51 U.S.C. § 10101 — Definitions

Page 3 TITLE 51—NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS § 10101 TABLE II—CONTINUED Title 42 Former Sections Title 51 New Sections 17734 ........................................ 71301 17741 ........................................ 70507 17742 ........................................ 70508 17751(a) .................................... 70907 17751(b) .................................... Elim. 17752 ........................................ 70906 17753 ........................................ Elim. 17761 ........................................ 70501 note 17771 ........................................ 50903 note 17781(a) .................................... Elim. 17781(b) .................................... 40903(d) 17781(c) .................................... 40311 17791(a) .................................... 71101 17791(b) .................................... Elim. 17792 ........................................ 71101 note 17793 to 17795 ........................... 71102 to 71104 17801 ........................................ 50111(b) 17811(a) .................................... 31502 17811(b), (c) ............................. Elim. 17812(a) .................................... 31503 17812(b) .................................... Elim. 17821(a) .................................... 71302 note 17821(b) .................................... 71302 17822 ........................................ 31302 17823 ........................................ 20305 17824 ........................................ 30305 17825(a), (b) ............................. Elim. 17825(c) .................................... 60506 17826 ........................................ Elim. 17827 ........................................ 30310 17828 ........................................ 31504 17829 ........................................ 31505 Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries ENACTMENT OF TITLE Pub. L. 111–314, § 3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3328, pro- vided in part that: ‘‘Title 51, United States Code, ‘Na- tional and Commercial Space Programs’, is enacted as follows’’. PURPOSE; CONFORMITY WITH ORIGINAL INTENT Pub. L. 111–314, § 2, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3328, pro- vided that: ‘‘(a) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this Act [see Tables for classification] is to codify certain existing laws re- lated to national and commercial space programs as a positive law title of the United States Code. ‘‘(b) CONFORMITY WITH ORIGINAL INTENT.—In the codi- fication of laws by this Act, the intent is to conform to the understood policy, intent, and purpose of Congress in the original enactments, with such amendments and corrections as will remove ambiguities, contradictions, and other imperfections, in accordance with section 205(c)(1) of House Resolution No. 988, 93d Congress, as enacted into law by Public Law 93–554 (2 U.S.C. 285b(1)).’’ TRANSITIONAL AND SAVINGS PROVISIONS Pub. L. 111–314, § 5, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3443, pro- vided that: ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: ‘‘(1) SOURCE PROVISION.—The term ‘source provision’ means a provision of law that is replaced by a title 51 provision. ‘‘(2) TITLE 51 PROVISION.—The term ‘title 51 provi- sion’ means a provision of title 51, United States Code, that is enacted by section 3. ‘‘(b) CUTOFF DATE.—The title 51 provisions replace certain provisions of law enacted on or before July 1, 2009. If a law enacted after that date amends or repeals a source provision, that law is deemed to amend or re- peal, as the case may be, the corresponding title 51 pro- vision. If a law enacted after that date is otherwise in- consistent with a title 51 provision or a provision of this Act [see Tables for classification], that law super- sedes the title 51 provision or provision of this Act to the extent of the inconsistency. ‘‘(c) ORIGINAL DATE OF ENACTMENT UNCHANGED.—For purposes of determining whether one provision of law supersedes another based on enactment later in time, a title 51 provision is deemed to have been enacted on the date of enactment of the corresponding source provi- sion. ‘‘(d) REFERENCES TO TITLE 51 PROVISIONS.—A ref- erence to a title 51 provision is deemed to refer to the corresponding source provision. ‘‘(e) REFERENCES TO SOURCE PROVISIONS.—A reference to a source provision, including a reference in a regula- tion, order, or other law, is deemed to refer to the cor- responding title 51 provision. ‘‘(f) REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND OTHER ADMINISTRA- TIVE ACTIONS.—A regulation, order, or other adminis- trative action in effect under a source provision con- tinues in effect under the corresponding title 51 provi- sion. ‘‘(g) ACTIONS TAKEN AND OFFENSES COMMITTED.—An action taken or an offense committed under a source provision is deemed to have been taken or committed under the corresponding title 51 provision.’’ REPEALS Pub. L. 111–314, § 6, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3444, re- pealed specified laws relating to national and commer- cial space programs, except with respect to rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, or proceedings that were begun before Dec. 18, 2010. Subtitle I—General CHAPTER 101—DEFINITIONS Sec. 10101. Definitions. § 10101. Definitions In this title: (1) ADMINISTRATION.