51 U.S.C. § 20301 — General responsibilities

(a) Programs. The Administrator^* must ensure that the Administration^* carries out a balanced set of programs that must include, at a minimum, programs in— (1) human space flight, under section 20302 of this title ; (2) aeronautics research and development; and (3) scientific research, which must include, at a minimum— (A) robotic missions to study the Moon and other planets and their moons, and to deepen understanding of astronomy, astrophysics, and other areas of science that can be productively studied from space; (B) Earth science research and research on the Sun-Earth connection through the development and operation of research satellites and other means; (C) support of university research in space science, Earth science, and microgravity science; and (D) research on microgravity, including research that is not directly related to human exploration. (b) Consultation and Coordination. In carrying out the programs of the Administration, the Administrator must— (1) consult and coordinate to the extent appropriate with other relevant Federal agencies, including through the National Science and Technology Council; (2) work closely with the private sector, including by— (A) encouraging the work of entrepreneurs who are seeking to develop new means to launch satellites, crew, or cargo; (B) contracting with the private sector for crew and cargo services, including to the International Space Station, to the extent practicable; (C) using commercially available products (including software) and services to the extent practicable to support all Administration activities; and (D) encouraging commercial use and development of space to the greatest extent practicable; and (3) involve other nations to the extent appropriate.