51 U.S.C. § 20103: Definitions

research into, and the solution of, problems of flight within and outside the Earth’s atmosphere; the development, construction, testing, and operation for research purposes of aeronautical and space vehicles; the operation of a space transportation system including the space shuttle, upper stages, space platforms, and related equipment; and such other activities as may be required for the exploration of space. The term “aeronautical and space vehicles” means aircraft, missiles, satellites, and other space vehicles, manned and unmanned, together with related equipment, devices, components, and parts.