; (B) coordinate with the Department of Defense to prevent duplication of efforts and of investments; (C) include partnerships with universities and industry to accomplish research goals; and (D) maximize public-private utilization of commercially available platforms for hosting research and development flight projects. V Space technology 501. Space Technology Mission Directorate (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that an independent Space Technology Mission Directorate is critical to ensuring continued investments in the development of technologies for missions across NASA’s portfolio, including science and human exploration. (b) Requirement NASA shall maintain a Space Technology Mission Directorate consistent with section 702 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 ( 51 U.S.C. 20301 note). 502. Flight opportunities program Congress reaffirms that the Administrator should provide flight opportunities for payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes as authorized by section 907 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 ( 42 U.S.C. 18405 ). VI STEM engagement 601. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) NASA serves as a source of inspiration to many United States citizens and is uniquely positioned to help increase United States students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math; (2) engaging students in science, technology, engineering, and math and providing hands-on experience at an early age are important aspects of ensuring and promoting United States leadership in innovation; and (3) NASA should strive to use its unique position— (A) to increase K–12 involvement in NASA projects; (B) to enhance higher education in the United States