Title 51, National and Commercial Space ProgramsRelease 119-110
§30901 Congressional Space Medal of Honor
Title 51 › Subtitle III — Administrative Provisions › CHAPTER 309 — AWARDS › § 30901
Summary
The President can present, in Congress’s name, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to an astronaut who, while doing their duties, has done outstanding work that benefits the Nation and people everywhere. Congress can provide whatever money is needed, from time to time, to make this happen.
Full Legal Text
Title 51, §30901
National and Commercial Space Programs, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Authority To Award.—
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)Appropriations.—
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
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110