US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

51 U.S.C. § 70103

Commercial payloads on space launch system

(a)

Definitions .—

In this section:
(1)

Launch vehicle .—

The term “launch vehicle” means any vehicle constructed for the purpose of operating in, or placing a payload in, outer space.
(2)

Payload .—

The term “payload” means an object which a person undertakes to place in outer space by means of a launch vehicle, and includes subcomponents of the launch vehicle specifically designed or adapted for that object.
(b)

In General .—

Commercial payloads may not be accepted for launch as primary payloads on the space launch system unless the Administrator determines that—
(1)
the payload requires the unique capabilities of the space launch system; or
(2)
launching of the payload on the space launch system is important for either national security or foreign policy purposes.

Pub. L. 111–314, § 3124 Stat. 3428Pub. L. 114–90, title I, § 117(a)(4)129 Stat. 718(, , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

70103(a)

42 U.S.C. 2465c.

Pub. L. 101–611, title II, § 203, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3206; Pub. L. 105–303, title II, § 203(2), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2855.

70103(b)

42 U.S.C. 2465f.

Pub. L. 101–611, title II, § 206, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3207; Pub. L. 105–303, title II, § 203(4), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2855.

Public Law 101–611Public Law 101–61142 U.S.C. 245142 U.S.C. 2465c42 U.S.C. 2465fPublic Law 101–611In subsection (a), the words “this section” are substituted for “this title”, meaning title II of , because title II of was previously repealed except for section 201 (a short title provision, classified to note, in which neither defined term appears) and sections 203 () and 206 () of , which are restated in this section.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 114–902015— substituted “space launch system” for “space shuttle” in section catchline and wherever appearing in text.