---
kind: "section"
citation: "51 U.S.C. § 51301"
title: "51"
title_heading: "National and Commercial Space Programs"
number: "51301"
heading: "Definitions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/51/51301"
units:
  - "Subtitle V — Programs Targeting Commercial Opportunities"
  - "Chapter 513 — Space Resource Commercial Exploration and Utilization"
---

# §51301. Definitions


In this chapter:

- (1) **Asteroid resource.—** The term “asteroid resource” means a [space resource](#2-A) found on or within a single asteroid.
- (2) **Space resource.—**
  - (A) **In general.—** The term “space resource” means an abiotic resource in situ in outer space.
  - (B) **Inclusions.—** The term “[space resource](#2-A)” includes water and minerals.
- (3) **United states citizen.—** The term “United States citizen” has the meaning given the term “[citizen of the United States](/usc/51/50902.md?p=1)” in section 50902.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 114–90, title IV, § 402(a), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 721.)