§ 18322. Space Launch System as follow-on launch vehicle to the Space Shuttle
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/usc/title-42/section-18322A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(a)United States policy It is the policy of the United States that NASA develop a Space Launch System as a follow-on to the Space Shuttle that can access cis-lunar space and the regions of space beyond low-Earth orbit in order to enable the United States to participate in global efforts to access and develop this increasingly strategic region.
(b)Initiation of development
(1)In general The Administrator shall, as soon as practicable after October 11, 2010, initiate development of a Space Launch System meeting the minimum capabilities requirements specified in subsection (c).
(2)Modification of current contracts In order to limit NASA’s termination liability costs and support critical capabilities, the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, extend or modify existing vehicle development and associated contracts necessary to meet the requirements in paragraph (1), including contracts for ground testing of solid rocket motors, if necessary, to ensure their availability for development of the Space Launch System.
(c)Minimum capability requirements
(1)In general.— The Space Launch System developed pursuant to subsection
(b)shall be designed to have, at a minimum, the following:
(A)The initial capability of the core elements, without an upper stage, of lifting payloads weighing between 70 tons and 100 tons into low-Earth orbit in preparation for transit for missions beyond low-Earth orbit.
(B)The capability to carry an integrated upper Earth departure stage bringing the total lift capability of the Space Launch System to 130 tons or more.
(C)The capability to lift the multipurpose crew vehicle.
(D)The capability to serve as a backup system for supplying and supporting ISS cargo requirements or crew delivery requirements not otherwise met by available commercial or partner-supplied vehicles.
(2)Flexibility.— The Space Launch System shall be designed from inception as a fully-integrated vehicle capable of carrying a total payload of 130 tons or more into low-Earth orbit in preparation for transit for missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The Space Launch System shall, to the extent practicable, incorporate capabilities for evolutionary growth to carry heavier payloads. Developmental work and testing of the core elements and the upper stage should proceed in parallel subject to appropriations. Priority should be placed on the core elements with the goal for operational capability for the core elements not later than December 31, 2016.
(3)Transition needs.— The Administrator shall ensure critical skills and capabilities are retained, modified, and developed, as appropriate, in areas related to solid and liquid engines, large diameter fuel tanks, rocket propulsion, and other ground test capabilities for an effective transition to the follow-on Space Launch System.
(4)The capacity for efficient and timely evolution, including the incorporation of new technologies, competition of sub-elements, and commercial operations.
(Pub. L. 111–267, title III, § 302, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2814.)
Connections187 cite this
Cited by 187 sections · top 60
public-private-law
- Public Law 117-167Making appropriations for Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.Aug
- Public Law 115-10National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017
- Public Law 114-90U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act
U.S. Code
- § 18323Multi-purpose crew vehicle
- § 20301General responsibilities
- § 18353Maintenance of the United States segment and assurance of continued operations of the International Space Station
- § 10101Definitions
- § 18362Retirement of Space Shuttle orbiters and transition of Space Shuttle program
- § 18324Utilization of existing workforce and assets in development of Space Launch System and multi-purpose crew vehicle
- § 70104Definition of Space Launch System
statutes-at-large
- Public Law 111–267To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for fiscal years 2011 through 2013, and for other purposes
- Public Law 115–10To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes
- Public Law 114–90To facilitate a pro-growth environment for the developing commercial space industry by encouraging private sector investment and creating more stable and predictable regulatory conditions, and for other purposes
- Public Law 117–167Making appropriations for Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes
statute-compilations
bill
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 205Advanced booster competition
- Sec. 4Definitions
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 205Advanced booster competition
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 117Space launch system update
- Sec. 117Space launch system update
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 201Space exploration policy
- Sec. 203Space Launch System
- Sec. 421Space Launch System, Orion, and exploration ground systems
- Sec. 421Space Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems
- Sec. 421Space Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems
- Sec. 421Space Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems
- Sec. 421Space Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems
- Sec. 421Space Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems
2 references not yet in our index
- Pub. L. 111–267, title III, § 302
- 124 Stat. 2814
Citation graph
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§ 18322
Space Launch System as follow-on launch vehicle to the Space Shuttle
Bills×153
U.S.C.×11
Stat. Comp.×8
Stat.×8
Pub. L.×7
Pub. L.Pub. L. 111–267, title III, § 302
Stat.124 Stat. 2814
Cites 2Cited by 187 across 5 sources