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EO 12660Executive OrderReagan · R

Executive Order 12660

National Microgravity Research Board

This executive order establishes the National Microgravity Research Board, chaired by the NASA Administrator with members from multiple cabinet departments and agencies, to coordinate and stimulate microgravity research across government, academia, and industry. The Board is tasked with developing policy recommendations, advising on research priorities, and promoting commercial applications of microgravity science, with automatic termination after 5 years unless extended.

53 FR 51215
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Impact dates

  1. Board automatic termination unless extended by President

Key directives

  • Establish National Microgravity Research Board with NASA Administrator as Chairman
  • Board reports to President through Economic Policy Council
  • Consult with academia, private industry, and other Federal agencies
  • Stimulate microgravity research and commercial applications
  • Advise on research priorities and opportunities
  • Develop policy recommendations including potential launch voucher program
  • Coordinate agency programs through plan review, merit oversight, technology transfer, and international oversight
  • Board terminates December 16, 1993 unless extended by President

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Board establishment upon signing
  • NASA Administrator designated as Chairman
  • Cabinet members and agency heads become members

Near term (90d)

  • Initial Board meetings as called by President or Chairman
  • Beginning of consultation with academia and private industry

Long term

  • Development of policy recommendations including potential launch voucher program
  • Coordination of merit review processes across agencies
  • Oversight of international program participation through 1993
  • Automatic Board termination on December 16, 1993 unless extended

Risks & tensions

  • Vague reporting frequency ('as necessary') may limit accountability
  • Launch voucher program mentioned but not mandated—uncertain follow-through
  • Technology transfer reliance on prior EO 12591 creates dependency on separate policy
  • Membership of 'other agencies' at presidential discretion creates potential for inconsistent participation
  • 5-year sunset clause without extension mechanism specified beyond presidential discretion
Executive Order 12660: National Microgravity Research Board · Executive Orders