H.R. 10750: Advanced Nuclear Fission and Fusion Propulsion Systems Act

This bill would authorize the Secretary of the Air Force, through the Air Force Research Laboratory, to set up a pilot program to test advanced nuclear fission and nuclear fusion propulsion technologies in space.

What the program would do

If the Air Force chooses to carry out the program, it would:

• launch in-space demonstrations of advanced nuclear propulsion systems;
• do related risk-reduction research and development before and during those demonstrations;
• focus on reducing technical uncertainty and helping shape future requirements for space missions related to national security;
• consider uses for missions beyond geosynchronous orbit, including cislunar space (the area between Earth and the Moon).

How the Air Force would run it

The bill says the Air Force should choose participants based in part on whether they already have:

• relevant subcomponent or prototype development work, and
• the ability to demonstrate the technology in a reasonable time.

If the program is carried out, the bill requires the Air Force to complete the in-space demonstrations within three years after enactment, with oversight from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards Air Force Base.

Required activities

The program would include, at a minimum:

• setting technical goals and success criteria;
• developing a test plan and concept of operations;
• doing necessary ground testing;
• helping with launch services procurement;
• collecting and analyzing on-orbit data to evaluate performance, reliability, and operability;
• reviewing possible uses for cislunar operations after the demonstrations.

Reporting and planning

Before starting the program, the Secretary would have to send Congress a plan. If the program goes forward, the Secretary would also have to submit a report within one year that describes:

• the activities being carried out and the timeline;
• the technical goals and success criteria;
• major technical risks and how they will be reduced;
• an assessment of similar efforts by China involving advanced space propulsion.

Relevant Companies

• LMT — Lockheed Martin could be directly involved in space systems, defense research, or related contracting tied to nuclear propulsion demonstrations.
• NOC — Northrop Grumman could be affected through defense and space technology development contracts or partnerships.
• NVDA — No direct nuclear propulsion link is stated in the bill, but companies involved in advanced aerospace computing and simulation could see related demand; impact would likely be indirect rather than primary.
• BA — Boeing could be affected if it participates in space systems, launch integration, or government space technology work tied to the demonstrations.