Nuclear companies are venturing into the realm of space technology, with exciting developments on the horizon. NASA has awarded Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation a contract to manufacture and test fuel, as well as design a nuclear thermal propulsion engine for upcoming missions. In a separate venture, Space Nuclear Power Corporation has partnered with Lockheed Martin Corporation and BWX Technologies for the JETSON nuclear electric propulsion demonstration project. Additionally, Framatome has launched Framatome Space, a brand that aims to leverage the company’s nuclear and industrial expertise in the space industry.
Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) recently secured a USD5 million contract from NASA to manufacture and test advanced fuel. The company will also collaborate with Blue Origin to refine the design of a nuclear thermal propulsion engine for near-term space missions. This contract marks a significant milestone, as nuclear thermal propulsion moves from theory to practical application. The project builds upon the groundwork laid by NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s DRACO program, which aims to demonstrate a nuclear thermal propulsion system in orbit by 2027.
Vishal Patel, USNC’s program manager for Nuclear Propulsion, expressed enthusiasm for the future of nuclear thermal propulsion. He emphasized the need for further development before the technology can be deployed for real space missions. Patel stated, “This next year will get us prepared for operational missions achieving higher performance after the DRACO demonstration.”
USNC has already made strides in the field, having delivered uranium nitride-coated uranium oxycarbide tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel to NASA’s Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion program. The new contract will involve manufacturing fuel assemblies for testing under prototypic conditions. Additionally, USNC will construct and test critical safety systems for the nuclear thermal propulsion engine, a prerequisite for integrated nuclear system testing at a Department of Energy site.
Meanwhile, the JETSON project, initiated by the US Air Force Research Laboratory, aims to develop nuclear electric propulsion technology for spacecraft. Space Nuclear Power Corporation, known as SpaceNukes, has joined forces with Lockheed Martin Corporation and BWX Technologies for this endeavor. SpaceNukes will oversee the design and assembly of the nuclear reactor power system, while Lockheed Martin-Space will handle the spacecraft portion of the project. BWX Technologies will contribute their expertise in reactor development and manufacturing to ensure the suitability of the reactor design. Andy Phelps, co-founder and CEO of SpaceNukes, highlighted the immense potential of fission power in space and the need to establish the necessary infrastructure for groundbreaking capabilities.
Framatome, a French company with 65 years of nuclear and industrial experience, has also entered the space race. The company recently launched Framatome Space, which aims to utilize its expertise in the space industry. Framatome is already involved in a feasibility study on a nuclear thermal propulsion engine with the French Alternative Energies & Atomic Energy Commission and Ariane Group. Additionally, Framatome plans to collaborate with USNC to manufacture TRISO particles on a commercial scale. Bernard Fontana, CEO of Framatome, expressed pride in contributing to the new era of space travel and emphasized the role of nuclear power in enabling faster and more efficient missions. Grégoire Lambert, Vice President of Strategy at Framatome and Framatome Space, affirmed the company’s readiness to play a decisive role in the future of space exploration.
The involvement of nuclear companies in space technology missions signifies a significant step forward in the quest for innovative space travel. With ongoing developments and partnerships, the potential for nuclear propulsion and power systems in space is becoming increasingly tangible.
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