Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes) has been selected as a commercial partner to develop advanced fission reactor technology for the Space Power and Propulsion for Agility, Responsiveness and Resilience (SPAR) Institute. The SPAR Institute, led by the University of Michigan, is part of the US Space Force's Space Strategic Technology Institute 3 for Advanced Space Power and Propulsion. by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 15, 2025
Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes) has been selected as a commercial partner to develop advanced fission reactor technology for the Space Power and Propulsion for Agility, Responsiveness and Resilience (SPAR) Institute. The SPAR Institute, led by the University of Michigan, is part of the US Space Force's Space Strategic Technology Institute 3 for Advanced Space Power and Propulsion.
Central to this collaboration is the development of Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) systems, which integrate a nuclear reactor power source with electric propulsion to enable "Maneuver Without Regret" capabilities. NEP systems are significantly more efficient than traditional chemical propulsion, offering 5 to 25 times more thrust per unit mass, reducing the risk of running out of propellant during complex maneuvers.
SpaceNukes stands out as the only US company with recent experience in designing, building, and testing an innovative reactor concept. In 2018, the company's Kilopower reactor power system was successfully demonstrated during the KRUSTY test, showcasing a ready-to-fly technology capable of supporting missions on the Moon, Mars, and deep space.
As part of this effort, SpaceNukes is collaborating with University of Michigan students and faculty to develop 2nd-generation reactor technologies. These next-generation reactors offer significant improvements, including higher reactor and radiator temperatures, resulting in lighter, more compact systems that provide greater agility and reduced detectability, making them highly suitable for both civilian and defense applications.
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