2021 US Code
Title 51 - National and Commercial Space Programs
Subtitle II - General Program and Policy Provisions
Chapter 201 - National Aeronautics and Space Program
Subchapter III - General Administrative Provisions
Sec. 20147 - Recovery and disposition authority

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Citation 51 U.S.C. § 20147 (2021)
Section Name §20147. Recovery and disposition authority
Section Text

(a) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Administration human space flight vehicle.—The term "Administration human space flight vehicle" means a space vehicle, as defined in section 20138(a) of this title, that—

(A) is intended to transport one or more persons;

(B) is designed to operate in outer space; and

(C) is either—

(i) owned by the Administration; or

(ii) owned by an Administration contractor or cooperating party and operated as part of an Administration mission or a joint mission with the Administration.


(2) Crewmember.—The term "crewmember" means an astronaut or other person assigned to an Administration human space flight vehicle.


(b) Control of Remains.—

(1) In general.—Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), when there is an accident or mishap resulting in the death of a crewmember of an Administration human space flight vehicle, the Administrator may take control over the remains of the crewmember and order autopsies and other scientific or medical tests.

(2) Treatment.—Each crewmember shall provide the Administrator with the crewmember's preferences regarding the treatment accorded to the crewmember's remains and the Administrator shall, to the extent possible, respect those stated preferences.

(3) Construction.—This section shall not be construed to permit the Administrator to interfere with any Federal investigation of a mishap or accident.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3353.)

Editorial Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
20147 42 U.S.C. 2459l. Pub. L. 85–568, title III, §317, as added Pub. L. 109–155, title VII, §705, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2936.
Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Supplement 3, 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 II - General Program and Policy Provisions
CHAPTER 201 - NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE PROGRAM
SUBCHAPTER III - GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Sec. 20147 - Recovery and disposition authority
Contains section 20147
Date 2021
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 3, 2022
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 119 Stat. 2936
124 Stat. 3353
Public Law References Public Law 85-568, Public Law 109-155, Public Law 111-314
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