Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110
§18362 Retirement of Space Shuttle Orbiters and Transition of Space Shuttle Program
Title 42 › CHAPTER 159 — SPACE EXPLORATION, TECHNOLOGY, AND SCIENCE › SUBCHAPTER V — SPACE SHUTTLE RETIREMENT AND TRANSITION › § 18362
Summary
The Administrator must retire the Space Shuttle orbiters on a schedule that preserves ISS backup use if needed. Where possible, the Shuttle workforce and assets must support starting the Space Launch System (section 18322); other assets must be sold and displaced workers helped using funds under section 101(2)(B).
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §18362
The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)In general
The Administrator shall retire the Space Shuttle orbiters pursuant to a schedule established by the Administrator and in a manner consistent with provisions of this chapter regarding potential requirements for contingency utilization of Space Shuttle orbiters for ISS requirements.
(b)Utilization of workforce and assets in follow-on Space Launch System
(1)Utilization of vehicle assets
In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, utilize workforce, assets, and infrastructure of the Space Shuttle program in efforts relating to the initiation of a follow-on Space Launch System developed pursuant to section 18322 of this title.
(2)Other assets
With respect to the workforce, assets, and infrastructure not utilized as described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall work closely with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and the private sector, to divest unneeded assets and to assist displaced workers with retraining and other placement efforts. Amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 101(2)(B) shall be available for activities pursuant to this paragraph.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
References in Text
section 101(2)(B), referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 111–267, title I, § 101(2)(B), Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2809, which is not classified to the Code.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 18362
Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Sep 23, 2026
Release point: 119-110