51 U.S.C. § 50301 — Definitions

In this chapter: (1) **Commercial provider.—** — The term “commercial provider” means any person or entity providing commercial reusable in-orbit space transportation services or systems, primary control of which is held by persons other than the Federal Government, a State or local government, or a foreign government. (2) **In-space transportation services.—** — The term “in-space transportation services” means operations and activities involved in the direct transportation or attempted transportation of a payload or object from one orbit to another by means of an in-space transportation vehicle. (3) **In-space transportation system.—** — The term “in-space transportation system” means the space and ground elements, including in-space transportation vehicles and support space systems, and ground administration and control facilities and associated equipment, necessary for the provision of in-space transportation services. (4) **In-space transportation vehicle.—** — The term “in-space transportation vehicle” means a vehicle designed— (A) to be based and operated in space; (B) to transport various payloads or objects from one orbit to another orbit; and (C) to be reusable and refueled in space. (5) **Secretary.—** — The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Defense. (6) **United states commercial provider.—** — The term “United States commercial provider” means any commercial provider organized under the laws of the United States that is more than 50 percent owned by United States nationals.