Sec. 501. Commercial supply of space products
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/bill/115/hr/5503/ih/section-501·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Subchapter II of chapter 501 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: In planning and carrying out space exploration missions, the Administrator shall, to the greatest extent practicable, prioritize the acquisition and use of space products provided by a United States commercial provider or through a public-private partnership with a United States commercial provider. In this section, the term space product means a tangible good, including a finished good, or commodity, including a propellant, water, oxygen, or gas, that— is required for space exploration activities; and originates in outer space.
In planning a space exploration mission, the Administrator shall create a list of commodities to be used during such mission. The list shall include specification of each commodity, anticipated quantity, and the location and the timeframe of need. For each commodity listed pursuant paragraph (1), NASA shall establish a commodity cost basis that shall represent the lesser of— the estimated cost to procure the commodity on Earth and deliver the commodity to the location of use; and the estimated cost for the Government to procure the equivalent commodity that is a space product.
The Administrator shall annually publish the information compiled under paragraphs
(1)and
(2)during the previous calendar year. The Administrator shall not be required to prioritize the acquisition of space products for the purposes described in subsection
(a)if, on a case-by-case basis— the Administrator determines that— cost-effective space products that meet specific mission requirements would not be reasonably available from United States commercial providers when required; the use of space products from United States commercial providers poses an unacceptable mission risk; or the use of space products is inconsistent with international agreements for international collaborative efforts relating to science and technology; or the Secretary of the Air Force determines that the use of space commodities from United States commercial providers is inconsistent with national security objectives. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Administrator from planning or negotiating agreements with foreign governmental entities for the provision of space products. . Subchapter II of chapter 501 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 50117. Commercial supply of space products. .