Title 51 — National and Commercial Space ProgramsRelease 119-73
§30901 Congressional Space Medal of Honor
Title 51 › Subtitle Subtitle III— - Administrative Provisions › Chapter CHAPTER 309— - AWARDS › § 30901
Summary
The President can give a medal called the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. It may be awarded to any astronaut who, while doing their astronaut duties, has shown exceptionally outstanding actions and contributions that help the country and all people. Congress may provide whatever money is needed, from time to time, to pay for this medal.
Full Legal Text
Title 51, §30901
National and Commercial Space Programs — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of appropriate design, which shall be known as the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, to any astronaut who in the performance of the astronaut’s duties has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and of humankind.
(b)There is authorized to be appropriated from time to time such sums of money as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 30901(a)42 U.S.C. 2461 (1st par.).Pub. L. 91–76, § 1, Sept. 29, 1969, 83 Stat. 124. 30901(b)42 U.S.C. 2461 (last par.).Pub. L. 91–76, § 2, Sept. 29, 1969, 83 Stat. 124.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
51 U.S.C. § 30901
Title 51 — National and Commercial Space Programs
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73