—The term ‘‘Administra- tion’’ means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Adminis- trator’’ means the Administrator of the Na- tional Aeronautics and Space Administration. (Pub. L. 111–314, § 3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3329.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Revised Section Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) 10101 .......... (no source) Title-wide definitions for the terms ‘‘Administra- tion’’ and ‘‘Administrator’’ are added for clarity and convenience. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries SHORT TITLE OF 2022 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title VII, § 10801, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1730, provided that: ‘‘This title [amending sec- tions 20145, 40112, 40903, 50111, and 70907 of this title and sections 18351, 18353, and 18354 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 20102, 20113, 20301, 20302, 40102, 40112, 40113, 60501, 70901 of this title, and preceding section 71101 of this title, amending provi- sions set out as notes under sections 20301 and 20302 of this title and preceding section 71101 of this title] may be cited as the ‘National Aeronautics and Space Admin- istration Authorization Act of 2022’.’’ Pub. L. 117–103, div. HH, title II, § 201, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 1112, provided that: ‘‘This title [amending section 20145 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 20145 of this title] may be cited as the ‘NASA Enhanced-Use Leasing Extension Act of 2022’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2020 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 116–181, § 1, Oct. 21, 2020, 134 Stat. 882, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting chapter 606 of this title, re- Page 4 TITLE 51—NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS § 10101 pealing section 18388 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 60601 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weath- er to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow Act’ or the ‘PROSWIFT Act’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2019 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 116–94, div. I, title VI, § 601, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3027, provided that: ‘‘This title [amending section 20145 of this title] may be cited as the ‘NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2019’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2018 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 115–403, § 1, Dec. 31, 2018, 132 Stat. 5348, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [amending section 20145 of this title] may be cited as the ‘NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2018’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2017 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 115–10, § 1(a), Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 18, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017’.’’ Pub. L. 115–10, title IV, § 441, Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 44, provided that: ‘‘This subtitle [subtitle D (§§ 441–443) of title IV of Pub. L. 115–10, enacting section 20149 of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 20149 of this title] may be cited as the ‘To Research, Evalu- ate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act’ or the ‘TREAT Astronauts Act’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2015 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 114–90, § 1(a), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 704, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting chapter 513 and sec- tions 60126 and 70104 of this title, amending sections 20113, 50131, 50701, 50702, 50901, 50902, 50904 to 50908, 50914, 50915, 50919, 70101 to 70103, and 70907 of this title and sec- tions 18351, 18353, and 18354 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 20113 and 50918 of this title] may be cited as the ‘U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act’.’’ Pub. L. 114–90, title I, § 101, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 705, provided that: ‘‘This title [enacting section 70104 of this title, amending sections 20113, 50131, 50901, 50902, 50904 to 50908, 50914, 50915, 50919, 70101 to 70103, and 70907 of this title and sections 18351, 18353, and 18354 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 20113 and 50918 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Spurring Private Aerospace Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship Act of 2015’ or ‘SPACE Act of 2015’.’’ Pub. L. 114–90, title IV, § 401, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 720, provided that: ‘‘This title [enacting chapter 513 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Space Resource Explo- ration and Utilization Act of 2015’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2013 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 112–273, § 1, Jan. 14, 2013, 126 Stat. 2454, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [amending section 50915 of this title, section 18313 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and provisions set out as a note under section 1701 of Title 50, War and National Defense] may be cited as the ‘Space Exploration Sustainability Act’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2008 ACT Pub. L. 110–422, § 1(a), Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4779, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2005 ACT Pub. L. 109–155, § 1(a), Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2895, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2004 ACT Pub. L. 108–492, § 1, Dec. