Space Nuclear Programs Face Challenges Amid Growing Interest

Space nuclear programs are experiencing a surge in interest, but they also face significant challenges, according to industry officials.

The recent Space Nuclear Industry Symposium highlighted the progress being made in space nuclear power and propulsion efforts, including NASA's Space Reactor 1 Freedom project to launch a nuclear electric propulsion system by the end of 2028 and the Lunar Reactor 1 effort to develop a nuclear power system for use on the moon.

Aaron Miles, coordinator for strategic capabilities in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, noted that space nuclear projects are at the intersection of growing interest in both space and nuclear technologies. He stated that space nuclear is indeed having a moment, but this moment is not without issues.

One of the key challenges facing the industry is the lack of a production line for ceramic high-assay low-enriched uranium, or HALEU, fuels that are a likely power source for space nuclear reactors. Demand for HALEU is also growing for terrestrial nuclear power systems, such as small modular reactors.

The Department of Energy, the only current domestic supplier of HALEU, has allocated the fuel to several companies, including Radiant, after making similar allocations last year. However, Jeremy Kenny, manager of NASA's advanced nuclear technology office, noted that the availability of HALEU and the supply chain aspects of it could be a bottleneck in terms of prioritization and availability.

Other issues facing the industry include the supply chain for reactor components, a small workforce with both nuclear and space expertise, and limited access to ground test sites. NASA's work on space nuclear reactors is occurring at the same time as commercial and other government programs to develop small nuclear reactors, raising risks of competition for fuel and other resources.

The U.S. Army's Janus program is seeking to develop microreactors that can power bases, and the Army will soon announce five companies it has selected to proceed with microreactor development for that program. The Army will also announce the bases where those reactors will be located and its overall budget.

Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment, stated that the Army is not focused on space nuclear applications, but described it as the spearhead for advanced nuclear applications. He added that the Army has been collaborating with NASA on elements of it given the technological overlap, and the limited expertise available on such systems.

Bhavya Lal, former NASA associate administrator for technology, policy and strategy, was skeptical that the current administration's support for space nuclear programs would be sustained in the long term. She noted that the support is positional, not structural, and attached to people rather than paper.

Lal recommended that NASA start work on an SR-2 mission before SR-1 launches and develop contingency plans should SR-1 suffer schedule slips. She also suggested that NASA get Congress to own space nuclear, not just be briefed on it, and make multiyear appropriations for space nuclear programs.

Without these steps, Lal warned that NASA could repeat history: "We may still fly one reactor, but it will be the same as 1965, maybe with better graphics."

## Challenges Facing Space Nuclear Programs

The industry is facing several challenges, including the lack of a production line for HALEU fuels, the supply chain for reactor components, a small workforce with both nuclear and space expertise, and limited access to ground test sites.

## Long-term Risks

The long-term sustainability of space nuclear programs is a concern, with some experts skeptical that the current administration's support will be sustained. Bhavya Lal recommended that NASA start work on an SR-2 mission before SR-1 launches and develop contingency plans should SR-1 suffer schedule slips.

## Collaboration and Support

Industry officials are calling for collaboration and support to mitigate the risks facing space nuclear programs. Jeff Waksman stated that the Army and NASA are working together on elements of the Janus program, and that the limited expertise available on such systems requires collaboration.

## Conclusion

Space nuclear programs are experiencing a moment of growth, but they also face significant challenges. Industry officials are calling for collaboration and support to mitigate the risks facing the industry, and to establish real and enduring space nuclear industrial capability and capacity.