§18324 Utilization of Existing Workforce and Assets in Development of Space Launch System and Multi-purpose Crew Vehicle

Summary

The Administrator must use existing contracts, investments, workers, factories, and know-how from the Space Shuttle and the Orion/Ares 1 work as much as possible when building the Space Launch System and the multi-purpose crew vehicle. That includes ongoing spacesuit work to help make a crew suit and life-support for the new vehicle, using Shuttle- and Ares-derived parts that run on U.S. propulsion systems (like liquid engines, external-tank parts, and solid rocket motors), and using testing facilities that existed or were being built on October 11, 2010. While doing this, the Administrator must rely on ground manufacturing, testing sites, launch and operations facilities, and skilled workers when practicable; try to avoid changing ground infrastructure and reuse software and operations processes; complete the A–3 test stand with a completion goal of September 30, 2013; may buy, develop, and flight-test parts; and take steps to keep development timely and cost-effective by using buying methods with proper supervision, encouraging contractor efficiency, and simplifying contracts.