#United States #University of Michigan #Los Alamos #Space Nuclear Power #Nuclear Electric Propulsion

Space Nuclear Power Corporation Partners with USSF

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Space Nuclear Power Corporation, often referred to as SpaceNukes, has partnered with the University of Michigan's US Space Force Space Strategic Technology Institute to innovate in the field of nuclear electric propulsion. This collaboration aims to engineer an advanced fission reactor under the program named the Space Power and Propulsion for Agility, Responsiveness, and Resilience (SPAR).

The SPAR Institute's primary objective is to create spacecraft capable of conducting maneuvers without the conventional concerns associated with fuel depletion. Central to this project is the development of Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) technology that promises to dramatically enhance operational efficiency. Unlike traditional chemical rockets, which offer a limited thrust-to-mass ratio, NEP systems can achieve thrust efficiencies ranging from five to twenty-five times greater. This means that space missions could operate more flexibly, relying on advanced propulsion methods instead of traditional fuel.

Space Nuclear Power Corporation is uniquely positioned for this pioneering initiative, being the only American firm in the past five decades to design, construct, and test a new type of nuclear reactor. Their notable achievement includes the successful 2018 KRUSTY test, which showcased a Kilopower reactor power system, a technology that is already prepared for future lunar and Martian missions.

The collaboration with the University of Michigan includes both students and faculty and focuses on the development of a second-generation reactor. This new reactor design is expected to provide significant advancements over the initial technology; chiefly, it boasts much higher operational temperatures. This attribute could lead to a significantly reduced mass and size when compared to similar solar arrays, enhancing spacecraft agility, ease of deployment, and robustness against adversarial threats.

SpaceNukes' role in this ambitious project represents an important step in the evolution of space technology. The implications of their developments extend beyond scientific curiosity; they also hold potential for commercial applications in the growing space economy.

The overall goal of the SPAR project is clear: to advance the field of space exploration through innovative nuclear technologies that promise reliable, efficient, and resilient propulsion methods. As the partnership continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of humanity’s endeavors in the cosmos.

About Space Nuclear Power Corporation:
Space Nuclear Power Corporation is recognized globally as a leader in space fission technology. The company’s team has played a critical role in various projects, including the pioneering of the 1-kW KRUSTY reactor developed for NASA. Today, they are finalizing the design of a 12 kW Kilopower reactor in collaboration with the Space Force, which is set for flight demonstration. In addition, SpaceNukes is exploring how to commercialize nuclear energy for various applications, including power generation, heating, and electric propulsion to support the expanding needs of the emerging space economy.