42 U.S.C. § 18325 — NASA launch support and infrastructure

Page 9151 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 18326 (2) associated testing facilities, either in being or under construction as of October 11, 2010. (b) Discharge of requirements In meeting the requirements of subsection (a), the Administrator— (1) shall, to the extent practicable, utilize ground-based manufacturing capability, ground testing activities, launch and oper- ations infrastructure, and workforce expertise; (2) shall, to the extent practicable, minimize the modification and development of ground infrastructure and maximize the utilization of existing software, vehicle, and mission oper- ations processes; (3) shall complete construction and activa- tion of the A–3 test stand with a completion goal of September 30, 2013; (4) may procure, develop, and flight test ap- plicable components; and (5) shall take appropriate actions to ensure timely and cost-effective development of the Space Launch System and the multi-purpose crew vehicle, including the use of a procure- ment approach that incorporates adequate and effective oversight, the facilitation of con- tractor efficiencies, and the stream-lining of contract and procurement requirements. (Pub. L. 111–267, title III, § 304, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2816.) § 18325. NASA launch support and infrastructure modernization program (a) In general The Administrator shall carry out a program the primary purpose of which is to prepare infra- structure at the Kennedy Space Center that is needed to enable processing and launch of the Space Launch System. Vehicle interfaces and other ground processing and payload integration areas should be simplified to minimize overall costs, enhance safety, and complement the pur- pose of this section. (b) Elements The program required by this section shall in- clude— (1) investments to improve civil and na- tional security operations at the Kennedy Space Center, to enhance the overall capabili- ties of the Center, and to reduce the long term cost of operations and maintenance; (2) measures to provide multi-vehicle sup- port, improvements in payload processing, and partnering at the Kennedy Space Center; and (3) such other measures, including invest- ments to improve launch infrastructure at NASA flight facilities scheduled to launch cargo to the ISS under the commercial orbital transportation services program as the Ad- ministrator may consider appropriate. (c) Report on NASA launch support and infra- structure modernization program (1) Report required Not later than 120 days after October 11, 2010, the Administrator shall submit to the appro- priate committees of Congress a report on the plan for the implementation of the NASA launch support and infrastructure moderniza- tion program. (2) Elements The report required by this subsection shall include— (A) a description of the ground infrastruc- ture plan tied to the Space Launch System and potential ground investment activities at other NASA centers related to supporting the development of the Space Launch Sys- tem; (B) a description of proposed initiatives in- tended to be conducted jointly or in coopera- tion with Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, or other installations or compo- nents of the United States Government; and (C) a description of plans to use funds au- thorized to be appropriated by this chapter to improve non-NASA facilities, which plans shall include a business plan outlining the nature and scope of investments planned by other parties. (Pub. L. 111–267, title III, § 305, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2817.) § 18326. Development of technologies and in- space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions (a) Development authorized The Administrator may initiate activities to develop the following: (1) Technologies identified as necessary ele- ments of missions beyond low-Earth orbit. (2) In-space capabilities such as refueling and storage technology, orbital transfer stages, innovative in-space propulsion tech- nology, communications, and data manage- ment that facilitate a broad range of users (in- cluding military and commercial) and applica- tions defining the architecture and design of such missions. (3) Spacesuit development and associated life support technology. (4) Flagship missions. (b) Investments In developing technologies and capabilities under subsection (a), the Administrator may make investments— (1) in space technologies such as advanced propulsion, propellant depots, in situ resource utilization, and robotic payloads or capabili- ties that enable human missions beyond low- Earth orbit ultimately leading to Mars; (2) in a space-based transfer vehicle includ- ing these technologies with an ability to con- duct space-based operations that provide capa- bilities— (A) to integrate with the Space Launch System and other space-based systems; (B) to provide opportunities for in-space servicing of and delivery to multiple space- based platforms; and (C) to facilitate international efforts to ex- pand human presence to deep space destina- tions; (3) in advanced life support technologies and capabilities; (4) in technologies and capabilities relating to in-space power, propulsion, and energy sys- tems;