129 STAT. 717 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
(2) State launch facilities and the people and property 
in the affected launch areas of those facilities may be subject 
to risks resulting from an activity carried out under a license 
under chapter 509 of title 51, United States Code; and 
(3) to ensure the success of the commercial launch industry 
and the safety of the people and property in the affected launch 
areas of those facilities, States and State launch facilities should 
seek to take proper measures to protect themselves, to the 
extent of their potential liability for involvement in launch 
services or reentry services, and compensate third parties for 
possible death, bodily injury, or property damage or loss 
resulting from an activity carried out under a license under 
chapter 509 of title 51, United States Code, to which the State 
or State launch facility is involved in the launch services or 
reentry services. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report on the potential inclusion of all govern-
ment property, including State and municipal property, in the 
existing indemnification regime established under section 50914 
of title 51, United States Code. 
SEC. 116. SPACE SUPPORT VEHICLES STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives a report on the use of space support vehicle 
services in the commercial space industry. 
(b) CONTENTS.—This report shall include— 
(1) the extent to which launch providers rely on such serv-
ices as part of their business models; 
(2) the statutory, regulatory, and market barriers to the 
use of such services; and 
(3) recommendations for legislative or regulatory 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. 117. SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM UPDATE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 701 is amended— 
(1) in the heading by striking ‘‘SPACE SHUTTLE’’ and 
inserting ‘‘SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM’’; 
(2) in section 70101— 
(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘space shuttle’’ and 
inserting ‘‘space launch system’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘space shuttle’’ and inserting ‘‘space 
launch system’’; 
(3) by amending section 70102 to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 70102. Space launch system use policy 
‘‘(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 ben-
efit from the unique capabilities of the Space Launch System. 
51 USC 
prec. 70101. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Reports. 
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129 STAT. 718 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
‘‘(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 Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Com-
mittee on Science of the House of Representatives written notifica-
tion of the Administrator’s intent to select the Space Launch System 
for a specific mission under that subsection, including justification 
for the determination.’’; 
(4) in section 70103— 
(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘SPACE SHUTTLE’’ and 
inserting ‘‘SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM’’; and 
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘space shuttle’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘space launch system’’; and 
(5) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 70104. Definition of Space Launch System 
‘‘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).’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) TABLE
OF
CHAPTERS.—The table of chapters of title 
51 is amended by amending the item relating to chapter 701 
to read as follows: 
‘‘701. Use of space launch system or alternatives .............................................70101’’. 
(2) TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
OF
CHAPTER
701.—The table of 
contents of chapter 701 is amended— 
(A) in the item relating to section 70101, by striking 
‘‘space shuttle’’ and inserting ‘‘space launch system’’; 
(B) in the item relating to section 70102, by striking 
‘‘Space shuttle’’ and inserting ‘‘Space launch system’’; 
(C) in the item relating to section 70103, by striking 
‘‘space shuttle’’ and inserting ‘‘space launch system’’; and 
(D) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘70104. Definition of Space Launch System.’’. 
(3) 
REQUIREMENT
TO
PROCURE
COMMERCIAL
SPACE 
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.—Section 50131(a) of chapter 51 is 
amended by inserting ‘‘or in section 70102’’ after ‘‘in this sec-
tion’’. 
51 USC 
prec. 70101. 
51 USC 
prec. 10101. 
51 USC 70104. 
Deadline. 
Determination. 
Notification. 
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129 STAT. 719 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
TITLE II—COMMERCIAL REMOTE 
SENSING 
SEC. 201. ANNUAL REPORTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter III of chapter 601 is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 60126. Annual reports 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall submit a report to the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, 
and annually thereafter, on— 
‘‘(1) the Secretary’s implementation of section 60121, 
including— 
‘‘(A) a list of all applications received in the previous 
calendar year; 
‘‘(B) a list of all applications that resulted in a license 
under section 60121; 
‘‘(C) a list of all applications denied and an explanation 
of why each application was denied, including any informa-
tion relevant to the interagency adjudication process of 
a licensing request; 
‘‘(D) a list of all applications that required additional 
information; and 
‘‘(E) a list of all applications whose disposition exceeded 
the 120 day deadline established in section 60121(c), the 
total days overdue for each application that exceeded such 
deadline, and an explanation for the delay; 
‘‘(2) all notifications and information provided to the Sec-
retary under section 60122; and 
‘‘(3) a description of all actions taken by the Secretary 
under the administrative authority granted by paragraphs (4), 
(5), and (6) of section 60123(a). 
‘‘(b) CLASSIFIED ANNEXES.—Each report under subsection (a) 
may include classified annexes as necessary to protect the disclosure 
of sensitive or classified information. 
‘‘(c) SUNSET.—The reporting requirement under this section 
terminates effective September 30, 2020.’’. 
(b) TABLE
OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of chapter 
601 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
60125 the following: 
‘‘60126. Annual reports.’’. 
SEC. 202. STATUTORY UPDATE REPORT. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the heads 
of other appropriate Federal agencies and the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration’s Advisory Committee on Commer-
cial Remote Sensing, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
a report on statutory updates necessary to license private remote 
sensing space systems. In preparing the report, the Secretary shall 
Consultation. 
51 USC 
prec. 60101. 
Notifications. 
Lists. 
