51 U.S.C. § 70905

(a) Definition of United States Segment of the International Space Station .— In this section the term “United States segment of the International Space Station” means those elements of the International Space Station manufactured— (1) by the United States; or (2) for the United States by other nations in exchange for funds or launch services. (b) Designation .— To further the policy described in section 70501(a) of this title , the United States segment of the International Space Station is hereby designated a national laboratory. (c) Management.— (1) Partnerships .— The Administrator shall seek to increase the utilization of the International Space Station by other Federal entities and the private sector through partnerships, cost-sharing agreements, and other arrangements that would supplement Administration funding of the International Space Station. (2) Contracting .— The Administrator may enter into a contract with a nongovernmental entity to operate the International Space Station national laboratory, subject to all applicable Federal laws and regulations.