It is the policy of the United States that NASA develop a Space Launch System as a follow-on to the Space Shuttle that can access cis-lunar space and the regions of space beyond low-Earth orbit in order to enable the United States to participate in global efforts to access and develop this increasingly strategic region.
The Administrator shall, as soon as practicable after October 11, 2010, initiate development of a Space Launch System meeting the minimum capabilities requirements specified in subsection (c).
In order to limit NASA's termination liability costs and support critical capabilities, the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, extend or modify existing vehicle development and associated contracts necessary to meet the requirements in paragraph (1), including contracts for ground testing of solid rocket motors, if necessary, to ensure their availability for development of the Space Launch System.
42 U.S.C. § 18322
- Administrator
- The term "Administrator" means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- ISS
- The term "ISS" means the International Space Station.
- NASA
- The term "NASA" means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Space Launch System
- The term "Space Launch System" means the follow-on government-owned civil launch system developed, managed, and operated by NASA to serve as a key component to expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit.1So in original. Probably should be followed by "and Technology".
- 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.