2019 US Code
Title 51 - National and Commercial Space Programs
Subtitle V - Programs Targeting Commercial Opportunities
Chapter 505 - Commercial Space Competitiveness
Sec. 50504 - Use of Government facilities

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Citation 51 U.S.C. § 50504 (2019)
Section Name §50504. Use of Government facilities
Section Text

(a) Authority.—

(1) In general.—Federal agencies, including the Administration and the Department of Defense, may allow non-Federal entities to use their space-related facilities on a reimbursable basis if the Administrator, the Secretary of Defense, or the appropriate agency head determines that—

(A) the facilities will be used to support commercial space activities;

(B) such use can be supported by existing or planned Federal resources;

(C) such use is compatible with Federal activities;

(D) equivalent commercial services are not available on reasonable terms; and

(E) such use is consistent with public safety, national security, and international treaty obligations.


(2) Consultation.—In carrying out paragraph (1)(E), each agency head shall consult with appropriate Federal officials.


(b) Reimbursement Payment.—

(1) Amount.—The reimbursement referred to in subsection (a) may be an amount equal to the direct costs (including salaries of United States civilian and contractor personnel) incurred by the United States as a result of the use of such facilities by the private sector. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term "direct costs" means the actual costs that can be unambiguously associated with such use, and would not be borne by the United States Government in the absence of such use.

(2) Credit to appropriation.—The amount of any payment received by the United States for use of facilities under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation from which the cost of providing such facilities was paid.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3406.)

Editorial Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
50504 15 U.S.C. 5807. Pub. L. 102–588, title V, §508, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5128.
Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Supplement 1, 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 V - Programs Targeting Commercial Opportunities
CHAPTER 505 - COMMERCIAL SPACE COMPETITIVENESS
Sec. 50504 - Use of Government facilities
Contains section 50504
Date 2019
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 24, 2020
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 106 Stat. 5128
124 Stat. 3406
Public Law References Public Law 102-588, Public Law 111-314
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