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For more than six decades, the United States has pursued the promise of nuclear power in space — a technology capable of delivering energy where sunlight can’t reach and enabling missions beyond the limits of chemical propulsion. Yet since a brief reactor flight in 1965, no fission reactor has operated in orbit.
Now, amid renewed competition from China and Russia, advancing reactor designs and emerging commercial interest, space nuclear power is at a crossroads. Advocates see it as essential for sustained lunar operations, crewed Mars missions, and national security in cislunar space. Critics warn of cost, complexity, and regulatory hurdles that have derailed past efforts.
In addition, NASA leadership has prioritized a nuclear reactor on the moon.
Join us as we examine why the stakes are high, what’s changed in the past year and whether this time the technology can finally leave the launch pad.
Moderator
Panelists
Jason Rainbow
Senior Staff Writer & Business Intelligence Manager
SpaceNews
Bhavya Lal
Former Acting Chief Technologist and Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy,
NASA
Fred Kennedy
CEO And Co-Founder
Dark Fission Space Systems
Tim Cichan
Space Exploration Architect
Lockheed Martin
sponsored by
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
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