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 3974, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Commercial Space Launch Amend- ments Act of 2004’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2002 ACT Pub. L. 107–248, title IX, § 901, Oct. 23, 2002, 116 Stat. 1573, provided that: ‘‘This title [see Tables for classi- fication] may be cited as the ‘Commercial Reusable In- Space Transportation Act of 2002’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2000 ACT Pub. L. 106–405, § 1, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1751, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Commercial Space Transportation Competitiveness Act of 2000’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1998 ACT Pub. L. 105–303, § 1(a), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2843, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Commercial Space Act of 1998’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1992 ACT Pub. L. 102–555, § 1, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4163, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1990 ACT Pub. L. 101–611, title II, § 201, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3205, provided that: ‘‘This title [see Tables for classi- fication] may be cited as the ‘Launch Services Pur- chase Act of 1990’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1987 ACT Pub. L. 100–147, title II, § 201, Oct. 30, 1987, 101 Stat. 869, provided that: ‘‘This title [see Tables for classifica- tion] may be cited as the ‘National Space Grant College and Fellowship Act’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1958 ACT Pub. L. 85–568, title I, § 101, July 29, 1958, 72 Stat. 426, provided that: ‘‘This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958’.’’ DEFINITIONS Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title VII, § 10802, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1730, provided that: ‘‘In this title [see Short Title of 2022 Amendment note above]: ‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATION.—The term ‘Administration’ means the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- tration. ‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ‘‘(3) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS.—Ex- cept as otherwise expressly provided, the term ‘appro- priate committees of Congress’ means— ‘‘(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and ‘‘(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- nology of the House of Representatives. ‘‘(4) CISLUNAR SPACE.—The term ‘cislunar space’ means the region of space beyond low-Earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the Moon. ‘‘(5) DEEP SPACE.—The term ‘deep space’ means the region of space beyond low-Earth orbit, including cislunar space. ‘‘(6) DEVELOPMENT COST.—The term ‘development cost’ has the meaning given the term in section 30104 of title 51, United States Code. ‘‘(7) GOVERNMENT ASTRONAUT.—The term ‘govern- ment astronaut’ has the meaning given the term in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code. ‘‘(8) ISS.—The term ‘ISS’ means the International Space Station. ‘‘(9) LOW-ENRICHED URANIUM.—The term ‘low-en- riched uranium’ means uranium having an assay Page 5 TITLE 51—NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS § 10101 greater than the assay for natural uranium but less than 20 percent of the uranium–235 isotope. ‘‘(10) NASA.—The term ‘NASA’ means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ‘‘(11) ORION.—The term ‘Orion’ means the multipur- pose crew vehicle described in section 303 of the Na- tional Aeronautics and Space Administration Au- thorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323). ‘‘(12) OSTP.—The term ‘OSTP’ means the Office of Science and Technology Policy. ‘‘(13) SPACE FLIGHT PARTICIPANT.—The term ‘space flight participant’ has the meaning given the term in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code. ‘‘(14) SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.—The term ‘Space Launch System’ means the Space Launch System au- thorized under section 302 of the National Aero- nautics and Space Administration [Authorization] Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322). ‘‘(15) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT; UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYS- TEM.—The terms ‘unmanned aircraft’ and ‘unmanned aircraft system’ have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.’’ Pub. L. 115–10, § 2, Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 19, provided that: ‘‘In this Act [see Tables for classification]: ‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATION.—The term ‘Administration’ means the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- tration. ‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ‘‘(3) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS.—The term ‘appropriate committees of Congress’ means— ‘‘(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and ‘‘(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- nology of the House of Representatives. ‘‘(4) CIS-LUNAR SPACE.