Space nuclear power and propulsion systems

(a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) space nuclear systems are a key enabling technology for deep space human and robotic missions; (2) development of space nuclear systems will require long-term commitment and investment; (3) advancing space nuclear systems could support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) efforts to ensure technological readiness for Moon and Mars missions and other deep space exploration; (4) radioisotope heater units and electric radioisotope power systems represent proven, near-term technologies capable of enabling lunar night survival and sustained surface operations; and (5) NASA and the Department of Energy have a long history of collaboration on the development of space nuclear power and propulsion systems. (b) Plans Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an update to each of the plans required under subsections (a)(3) and (b)(2) of section 10841 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2022 (51 U.S.C. 20301 note), which shall include information relating to the following: (1) The status of and progress made with respect to the space nuclear propulsion program under subsection (a)(2) of such section. (2) An assessment of the potential near-term use cases of nuclear systems for NASA missions, including how such systems could be used on commercial lunar payload services missions for lunar night survival, and an estimate of associated costs. (3) The status of the in-space demonstration of a nuclear propulsion system in the late 2020s, including remaining milestones and estimated dates for completion of each such milestone. (4) A proposed phased program for use of radioisotope heater units and electric radioisotope power systems to further the goals of the Moon to Mars Program and the commercial lunar payload services program, including the following: (A) Demonstrations of radioisotope heater units for lunar night survival by not later than December 31, 2028, and of radioisotope power systems by not later than December 31, 2030. (B) Routine use of such systems for lunar night survival and operations by not later than December 31, 2032. (5) A description of follow-on activities for the Harmonia Radioisotope Power System project for demonstration and deployments, including a timeline and plan for first deployment on the lunar surface. (6) An assessment of the readiness to launch a derivative fission surface power system by December 31, 2030, for deployment on the surface of the Moon. (7) A description of current and planned NASA efforts to engage with Federal departments and agencies and private sector entities on the development and demonstration of space nuclear systems and technologies. (8) A plan for the use of previously developed NASA hardware, as appropriate. (c) Lessons learned assessment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a lessons learned assessment derived from the joint NASA–DARPA Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations program. Such assessment shall identify the following: (1) The technical, programmatic, governance, acquisition, and interagency coordination failures that contributed to the inability to execute a flight demonstration. (2) The corrective actions the Administrator of NASA has taken or will take to prevent recurrence of such failures in future space nuclear power and propulsion programs.