2000 U.S. Code
Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
CHAPTER 26 - NATIONAL SPACE PROGRAM
SUBCHAPTER I - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 2465a - Space Shuttle use policy

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§2465a. Space Shuttle use policy (a) Use policy

(1) It shall be the policy of the United States to use the Space Shuttle for purposes that (i) require the presence of man, (ii) require the unique capabilities of the Space Shuttle or (iii) when other compelling circumstances exist.

(2) The term “compelling circumstances” includes, but is not limited to, occasions when the Administrator determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State, that important national security or foreign policy interests would be served by a Shuttle launch.

(3) The policy stated in subsection (a)(1) of this section shall not preclude the use of available cargo space, on a Space Shuttle mission otherwise consistent with the policy described under subsection (a)(1) of this section, for the purpose of carrying secondary payloads (as defined by the Administrator) that do not require the presence of man if such payloads are consistent with the requirements of research, development, demonstration, scientific, commercial, and educational programs authorized by the Administrator.

(b) Implementation plan

The Administrator shall, within six months after November 16, 1990, submit a report to the Congress setting forth a plan for the implementation of the policy described in subsection (a)(1) of this section. Such plan shall include—

(1) details of the implementation plan;

(2) a list of purposes that meet such policy;

(3) a proposed schedule for the implementation of such policy;

(4) an estimate of the costs to the United States of implementing such policy; and

(5) a process for informing the Congress in a timely and regular manner of how the plan is being implemented.

(c) Annual report

At least annually, the Administrator shall submit to the Congress a report certifying that the payloads scheduled to be launched on the space shuttle for the next four years are consistent with the policy set forth in subsection (a)(1) of this section. For each payload scheduled to be launched from the space shuttle, which do not require the presence of man, the Administrator shall, in the certified report to Congress, state the specific circumstances which justified the use of the space shuttle. If, during the period between scheduled reports to the Congress, any additions are made to the list of certified payloads intended to be launched from the Shuttle, the Administrator shall inform the Congress of the additions and the reasons therefor within 45 days of the change.

(d) NASA payloads

The report described in subsection (c) of this section shall also include those National Aeronautics and Space Administration payloads designed solely to fly on the space shuttle which have begun the phase C/D of its development cycle.

(Pub. L. 101–611, title I, §112, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3198.)

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1991, and not as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 which is classified principally to this chapter.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (c) of this section relating to submittal to Congress at least annually of a report certifying that the payloads scheduled to be launched on the space shuttle for the next four years are consistent with the policy set forth in subsec. (a)(1) of this section, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and item 6 on page 179 of House Document No. 103–7.

Definition of “Administrator”

Section 127 of title I of Pub. L. 101–611 provided that: “For purposes of this title [enacting this section and sections 2459a and 2471a of this title and section 1535 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, amending section 2473 of this title and sections 2601, 2602, 2604, 2614, and 2623 of former Title 49, Transportation, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 2451, 2459, and 2471 of this title], the term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.”