Co-hosted by the American Nuclear Society, the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Office of Space Commerce, the inaugural “Future of Space Nuclear Power Symposium” will take place in Washington, D.C. Available both in person and online, this event brings together top experts, practitioners, and federal officials to explore the evolution of space nuclear power, covering next-generation technologies as well as strategies for operational resilience. Participants will gain insights to foster public-private collaboration, driving rapid innovation while securing vital industries that underpin national economic strength.

About the Event

The Future of Space Nuclear Power Symposium will convene engineers, technology developers, nuclear industry representatives, satellite operators, academic researchers, standards organizations, and government and commercial leaders to examine the technologies, standards, operational requirements, and government-industry relationships needed to advance nuclear power and propulsion for space.

The symposium will focus on the practical requirements for developing, testing, scaling, and deploying space nuclear systems. Discussions will address power and propulsion technologies; standards and best practices; the needs of commercial users and operators; and the requirements for orbital and lunar surface operations.

The objectives are to:

1. Examine technology development, testing, and scale-up requirements for space nuclear power and propulsion;
2. Discuss standards development, best practices, and technical coordination across industry, academia, and government;
3. Identify the operational needs of commercial users, satellite operators, and lunar surface activities; and
4. Connect enterprises, laboratories, researchers, educators, government stakeholders, and other participants across the space nuclear ecosystem.

Key Discussion Areas

Session topics will address the technical, standards, industry, and operational considerations shaping the development and use of space nuclear systems, including:

1. Technology – Propulsion and Power: Space nuclear power and propulsion technologies, engineering requirements, testing, and pathways to scale-up, with perspectives from government and industry.
2. Standards and Best Practices: Specific standards under development, standards-setting processes, and best practices involving industry, academia, and government organizations.
3. Industry Perspectives and Customer Needs: What commercial consumers and power users need from the government, including the roles of fuel-cycle companies, technology developers, enterprises, and other private-sector participants.
4. Orbital and Lunar Operations: Technology and operational requirements for nuclear systems supporting orbital activities, satellite operations, payload specialists, and lunar surface activities.
5. Government and Operational Perspectives: Government guidance, contracts, legislation, regulatory considerations, and mission requirements, including national security and operational perspectives.

Who Should Attend?

This symposium is intended for private-sector enterprises and technology developers; engineers and technical specialists; nuclear laboratories and testing organizations; satellite operators and payload specialists; lunar surface operators; standards-development organizations; government advisors, legal experts, and policymakers; academic researchers; and educators involved in nuclear engineering and space systems.

The event would also be of interest to organizations working in research and development, testing and operations, technology scale-up, advanced manufacturing, nuclear fuel and fuel-cycle capabilities, and the development of standards, guidance, and best practices for space nuclear activities.