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Related Topic: Space

Contracts to demo novel space propulsion technologies

Contracts to demo novel space propulsion technologies

The US Defense Innovation Unit has awarded contracts to Ultra Safe Nuclear Technologies and Avalanche Energy to demonstrate the next generation of nuclear propulsion and power capability for small spacecraft.

New Nuclear 18 May 2022

US cislunar nuclear rocket project proceeds to next stage

US cislunar nuclear rocket project proceeds to next stage

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is seeking proposals for Phases 2 and 3 of its Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations programme, which aims to demonstrate a nuclear thermal propulsion system in orbit in fiscal year 2026.

New Nuclear 10 May 2022

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Contracts to demo novel space propulsion technologies

European and US nuclear companies contribute to space work

NASA seeks proposals for lunar reactor

NASA selects reactor concepts for deep space exploration

Nuclear and Stirling engines spur space exploration

Nuclear power in space is focus of IAEA and UN events

Nuclear power system delivered for Mars rover launch

Rolls-Royce moves into Leicester space research centre

US cislunar nuclear rocket project proceeds to next stage

Nuclear power in space is focus of IAEA and UN events

Nuclear power in space is focus of IAEA and UN events

Future space missions could have new options opened up by nuclear technology, experts attending an International Atomic Energy Agency event have said.

Nuclear Policies 21 February 2022

Rolls-Royce moves into Leicester space research centre

Rolls-Royce moves into Leicester space research centre

British engineering group Rolls-Royce has opened new offices at Space Park Leicester to develop its expertise in nuclear power applications for space. Being based there will enable Rolls-Royce employees to better collaborate with researchers from the University of Leicester.

New Nuclear 13 January 2022

NASA seeks proposals for lunar reactor

NASA seeks proposals for lunar reactor

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration is seeking proposals from nuclear and space industry leaders to develop innovative technologies for a fission surface power system for lunar power applications. It hopes to deploy such a system by 2030.

New Nuclear 22 November 2021

European and US nuclear companies contribute to space work

European and US nuclear companies contribute to space work

The European Space Agency has awarded a contract to Belgian company Tractebel to evaluate the possibility of producing plutonium-238 for use in space exploration. Separately, US company X-energy, working as part of a General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems team, is to develop key fuel fabrication processes in support of a first-of-a-kind rocket powered by nuclear thermal propulsion under a contract awarded by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

New Nuclear 01 September 2021

NASA selects reactor concepts for deep space exploration

NASA selects reactor concepts for deep space exploration

Three reactor design concept proposals for a nuclear thermal propulsion system for deep space missions have been selected by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Energy. The reactor will be a critical component of a nuclear thermal engine, which would utilise high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel.

New Nuclear 14 July 2021

NASA marks60 years of nuclear power in space

NASA marks 60 years of nuclear power in space

NASA has marked the 60th anniversary of the launch into space of its first nuclear-powered satellite. Transit IV-A - an experimental navigational satellite with a radioisotope-powered generator - was launched by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory from Cape Canaveral on 29 June 1961, and NASA has since flown more than 25 missions carrying a nuclear power system.

New Nuclear 30 June 2021

USNC subsidiary supporting cislunar rocket contractors

USNC subsidiary supporting cislunar rocket contractors

Ultra Safe Nuclear Technologies - a subsidiary of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation - is providing "critical support" to both prime contractors in the first phase of the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations programme to develop a nuclear thermal propulsion system for cislunar operations. USNC-Tech is the only company participating in both tracks of the programme.

New Nuclear 18 June 2021

USA awards space propulsion contracts

USA awards space propulsion contracts

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has awarded contracts for the first phase of its Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations programme to demonstrate a nuclear thermal propulsion system above low Earth orbit in 2025. General Atomics will carry out reactor development work, while Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin will develop spacecraft concept designs.

New Nuclear 13 April 2021