42 USC § 18326 - Development of technologies and in-space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t42/s18326"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_prima_facie"
title: "42 USC § 18326 - Development of technologies and in-space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions"
title_number: 42
title_name: "THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE"
section_number: "18326"
section_name: "Development of technologies and in-space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions"
chapter_number: 159
chapter_name: "SPACE EXPLORATION, TECHNOLOGY, AND SCIENCE"
subchapter_number: "II"
subchapter_name: "EXPANSION OF HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT BEYOND THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AND LOW-EARTH ORBIT"
positive_law: false
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 111–267, title III, § 308, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2818.)"
---


# § 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 elements of missions beyond low-Earth orbit.

**(2)** In-space capabilities such as refueling and storage technology, orbital transfer stages, innovative in-space propulsion technology, communications, and data management that facilitate a broad range of users (including military and commercial) and applications 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 capabilities that enable human missions beyond low-Earth orbit ultimately leading to Mars;

**(2)** in a space-based transfer vehicle including these technologies with an ability to conduct space-based operations that provide capabilities—

**(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 expand human presence to deep space destinations;

**(3)** in advanced life support technologies and capabilities;

**(4)** in technologies and capabilities relating to in-space power, propulsion, and energy systems;

**(5)** in technologies and capabilities relating to in-space propellant transfer and storage;

**(6)** in technologies and capabilities relating to in situ resource utilization; and

**(7)** in expanded research to understand the greatest biological impediments to human deep space missions, especially the radiation challenge.

**(c)** **Utilization of ISS as testbed** The Administrator may utilize the ISS as a testbed for any technology or capability developed under subsection (a) in a manner consistent with the provisions of this chapter.

**(d)** **Coordination** The Administrator shall coordinate development of technologies and capabilities under this section through an overall agency technology approach, as authorized by section 905 of this Act.

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**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 111–267, title III, § 308, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2818.)

## Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Section 905 of this Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is , , , which is not classified to the Code.