Summary of HR 6638 (119th Congress, 1st Session)

Overview

• Bill Number: HR 6638
• Title: To require a report on merits and options for establishing an institute relating to space resources, and for other purposes.
• Introduced: December 11, 2025
• Introduced By: Rep. Foushee (principal) and Rep. Webster (FL)
• Status: Introduced in House; referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
• Objective: Commission a joint NASA and Department of Commerce assessment of the merits and options for establishing an institute focused on space resources, with the aim of advancing U.S. space leadership and capabilities.

Purpose and Intent

The bill directs the executive branch (NASA and the Secretary of Commerce) to study and report on the potential creation of an institute dedicated to space resources. The goal is to identify foundational science, industrial capability, and technology needed to locate, extract, and use space resources in a way that supports current and future space architectures, programs, missions, and economic activity, while also enhancing responsible use and reducing risks.

Key Provisions

• Mandatory Report Deadline: No later than 180 days after enactment, NASA Administrator and Secretary of Commerce must jointly submit a report to:
  • House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
  • Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
• Report Content (Merits and Options):
  • Benefits of establishing an institute related to space resources
  • Options for establishing such an institute
  • Alignment with objectives to maintain U.S. preeminence in space
  • Specific objectives to be advanced by the institute, including: 1) Identifying, developing, and distributing space resources; fostering foundational science, industrial capability, and technology 2) Reducing technological and business risks in space resource identification, development, and distribution 3) Research to maximize responsible use of space resources 4) Developing options for using space resources to:
    • Support current and future space architectures, programs, businesses, and missions
    • Enable capabilities that would be otherwise impossible
    • Supplement the Earth-based supply of resources
• Additional Assessments (Subsection b):
  • Whether a virtual or physical institute is more cost-effective and appropriate
  • Whether partnerships with institutions of higher education, the aerospace industry, and the extractive industry would enhance information exchange and progress toward the institute’s objectives

Definitions (Section c)

• Extractive Industry: Companies and individuals involved in extracting raw or natural materials or energy sources (e.g., mining, quarrying, drilling, dredging).
• Institute of Higher Education: As defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001(a).
• Space Resource: An abiotic resource in situ in outer space, including raw materials or energy sources.

Potential Impact and Implications

• Policy and Planning: Establishes a formal, government-led pathway to evaluate the feasibility and design of a space-resource institute, potentially shaping future research agendas, public–private partnerships, and regulatory frameworks.
• Industry and Academia: Signals potential collaboration with universities and industry, including the extractive sector, to advance knowledge and technical capabilities related to space resources.
• Budget and Timeline: The act itself does not authorize funding beyond directing a report; any subsequent establishment of an institute would depend on future legislation and appropriations following the mandated assessment.
• Strategic Significance: Aims to support U.S. leadership in space resource utilization, technology development, and risk management for space-based operations and missions.

Procedural Timeline

• Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on December 11, 2025.
• If enacted, the required joint NASA–Economy Department of Commerce report would be due within 180 days of enactment.