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42 U.S.C. § 18311

United States human space flight policy

United States · Title 42 — THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE · Status: effective

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42 U.S.C. § 18311, United States human space flight policy, United States, version 1 as recorded 2026-07-09, yourstate.us, https://yourstate.us/provision/484693
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The Federal Government may not acquire human space flight transportation services from a foreign entity unless— In this subsection: The term “commercial provider” means any person providing human space flight transportation services, primary control of which is held by persons other than the Federal Government, a State or local government, or a foreign government. The term “qualified foreign entity” means a foreign entity that is in compliance with all applicable safety standards and is not prohibited from providing space transportation services under other law. The term “United States commercial provider” means a commercial provider, organized under the laws of the United States or of a State, that is more than 50 percent owned by United States nationals. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the Administrator from negotiating or entering into human space flight transportation arrangements with foreign entities to ensure safety of flight and continued ISS operations. Congress reaffirms the policy stated in section 70501(a) of title 51, that the United States shall maintain an uninterrupted capability for human space flight and operations in low-Earth orbit, and beyond, as an essential instrument of national security and of the capacity to ensure continued United States participation and leadership in the exploration and utilization of space.

Legislative history

The public laws that enacted or amended this section. Tallies are for the whole bill as it passed each chamber — often an omnibus covering far more than this provision — not a vote on this section alone.

  • Enacted byPub. L. 111-267(S. 3729)2010-10-11
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
    House: 304–118Senate: no recorded tally
  • Amended byPub. L. 115-10(S. 442)2017-03-21
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017
    House: no recorded tallySenate: no recorded tally