Astronomy Prints 🌌: Live Event: Nuclear Power in Space

Friday, August 15, 2025

Live Event: Nuclear Power in Space

Has the time come for a real push for nuclear power in space? NASA's onboard, the commercial sector appears to be onboard and it seems policy is leaning that way.

To discuss this topic we'll host a live virtual event on Aug. 28. Registration is open and we're expecting a lively discussion including on nuclear reactors, nuclear electric propulsion, nuclear thermal propulsion and more.

This weeks Space Minds dropped four episodes from the Small Satellite Conference. Their all short, around 15 minutes and our guests are all asked similar questions. Check them out.

If you're interested in sponsoring webinars or Space Minds, including at the World Space Business Week and other events this fall don't hesitate to reach out to the sales team. And don't forget you can send your feedback on our shows to spaceminds@spacenews.com.

UPCOMING LIVE EVENT

Nuclear Power in Space

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 Aug. 28 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.

Did you miss this event? Watch the replay.

WATCH THE REPLAY

SPACE MINDS PODCAST

Space Minds at the Small Satellite Conference

We recorded four episodes at this years record setting Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Our guests included, in order of appearance:

- Sir Martin Sweeting, SSTL

- Tom Walkinshaw, Alba Orbital

- Todd Master, Umbra

- Gabe Zimmerman, Ursa Major

Includes: The full edited transcript for each episode.

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