—The term ‘cis-lunar space’ means the region of space from the Earth out to and including the region around the surface of the Moon. ‘‘(5) DEEP SPACE.—The term ‘deep space’ means the region of space beyond low-Earth orbit, to include cis-lunar space. ‘‘(6) GOVERNMENT ASTRONAUT.—The term ‘govern- ment astronaut’ has the meaning given the term in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code. ‘‘(7) ISS.—The term ‘ISS’ means the International Space Station. ‘‘(8) ISS MANAGEMENT ENTITY.—The term ‘ISS man- agement entity’ means the organization with which the Administrator has a cooperative agreement under section 504(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(a)). ‘‘(9) NASA.—The term ‘NASA’ means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ‘‘(10) ORION.—The term ‘Orion’ means the multipur- pose crew vehicle described under section 303 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Au- thorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323). ‘‘(11) SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.—The term ‘Space Launch System’ has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the National Aeronautics and Space Ad- ministration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18302). ‘‘(12) UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ASTRONAUT.—The term ‘United States government astronaut’ has the meaning given the term ‘government astronaut’ in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code, except it does not include an individual who is an inter- national partner astronaut.’’ Pub. L. 111–358, title II, § 206, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3996, provided that: ‘‘In this title [amending section 18421 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and en- acting provisions set out as notes under section 20303 of this title, preceding sections 30501 and 40901 of this title, and under section 18421 of Title 42]: ‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of NASA. ‘‘(2) NASA.—The term ‘NASA’ means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.’’ Pub. L. 110–422, § 3, Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4782, pro- vided that: ‘‘In this Act [see Short Title of 2008 Act note above]: ‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of NASA. ‘‘(2) NASA.—The term ‘NASA’ means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ‘‘(3) NOAA.—The term ‘NOAA’ means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ‘‘(4) OSTP.—The term ‘OSTP’ means the Office of Science and Technology Policy.’’ Pub. L. 109–155, § 2, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2897, pro- vided that: ‘‘In this Act [see Short Title of 2005 Act note above]: ‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ‘‘(2) ISS.—The term ‘ISS’ means the International Space Station. ‘‘(3) NASA.—The term ‘NASA’ means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.’’ Pub. L. 106–391, § 3, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1579, pro- vided that: ‘‘For purposes of this Act [see Tables for classification]— ‘‘(1) the term ‘Administrator’ means the Adminis- trator of the National Aeronautics and Space Admin- istration; ‘‘(2) the term ‘commercial provider’ means any per- son providing space transportation services or other space-related activities, the primary control of which is held by persons other than a Federal, State, local, or foreign government; ‘‘(3) the term ‘critical path’ means the sequence of events of a schedule of events under which a delay in any event causes a delay in the overall schedule; ‘‘(4) the term ‘grant agreement’ has the meaning given that term in section 6302(2) of title 31, United States Code; ‘‘(5) the term ‘institution of higher education’ has the meaning given such term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001); ‘‘(6) the term ‘State’ means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Is- lands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other com- monwealth, territory, or possession of the United States; and ‘‘(7) the term ‘United States commercial provider’ means a commercial provider, organized under the laws of the United States or of a State, which is— ‘‘(A) more than 50 percent owned by United States nationals; or ‘‘(B) a subsidiary of a foreign company and the Secretary of Commerce finds that— ‘‘(i) such subsidiary has in the past evidenced a substantial commitment to the United States market through— ‘‘(I) investments in the United States in long- term research, development, and manufacturing (including the manufacture of major compo- nents and subassemblies); and ‘‘(II) significant contributions to employment in the United States; and ‘‘(ii) the country or countries in which such for- eign company is incorporated or organized, and, if appropriate, in which it principally conducts its business, affords reciprocal treatment to compa- nies described in subparagraph (A) comparable to that afforded to such foreign company’s sub- sidiary in the United States, as evidenced by— ‘‘(I) providing comparable opportunities for companies described in subparagraph (A) to par- ticipate in Government sponsored research and development similar to that authorized under this Act; ‘‘(II) providing no barriers to companies de- scribed in subparagraph (A) with respect to local investment opportunities that are not pro- vided to foreign companies in the United States; and Page 6 TITLE 51—NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS § 20101 ‘‘(III) providing adequate and effective protec- tion for the intellectual property rights of com- panies described in subparagraph (A).’’ Subtitle II—General Program and Policy Provisions CHAPTER 201—NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE PROGRAM SUBCHAPTER I—SHORT TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY, AND DEFINITIONS Sec. 20101. Short title. 20102. Congressional declaration of policy and pur- pose. 20103. Definitions. SUBCHAPTER II—COORDINATION OF AERONAUTICAL AND SPACE ACTIVITIES 20111. National Aeronautics and Space Administra- tion. 20112. Functions of the Administration. 20113. Powers of the Administration in performance of functions. 20114. Administration and Department of Defense coordination. 20115. International cooperation. 20116. Reports to Congress. 20117. Disposal of excess land. SUBCHAPTER III—GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS 20131. Public access to information. 20132. Security requirements. 20133. Permission to carry firearms. 20134. Arrest authority. 20135. Property rights in inventions. 20136. Contributions awards. 20137. Malpractice and negligence suits against United States. 20138. Insurance and indemnification. 20139. Insurance for experimental aerospace vehi- cles. 20140. Appropriations. 20141. Misuse of agency name and initials. 20142. Contracts regarding expendable launch vehi- cles. 20143. Full cost appropriations account structure. 20144. Prize authority. 20145. Lease of non-excess property. 20146. Retrocession of jurisdiction. 20147. Recovery and disposition authority. 20148. Indemnification; NASA launch services and reentry services. 20149. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space flight. SUBCHAPTER IV—UPPER ATMOSPHERE RESEARCH 20161. Congressional declaration of purpose and pol- icy. 20162. Definition of upper atmosphere. 20163. Program authorized. 20164. International cooperation. Editorial Notes AMENDMENTS 2017—Pub. L. 115–10, title III, § 305(b), title IV, § 443(b), Mar. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 32, 47, added items 20148 and 20149. SUBCHAPTER I—SHORT TITLE, DECLARA- TION OF POLICY, AND DEFINITIONS § 20101. Short title This chapter may be cited as the ‘‘National Aeronautics and Space Act’’. (Pub. L. 111–314, § 3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3330.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Revised Section Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) 20101 .......... (no source) Chapter 201 of title 51 restates the National Aero- nautics and Space Act of 1958. Although short titles are generally eliminated as unnecessary in positive law ti- tles of the United States Code, in this case it was sug- gested that the short title ‘‘National Aeronautics and Space Act’’ be provided for convenience. § 20102. Congressional declaration of policy and purpose (a) DEVOTION OF SPACE ACTIVITIES TO PEACE- FUL PURPOSES FOR BENEFIT OF ALL HUMAN- KIND.—Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States that activities in space should be devoted to peaceful purposes for the benefit of all humankind. (b) AERONAUTICAL AND SPACE ACTIVITIES FOR WELFARE AND SECURITY OF UNITED STATES.— Congress declares that the general welfare and security of the United States require that ade- quate provision be made for aeronautical and space activities. Congress further declares that such activities shall be the responsibility of, and shall be directed by, a civilian agency exercising control over aeronautical and space activities sponsored by the United States, except that ac- tivities peculiar to or primarily associated with the development of weapons systems, military operations, or the defense of the United States (including the research and development nec- essary to make effective provision for the de- fense of the United States) shall be the responsi- bility of, and shall be directed by, the Depart- ment of Defense; and that determination as to which agency has responsibility for and direc- tion of any such activity shall be made by the President. (c) COMMERCIAL USE OF SPACE.—Congress de- clares that the general welfare of the United States requires that the Administration seek and encourage, to the maximum extent possible, the fullest commercial use of space. (d) OBJECTIVES OF AERONAUTICAL AND SPACE ACTIVITIES.—The aeronautical and space activi- ties of the United States shall be conducted so as to contribute materially to one or more of the following objectives: (1) The expansion of human knowledge of the Earth and of phenomena in the atmosphere and space. (2) The improvement of the usefulness, per- formance, speed, safety, and efficiency of aero- nautical and space vehicles. (3) The development and operation of vehi- cles capable of carrying instruments, equip- ment, supplies, and living organisms through space. (4) The establishment of long-range studies of the potential benefits to be gained from, the opportunities for, and the problems involved in the utilization of aeronautical and space ac- tivities for peaceful and scientific purposes. (5) The preservation of the role of the United States as a leader in aeronautical and space science and technology and in the application