§18326 — Title 42 The Public Health and Welfare | U.S. Code

Summary

The Administrator can start programs to build technologies and in-space capabilities for missions beyond low-Earth orbit. That covers mission hardware, in-space services like refueling and storage, orbital transfer stages, new propulsion, communications and data systems, spacesuits and life support, and major missions. The agency may invest in advanced propulsion and power, propellant depots and transfer, using local space resources, robotic payloads, and a space-based transfer vehicle that can work with the Space Launch System, serve many platforms, and support international deep-space efforts. It may also fund research on biological limits, especially radiation. The Administrator may use the International Space Station to test these technologies when allowed. The Administrator must coordinate this work through an agency-wide technology plan under section 905.

Title 42, §18326

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The Administrator may initiate activities to develop the following:

(1)Technologies identified as necessary elements of missions beyond low-Earth orbit.

(2)In-space capabilities such as refueling and storage technology, orbital transfer stages, innovative in-space propulsion technology, communications, and data management that facilitate a broad range of users (including military and commercial) and applications defining the architecture and design of such missions.

(3)Spacesuit development and associated life support technology.

(4)Flagship missions.

(b)In developing technologies and capabilities under subsection (a), the Administrator may make investments—

(1)in space technologies such as advanced propulsion, propellant depots, in situ resource utilization, and robotic payloads or capabilities that enable human missions beyond low-Earth orbit ultimately leading to Mars;

(2)in a space-based transfer vehicle including these technologies with an ability to conduct space-based operations that provide capabilities—

(A)to integrate with the Space Launch System and other space-based systems;

(B)to provide opportunities for in-space servicing of and delivery to multiple space-based platforms; and

(C)to facilitate international efforts to expand human presence to deep space destinations;

(3)in advanced life support technologies and capabilities;

(4)in technologies and capabilities relating to in-space power, propulsion, and energy systems;

(5)in technologies and capabilities relating to in-space propellant transfer and storage;

(6)in technologies and capabilities relating to in situ resource utilization; and

(7)in expanded research to understand the greatest biological impediments to human deep space missions, especially the radiation challenge.

(c)The Administrator may utilize the ISS as a testbed for any technology or capability developed under subsection (a) in a manner consistent with the provisions of this chapter.

(d)The Administrator shall coordinate development of technologies and capabilities under this section through an overall agency technology approach, as authorized by section 905 of this Act.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

section 905 of this Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 111–267, title IX, § 905, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2836, which is not classified to the Code.

§18326 Development of technologies and in-space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions

Summary

Title 42, §18326

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

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