51 USC 60126. 
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129 STAT. 720 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
take into account the need to protect national security while 
maintaining United States private sector leadership in the field, 
and reflect the current state of the art of remote sensing systems, 
instruments, or technologies. 
TITLE III—OFFICE OF SPACE 
COMMERCE 
SEC. 301. RENAMING OF OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCIALIZATION. 
(a) CHAPTER HEADING.— 
(1) AMENDMENT.—The heading for chapter 507 is amended 
by striking ‘‘COMMERCIALIZATION’’ and inserting ‘‘COM-
MERCE’’. 
(2) CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—The item relating to 
chapter 507 in the table of chapters for title 51 is amended 
by striking ‘‘Commercialization’’ and inserting ‘‘Commerce’’. 
(b) DEFINITION
OF OFFICE.—Section 50701 is amended by 
striking ‘‘Commercialization’’ and inserting ‘‘Commerce’’. 
(c) RENAMING.—Section 50702(a) is amended by striking 
‘‘Commercialization’’ and inserting ‘‘Commerce’’. 
SEC. 302. FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCE. 
Section 50702(c) is amended by striking ‘‘Commerce.’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Commerce, including— 
‘‘(1) to foster the conditions for the economic growth and 
technological advancement of the United States space commerce 
industry; 
‘‘(2) to coordinate space commerce policy issues and actions 
within the Department of Commerce; 
‘‘(3) to represent the Department of Commerce in the 
development of United States policies and in negotiations with 
foreign countries to promote United States space commerce; 
‘‘(4) to promote the advancement of United States 
geospatial technologies related to space commerce, in coopera-
tion with relevant interagency working groups; and 
‘‘(5) to provide support to Federal Government organiza-
tions working on Space-Based Positioning Navigation, and 
Timing policy, including the National Coordination Office for 
Space-Based Position, Navigation, and Timing.’’. 
TITLE IV—SPACE RESOURCE 
EXPLORATION AND UTILIZATION 
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Space Resource Exploration 
and Utilization Act of 2015’’. 
SEC. 402. TITLE 51 AMENDMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle V is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
51 USC 
prec. 51301. 
51 USC 10101 
note. 
Space Resource 
Exploration and 
Utilization Act of 
2015. 
51 USC 
prec. 10101. 
51 USC 
prec. 50701. 
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129 STAT. 721 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
‘‘CHAPTER 513—SPACE RESOURCE COMMERCIAL 
EXPLORATION AND UTILIZATION 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘51301. Definitions. 
‘‘51302. Commercial exploration and commercial recovery. 
‘‘51303. Asteroid resource and space resource rights. 
‘‘§ 51301. Definitions 
‘‘In this chapter: 
‘‘(1) ASTEROID
RESOURCE.—The term ‘asteroid resource’ 
means a space resource found on or within a single asteroid. 
‘‘(2) SPACE RESOURCE.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘space resource’ means 
an abiotic resource in situ in outer space. 
‘‘(B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘space resource’ includes 
water and minerals. 
‘‘(3) UNITED STATES CITIZEN.—The term ‘United States cit-
izen’ has the meaning given the term ‘citizen of the United 
States’ in section 50902. 
‘‘§ 51302. Commercial exploration and commercial recovery 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The President, acting through appropriate 
Federal agencies, shall— 
‘‘(1) facilitate commercial exploration for and commercial 
recovery of space resources by United States citizens; 
‘‘(2) discourage government barriers to the development 
in the United States of economically viable, safe, and stable 
industries for commercial exploration for and commercial 
recovery of space resources in manners consistent with the 
international obligations of the United States; and 
‘‘(3) promote the right of United States citizens to engage 
in commercial exploration for and commercial recovery of space 
resources free from harmful interference, in accordance with 
the international obligations of the United States and subject 
to authorization and continuing supervision by the Federal 
Government. 
‘‘(b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of this section, the President shall submit to Congress a 
report on commercial exploration for and commercial recovery of 
space resources by United States citizens that specifies— 
‘‘(1) the authorities necessary to meet the international 
obligations of the United States, including authorization and 
continuing supervision by the Federal Government; and 
‘‘(2) recommendations for the allocation of responsibilities 
among Federal agencies for the activities described in para-
graph (1). 
‘‘§ 51303. Asteroid resource and space resource rights 
‘‘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.’’. 
51 USC 51303. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
President. 
51 USC 51302. 
51 USC 51301. 
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129 STAT. 722 
PUBLIC LAW 114–90—NOV. 25, 2015 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 2262: 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 114–119 (Comm. on Science, Space, and Technology). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 161 (2015): 
May 21, considered and passed House. 
Nov. 10, considered and passed Senate, amended. 
Nov. 16, House concurred in Senate amendment. 
(b) TABLE OF CHAPTERS.—The table of chapters for title 51 
is amended by adding at the end of the items for subtitle V the 
following: 
‘‘513. Space resource commercial exploration and utilization ............................51301’’. 
SEC. 403. DISCLAIMER OF EXTRATERRITORIAL SOVEREIGNTY. 
It is the sense of Congress that by the enactment of this 
Act, the United States does not thereby assert sovereignty or sov-
ereign or exclusive rights or jurisdiction over, or the ownership 
of, any celestial body. 
Approved November 25, 2015. 
51 USC 
prec. 10101. 
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