Advanced Nuclear Fission and Fusion Propulsion Systems Act
Allows the Air Force to test advanced nuclear fission and fusion propulsion systems in space through a pilot program.
In the House Armed Services Committee since Oct. 5, 2026, 3 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROOCT 5, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Advanced propulsion is one consideration for future national security missions in space. The bill would let the Air Force run a pilot program to demonstrate nuclear fission and fusion propulsion systems in space. If the program proceeds, it would require testing, data analysis, and reports to Congress.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Allows an Air Force propulsion pilot program
The Secretary of the Air Force may establish a pilot program for in-space demonstrations and related risk-reduction work on advanced nuclear fission and fusion propulsion systems. The program is intended to inform future propulsion development for national security space missions.
- Requires demonstrations if the program proceeds
If the Secretary carries out the program, in-space demonstrations must take place within three years after enactment, with oversight by the Air Force Research Laboratory Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
- Sets selection and testing requirements
The Secretary would select participating entities, emphasizing prior subcomponent and prototype development and the ability to demonstrate within reasonable timeframes. The program would set objectives and success criteria, plan and conduct ground tests, help acquire launch services, collect and analyze on-orbit data, and assess potential cislunar uses.
- Requires a plan and congressional report
Before the program begins, the Secretary would submit a plan to the congressional defense committees. If the program proceeds, a report due within one year after enactment would describe activities, the demonstration timeline, objectives, risks and mitigation plans, and parallel Chinese efforts to develop and deploy advanced space propulsion technologies for strategic purposes.
The bill’s stated purpose is to reduce technical risk and inform future requirements for nuclear propulsion in national security space missions, including possible operations beyond geosynchronous orbit and in cislunar orbit. Its practical stakes are whether these propulsion systems can be demonstrated and assessed for performance, operability, and reliability.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedOCT 5, 2026HOUSEOCT 5, 2026By Rep. WhitesidesReferred to Armed Services
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeOCT 5, 2026ARMED SERVICES NOWOCT 5, 2026In committee for 3 daysNo hearing yet
- 3 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- OCT 52026OCT 5, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- OCT 52026OCT 5, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 3, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
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