§18326 Development of Technologies and In-space Capabilities for Beyond Near-earth Space Missions

Summary

The Administrator may start work to build technologies and in-space systems for missions beyond low-Earth orbit. That work can cover tools needed for those missions, in-space services like refueling and storage, orbital transfer stages, new propulsion, communications and data handling for many users (including military and commercial), spacesuits and life support, and major flagship missions. The Administrator may invest in areas such as advanced propulsion, propellant depots and transfer, in‑space transfer vehicles that can work with the Space Launch System and other systems, service and deliver to multiple platforms, and support international deep-space efforts; robotic payloads and in‑situ resource use to help human missions beyond low-Earth orbit ultimately leading to Mars; power and energy systems; advanced life support; and more research on biological risks, especially radiation. The ISS may be used as a testbed in a way that follows this chapter. The Administrator must coordinate these efforts under the agency technology plan in section 905 of this Act.