§70503. Ground-based analog capabilities

(a) In General.-The Administrator may establish a ground-based analog capability in remote United States locations in order to assist in the development of lunar operations, life support, and in-situ resource utilization experience and capabilities.

(b) Environmental Characteristics.-The Administrator shall select locations for the activities described in subsection (a) that-

(1) are regularly accessible;

(2) have significant temperature extremes and range; and

(3) have access to energy and natural resources (including geothermal, permafrost, volcanic, or other potential resources).

(c) Involvement of Local Populations and Private Sector Partners.-In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall involve local populations, academia, and industrial partners as much as possible to ensure that ground-based benefits and applications are encouraged and developed.

( Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3430 .)