§ 14735. National launch capability study
(a)
Findings
Congress finds that a robust satellite and launch industry in the United States serves the interest of the United States by—
(b)
Definitions
In this section:
(2)
Total potential national mission model
The term “total potential national mission model” means a model that—
(c)
Report
(1)
In general
Not later than 180 days after October 28, 1998, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Administrator and appropriate representatives of the satellite and launch industry and the governments of States and political subdivisions thereof—
(2)
Requirements for report
The report prepared under this subsection shall—
(A)
identify the total potential national mission model for the period beginning on the date of the report and ending on December 31, 2007;
(B)
identify the resources that are necessary or available to carry out the total potential national mission model described in subparagraph (A), including—
(d)
Recommendations
Based on the reports under subsection (c) of this section, the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Commerce, and representatives from interested private sector entities, States, and local governments, shall—
(1)
identify opportunities for investment by non-Federal entities (including States and political subdivisions thereof and private sector entities) to assist the Federal Government in providing launch capabilities for the commercial space industry in the United States;
(2)
identify one or more methods by which, if sufficient resources referred to in subsection (c)(2)(D) of this section are not available to the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the control of the launch property and launch services of the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration may be transferred from the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to—