Us Code § 18326 - Development of technologies and in-space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions
Full text of Us Code United States Code § 18326 — Development of technologies and in-space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18326. Development of technologies and in-space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions
(a) Development authorized
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) Investments
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) Utilization of ISS as testbed
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) Coordination
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.
(Pub. L. 111–267, title III, §308, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2818.)
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.
About This Section
42 U.S.C. § 18326 is part of Title 42 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.
This section may be cited in legal writing as 42 U.S.C. § 18326. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.
How to Read This Statute
Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.
Using This Page
This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.