---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 18326"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "18326"
heading: "Development of technologies and in-space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/18326"
units:
  - "Chapter 159 — Space Exploration, Technology, and Science"
  - "Subchapter II — Expansion of Human Space Flight Beyond the International Space Station and Low-Earth Orbit"
---

# §18326. Development of technologies and in-space capabilities for beyond near-Earth space missions

- (a) **Development authorized—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/18302.md?p=1) 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)](#a), the [Administrator](/usc/42/18302.md?p=1) 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](/usc/42/18302.md?p=10) 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](/usc/42/18302.md?p=4) 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](/usc/42/18302.md?p=4) missions, especially the radiation challenge.
- (c) **Utilization of ISS as testbed—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/18302.md?p=1) may utilize the [ISS](/usc/42/18302.md?p=5) as a testbed for any technology or capability developed under [subsection (a)](#a) in a manner consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
- (d) **Coordination—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/18302.md?p=1) shall coordinate development of technologies and capabilities under this section through an overall [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) technology approach, as authorized by section 905 of this Act.

## Source credit

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

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Section 905 of this Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 111–267, title IX, § 905, Oct. 11, 2010, 124 Stat. 2836, which is not classified to the Code.