Definitions

In this Act: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2) Institute The term Institute means the National Institute for Space Research established under section 3. (3) ISS The term ISS means the International Space Station. (4) Microgravity research The term microgravity research means research and development conducted while in orbit in space. (5) Qualified national microgravity project The term qualified national microgravity project — (A) means a project led by a nongovernmental entity using a next-generation microgravity platform that reflects 1 or more microgravity research and development priorities of the United States Government, as identified by the Institute; and (B) includes a project with United States Government funding or subsidy that— (i) is led by 1 or more— (I) institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)); (II) students; or (III) nonprofit organizations; or (ii) is— (I) a commercial venture; or (II) a joint project with the United States Government, of which the United States Government— (aa) is not the lead party for the project; and (bb) serves in a supporting role. (6) Research project The term research project means an in-space research and development project that— (A) uses a next-generation microgravity platform; (B) reflects national priorities of the United States; and (C) is led, funded, or sponsored by a department or agency of the United States Government other than the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (7) Special Government employee The term special Government employee has the meaning given the term in section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code, except that for purposes of this Act, such an employee may be retained, designated, appointed, or employed to perform, with or without compensation, for more than 130 days during a 365-day period.