---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 18324"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "18324"
heading: "Utilization of existing workforce and assets in development of Space Launch System and multi-purpose crew vehicle"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/18324"
units:
  - "Chapter 159 — Space Exploration, Technology, and Science"
  - "Subchapter II — Expansion of Human Space Flight Beyond the International Space Station and Low-Earth Orbit"
---

# §18324. Utilization of existing workforce and assets in development of Space Launch System and multi-purpose crew vehicle

- (a) **In general—** In developing the [Space Launch System](/usc/42/18302.md?p=10) pursuant to [section 18322 of this title](/usc/42/18322.md) and the multi-purpose crew vehicle pursuant to [section 18323 of this title](/usc/42/18323.md), the [Administrator](/usc/42/18302.md?p=1) shall, to the extent practicable utilize—
  - (1) existing contracts, investments, workforce, industrial base, and capabilities from the Space Shuttle and Orion and Ares 1 [projects](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2), including—
    - (A) space-suit development activities for application to, and coordinated development of, a multi-purpose crew vehicle suit and associated life-support requirements with potential development of standard [NASA](/usc/42/18302.md?p=6)-certified suit and life support systems for use in alternative commercially-developed crew transportation systems; and
    - (B) Space Shuttle-derived components and Ares 1 components that use existing United States propulsion systems, including liquid fuel engines, external tank or tank-related capability, and solid rocket motor engines; and
  - (2) associated testing facilities, either in being or under [construction](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=7) as of October 11, 2010.
- (b) **Discharge of requirements—** In meeting the requirements of [subsection (a)](#a), the [Administrator](/usc/42/18302.md?p=1)—
  - (1) shall, to the extent practicable, utilize ground-based manufacturing capability, ground testing activities, launch and operations 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 operations processes;
  - (3) shall complete [construction](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=7) and activation of the A–3 test stand with a completion goal of September 30, 2013;
  - (4) may procure, develop, and flight test applicable components; and
  - (5) shall take appropriate actions to ensure timely and cost-effective development of the [Space Launch System](/usc/42/18302.md?p=10) and the multi-purpose crew vehicle, including the use of a procurement approach that incorporates adequate and effective oversight, the facilitation of contractor efficiencies, and the stream-lining of contract and procurement requirements.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 111–267, title III, § 304, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2816.)