Space nuclear programs face near- and long-term challenges

[Marlin]

Space nuclear programs face near- and long-term challenges

https://spacenews.com/space-nuclear-programs-face-near-and-long-term-challenges/

[Core Content]

Government and industry officials recently identified supply chain and workforce challenges facing space nuclear programs. While projects like NASA's Space Reactor 1 move toward a 2028 launch, leaders cited limited access to high-assay low-enriched uranium, specialized component manufacturing, and a shortage of personnel with dual expertise in nuclear and space sectors.

These constraints create potential competition for resources between space missions and terrestrial small modular reactor development. Industry experts warn that current support remains tied to specific administrations rather than structural policy. Establishing long-term industrial capacity requires multiyear congressional appropriations to ensure these programs survive future leadership transitions and avoid historical patterns of cancellation.

While space nuclear programs are "having a moment," industry officials say they face near-term challenges as well as longer-term concerns.

At a recent conference, both government and industry representatives highlighted the recent progress on 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, said in a keynote at the Space Nuclear Industry Symposium here Aug. 13 that space nuclear projects stood at the intersection of growing interest in both space and nuclear technologies.

Read the full article at SpaceNews:
https://spacenews.com/space-nuclear-programs-face-near-and-long-term-challenges/