2018 US Code
Title 51 - National and Commercial Space Programs
Subtitle VII - Access to Space
Chapter 701 - Use of Space Launch System or Alternatives
Sec. 70103 - Commercial payloads on space launch system

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Citation 51 U.S.C. § 70103 (2018)
Section Name §70103. Commercial payloads on space launch system
Section Text

(a) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Launch vehicle.—The term "launch vehicle" means any vehicle constructed for the purpose of operating in, or placing a payload in, outer space.

(2) Payload.—The term "payload" means an object which a person undertakes to place in outer space by means of a launch vehicle, and includes subcomponents of the launch vehicle specifically designed or adapted for that object.


(b) In General.—Commercial payloads may not be accepted for launch as primary payloads on the space launch system unless the Administrator determines that—

(1) the payload requires the unique capabilities of the space launch system; or

(2) launching of the payload on the space launch system is important for either national security or foreign policy purposes.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3428; Pub. L. 114–90, title I, §117(a)(4), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 718.)

Editorial Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
70103(a) 42 U.S.C. 2465c. Pub. L. 101–611, title II, §203, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3206; Pub. L. 105–303, title II, §203(2), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2855.
70103(b) 42 U.S.C. 2465f. Pub. L. 101–611, title II, §206, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3207; Pub. L. 105–303, title II, §203(4), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2855.

In subsection (a), the words "this section" are substituted for "this title", meaning title II of Public Law 101–611, because title II of Public Law 101–611 was previously repealed except for section 201 (a short title provision, classified to 42 U.S.C. 2451 note, in which neither defined term appears) and sections 203 (42 U.S.C. 2465c) and 206 (42 U.S.C. 2465f) of Public Law 101–611, which are restated in this section.

AMENDMENTS

2015—Pub. L. 114–90 substituted "space launch system" for "space shuttle" in section catchline and wherever appearing in text.

Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Title 51 - NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 51 - NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS
Subtitle VII - Access to Space
CHAPTER 701 - USE OF SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM OR ALTERNATIVES
Sec. 70103 - Commercial payloads on space launch system
Contains section 70103
Date 2018
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 14, 2019
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 104 Stat. 3206, 3207
112 Stat. 2855
124 Stat. 3428
129 Stat. 718
Public Law References Public Law 101-611, Public Law 105-303, Public Law 111-314, Public Law 114-90
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