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

Summary

The Administrator can begin projects to create the technologies and in-space capabilities needed for missions beyond low-Earth orbit. That includes things like refueling and storage, orbital transfer stages, new in-space propulsion, communications and data systems, spacesuits and life support, and major flagship missions. The Administrator can invest in advanced propulsion, propellant depots, using local space resources, robotic payloads, and a space-based transfer vehicle that can work with the Space Launch System and other space systems, service and deliver to many platforms, and support international deep-space efforts. Investments can also cover life support, power and energy systems, propellant transfer and storage, and research on biological risks—especially radiation. The ISS may be used as a test site. The Administrator must coordinate these efforts under the agency-wide technology plan in 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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