Solar power applications have limitations in space environments, particularly on the Moon and Mars, due to factors like low sun angles, long dark periods and dust degradation. Reliable power sources are essential for long-term habitation, exploration and resource utilization, and nuclear power is positioned to provide efficient and resilient energy.  

We are actively developing innovative fission surface power systems (FSP) to address these challenges. These systems are designed to be extensible to higher power levels and adaptable to diverse lunar and Martian environments.   

The electricity generated by nuclear fission can also be applied to Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP), where an ion propulsion drive is powered by electricity generated by a nuclear reactor. NEP is the most fuel-efficient method for transporting large payloads through cislunar and interplanetary space. In 2023, the Air Force Research Laboratory kicked off a multi-award first phase of the Joint Emergent Technology Supplying On-Orbit Nuclear (JETSON) program to mature high-power NEP technologies and spacecraft design and achieve a system preliminary design. As part of a multi-party team, we are the nuclear manufacturer with Space Nuclear Power Corporation performing the reactor design.