Sponsors (4)
The bill channels new DOE–NASA coordination and funding to accelerate advanced space and dual-use R&D and improve transparency, at the cost of higher federal spending, nuclear safety and data-security risks, potential mission creep, and possible disadvantages for small commercial firms.
Researchers, national laboratories, and universities gain new coordinated funding and program support for joint DOE–NASA R&D across propulsion, quantum, AI, and related areas, speeding research and development.
NASA missions and the U.S. space program get improved access to DOE test facilities and nuclear propulsion expertise, accelerating development of advanced space propulsion capabilities.
Scientists, mission planners, and universities benefit from advances in modeling, machine learning, and data analytics that can improve mission planning and scientific and Earth-observation data use.
Taxpayers face higher federal R&D spending or redirected budgets to support joint programs, creating opportunity costs for other priorities.
Local communities, regulators, and the public could face increased nuclear safety, proliferation, and regulatory risks from collaboration on nuclear propulsion and fuels.
Researchers and national labs could face increased data security and privacy risks from expanded interagency data sharing if protective controls are insufficient.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes DOE and NASA to coordinate joint R&D activities and competitive awards across several cross-cutting science and technology areas and to enter interagency agreements.
Authorizes DOE and NASA to coordinate and carry out joint research and development activities, including competitive awards and interagency agreements, in cross-cutting areas such as advanced propulsion, modeling and data analytics, quantum information science, space solar transmission, and radiation health effects. Sets standards for merit review, allows reimbursable and nonreimbursable agreements with other agencies, and requires a joint report to relevant congressional committees within two years.
Official title: To provide for Department of Energy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration research and development coordination, and for other purposes.
Introduced February 14, 2025 by Nicholas J. Begich · Last progress March 25, 2025