Title 51, National and Commercial Space ProgramsRelease 119-110

§40111 Fundamental Research Program

Title 51 › Subtitle IV — Aeronautics and Space Research and Education › CHAPTER 401 — AERONAUTICS › SUBCHAPTER II — HIGH PRIORITY AERONAUTICS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS › § 40111

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

NASA must set up a long-term program to support basic aeronautics research and technology that is not linked to specific development projects. The agency will run the program partly by giving grants to colleges and universities, should encourage schools in States that take part in the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), and must award all such grants based on merit review (judged on quality).

Full Legal Text

Title 51, §40111

National and Commercial Space Programs, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Objective.—

In order to ensure that the Nation maintains needed capabilities in fundamental areas of aeronautics research, the Administrator shall establish a program of long-term fundamental research in aeronautical sciences and technologies that is not tied to specific development projects.

(b)Operation.—

The Administrator shall conduct the program under this section, in part by awarding grants to institutions of higher education. The Administrator shall encourage the participation of institutions of higher education located in States that participate in the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. All grants to institutions of higher education under this section shall be awarded through merit review.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 4011142 U.S.C. 16721(a), (b).Pub. L. 109–155, title IV, § 421(a), (b), Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2924.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

51 U.S.C. § 40111

Title 51, National and Commercial Space Programs

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110