(a)
In general
The Administrator may establish a ground-based analog capability in remote United States locations in order to assist in the development of lunar operations, life support, and in-situ resource utilization experience and capabilities.
(b)
Environmental characteristics
The Administrator shall select locations for the activities described in subsection (a) that—
(1)
are regularly accessible;
(2)
have significant temperature extremes and range; and
(3)
have access to energy and natural resources (including geothermal, permafrost, volcanic, or other potential resources).
(c)
Involvement of local populations; private sector partners
In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall involve local populations, academia, and industrial partners as much as possible to ensure that ground-based benefits and applications are encouraged and developed.