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HR 9193

Powering the Future of American Space Dominance Act

119th Congress Introduced by Mike Kennedy and 1 co-sponsor

The bill aims to accelerate and coordinate space nuclear power and propulsion development for lunar and deep-space missions, including private sector involvement and power purchase

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9193

Overview

HR 9193, the Powering the Future of American Space Dominance Act, seeks to advance the United States’ capabilities in space nuclear power and propulsion, with a focus on NASA, the Department of Energy, and private sector participation. The bill emphasizes long-term investment in space nuclear technologies to support lunar, cislunar, and deep-space missions, and it establishes reporting, study, and procurement pathways related to lunar surface power and space nuclear systems.

Main purpose and intent

  • Formalize and accelerate development and demonstrations of space nuclear power and propulsion technologies.
  • Coordinate NASA, DOE, and private sector efforts to enable lunar surface power, survivability during lunar night, and future Moon-to-Mars activities.
  • Create mechanisms to study, test, and potentially purchase lunar power from private providers, leveraging commercial capabilities.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Space nuclear power and propulsion (Section 2)

    • Sense of Congress underscores space nuclear systems as essential for deep-space missions and NASA’s Moon/Mars goals; notes the value of radioisotope heater units and power systems for lunar operations; highlights NASA–DOE collaboration.
    • Requires an updated plan within 180 days that covers:
      • Status and progress of the space nuclear propulsion program.
      • Near-term use cases for nuclear systems, including costs and lunar night survival for commercial lunar payload services (CLPS).
      • Milestones and timing for in-space nuclear propulsion demonstrations in the late 2020s.
      • A phased plan for radioisotope heater units and electric power systems to support Moon-to-Mars and CLPS, with specific deadlines:
      • Demonstrations by 12/31/2028 (heater units) and 12/31/2030 (power systems).
      • Routine use by 12/31/2032.
      • Follow-on activities for Harmonia Radioisotope Power System, including first lunar deployment.
      • Readiness to launch a derivative fission surface power system by 12/31/2030.
      • Coordination with federal agencies, international partners, and private sector.
      • Use of any NASA hardware where appropriate.
    • 180-day “lessons learned” assessment from the NASA–DARPA Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) program, identifying failures and corrective actions.

  2. Lunar surface power (Section 3)

    • Findings establishing the value of reliable lunar power to support exploration and the potential for leveraging commercial lunar power capabilities.
    • Reports (due within 120 days) forecasting NASA’s lunar power demand for the next 10 years, including near-term and night-duration operations, and assessing power needs for humans and robots, plus demand from commercial partners.
    • Feasibility study on lunar power purchase agreements (PPAs) with non-governmental entities, covering technology readiness, required facilities, lessons learned from government PPAs, and policy/legal issues.
    • A two-year horizon for the NASA Administrator to report on study results.

  3. Agreements and procurement (Section 4)

    • Based on report findings, NASA may issue open, competitive solicitations to engage at least two private-sector entities using two different energy technologies to procure lunar surface power.
    • Contract terms must allow termination if power delivery is not underway within four years of agreement and cap pre-delivery payments at 10% of contract value.
    • Sunset provision: authority to enter into such agreements expires October 1, 2030, with ongoing validity for any agreements already in place.

  4. Risk management for commercial partners (Section 6)

    • Requires a 180-day review of indemnification frameworks for space nuclear activities, identifying gaps and potential solutions across radioisotope, fission, and nuclear propulsion systems.
    • Evaluates authorities (e.g., indemnification under federal law, regulatory provisions for launches, Atomic Energy Act coverage) and recommends legislative or regulatory changes.
    • Scope includes government-sponsored missions and public-private partnerships in cislunar space and lunar surface activities.

Affected entities and timeline

  • NASA and DOE lead policy and planning; GAO/committees receive updated plans and reports.
  • Private sector entities may participate via PPAs and competitive procurements for lunar power systems.
  • Key timelines include:
    • Updated plans within 180 days of enactment.
    • Reports on lunar power demand within 120 days.
    • Indemnification framework assessment within 180 days.
    • Sunset of authority for new agreements on Oct 1, 2030, with protections for ongoing agreements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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