42 USC 18313 - Assurance of core capabilities

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 04, 2024

§ 18313.

Assurance of core capabilities

(a)

Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that—

(1)

the ISS, technology developments, the current Space Shuttle program, and follow-on transportation systems authorized by this chapter form the foundation of initial capabilities for missions beyond low-Earth orbit to a variety of lunar and Lagrangian orbital locations; and

(2)

these initial missions and related capabilities should be utilized to provide operational experience, technology development, and the placement and assured use of in-space infrastructure and in-space servicing of existing and future assets.

(b)

Sense of Congress regarding human space flight capability assurance

It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator shall proceed with the utilization of the ISS, technology development, and follow-on transportation systems (including the Space Launch System, multi-purpose crew vehicle, and commercial crew and cargo transportation capabilities) under subchapters II and III of this chapter in a manner that ensures—

(1)

that these capabilities remain inherently complementary and interrelated;

(2)

a balance of the development, sustainment, and use of each of these capabilities, which are of critical importance to the viability and sustainability of the U.S. space program; and

(3)

that resources required to support the timely and sustainable development of these capabilities authorized in either subchapter II or subchapter III of this chapter are not derived from a reduction in resources for the capabilities authorized in the other subchapter.

(c)

Limitation

(Pub. L. 111–267, title II, § 203, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2812; Pub. L. 112–273, § 2, Jan. 14, 2013, 126 Stat. 2454; Pub. L. 115–10, title IV, § 416(a), Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 34.)

cite as: 42 USC 18313