Powering the Future of American Space Dominance Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9193
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T20:19:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to advance NASA's development and deployment of nuclear propulsion and power systems for deep space exploration, with a focus on supporting the Moon to Mars Program, lunar surface operations, and commercial partnerships. It emphasizes long-term investment in space nuclear technologies to enable reliable power and propulsion for human and robotic missions.
Key Provisions
- Sense of Congress: Affirms that space nuclear systems are essential for deep space missions, highlights proven technologies like radioisotope systems, and notes the historical NASA-Department of Energy collaboration.
- Plan Updates: Requires NASA to submit updated plans within 180 days on the space nuclear propulsion program, near-term use cases (including lunar night survival), in-space demonstrations, phased radioisotope system deployments by 2028–2032, the Harmonia Radioisotope Power System project, fission surface power readiness by 2030, interagency and private sector engagement, and use of existing hardware.
- Lessons Learned Assessment: Mandates a report within 180 days on failures from the NASA-DARPA Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations program and corrective actions to avoid recurrence.
- Lunar Surface Power Report: Directs a forecast of NASA's 10-year lunar power demand (heat and electricity) for near-term, long-duration, and lunar night activities, including commercial support needs.
- Power Purchase Agreement Study: Authorizes a feasibility study (via a non-governmental entity) on using power purchase agreements for private lunar power development, with a report due in two years.
- Agreements with Private Sector: Allows NASA to enter open, competitive agreements with at least two private entities using different technologies for lunar power procurement by October 1, 2030, with limits on pre-delivery payments (no more than 10% of contract value) and termination rights if power delivery does not begin within four years.
- Indemnification Report: Requires a review within 180 days of existing frameworks for indemnifying commercial partners in space nuclear activities, identifying gaps, and recommending legislative or regulatory changes.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill does not repeal or substantially amend prior statutes but builds on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 by requiring specific updates to its mandated plans. It introduces new statutory authority for NASA to enter time-limited lunar power purchase agreements with private entities and expands reporting requirements on risk management and indemnification under existing laws such as 51 U.S.C. § 20138 and the Atomic Energy Act.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases NASA's planning and coordination workload with the Department of Energy and other agencies; may accelerate lunar power infrastructure development.
- Citizens and Economy: Could reduce long-term mission costs through commercial efficiencies and encourage private sector innovation in nuclear technologies.
- International Relations: Supports potential collaboration with international partners on lunar power systems but raises considerations for agreements involving foreign entities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- NASA (primary implementer).
- Department of Energy and other federal agencies.
- Private sector companies in nuclear power, propulsion, and lunar services.
- Congressional committees on science and space.
- International partners and the Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium.
- Commercial lunar payload services providers.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill addresses potential legal gaps in indemnification and liability for commercial nuclear activities in space, potentially requiring new authorities or clarifications under existing frameworks. It operates within Congress's constitutional authority over federal space programs and raises no apparent constitutional issues. Politically, it promotes U.S. technological leadership in space through public-private partnerships while emphasizing risk management for nuclear systems.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Powering the Future of American Space Dominance Act — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (13 pages)