; and (5) to achieve human exploration of Mars and beyond through the prioritization of those technologies and capabilities best suited for such a mission in accordance with the stepping stone approach to exploration under section 70504 of this title. III EXPANSION OF HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT BEYOND THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AND LOW-EARTH ORBIT 71521. Space Launch System as follow-on launch vehicle to the space shuttle (a) Policy It is the policy of the United States that the Administration develop a Space Launch System as a follow-on to the space shuttle that can access cis-lunar space and the regions of space beyond low-Earth orbit in order to enable the United States to participate in global efforts to access and develop that increasingly strategic region. (b) Initiation of Development (1) In general As soon as practicable after October 11, 2010, the Administrator shall initiate development of a Space Launch System meeting the minimum capability requirements specified in subsection (c). (2) Modification of current contracts In order to limit the Administration’s termination liability costs and support critical capabilities, the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, extend or modify existing (as of October 11, 2010) vehicle development and associated contracts necessary to meet the requirement in paragraph (1), including contracts for ground testing of solid rocket motors, if necessary, to ensure their availability for development of the Space Launch System. (c) Minimum Capability Requirements (1) In general The Space Launch System developed pursuant to subsection (b) shall be designed to have, at a minimum, the following: (A) The initial capability of the core elements, without an upper stage, of lifting payloads weighing between 70 and 100 tons into low-Earth orbit in preparation for transit for missions beyond low-Earth orbit. (B) The capability to carry an integrated upper Earth departure stage bringing the total lift capability of the Space Launch System to 130 tons or more. (C) The capability to