Bill > HR10750

This bill requires the Secretary of the Air Force—acting through the Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory—to establish a pilot program within 180 days to test advanced nuclear fission (splitting atoms for energy) and nuclear fusion (combining atoms for energy) propulsion systems directly in space. Reflecting a growing strategic focus on deep space capabilities, the program aims to reduce technical risks and inform future military requirements for national security missions operating beyond geosynchronous orbit (a high Earth orbit where satellites match Earth's rotation), specifically targeting cislunar space, which is the region of space between the Earth and the Moon. Under this legislation, the Air Force would select private entities with proven prototype development experience to conduct these in-space demonstrations within three years, supported by ground tests, launch acquisitions, and data collection, while also submitting detailed program plans, timelines, and an assessment of parallel strategic propulsion efforts by China to congressional defense committees.