42 U.S.C. § 18401
Verified against govinfo.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on govinfo.gov ↗
The Administrator should ensure that NASA maintains a strong aeronautics research portfolio ranging from fundamental research through systems research with specific research goals, including the following:
- (1)NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate shall address research needs of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, including the ability of the National Airspace System to handle up to 3 times the current travel demand by 2025.
- (2)The Directorate shall consider and pursue concepts to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel consumption while maintaining high safety standards and shall pursue research related to alternative fuels.
- (3)The Directorate shall proactively address safety challenges with new and current air vehicles and with operations in the Nation’s current and future air transportation system.