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UC Davis Nuclear Reactor Aids NASA's Artemis Moon Mission
The one-megawatt nuclear reactor at UC Davis is used to inspect critical parts of the Artemis II rocket before launch.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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NASA's Artemis II rocket, scheduled to launch this spring, will take humans back to the moon's orbit for the first time in over 50 years. A nuclear reactor at the UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center is playing a crucial role in the mission's success by using neutron radiography to inspect and detect defects in key spacecraft components, including the rocket's frangible joints and the Orion capsule's pyrotechnic windows and hatch.
Why it matters
The UC Davis reactor's role in the Artemis mission highlights the importance of advanced testing and quality assurance for space exploration. By identifying potential issues before launch, the facility helps ensure the safety of NASA's astronauts and the success of the historic moon return.
The details
The one-megawatt nuclear reactor at UC Davis uses uranium fuel to generate neutrons, which are then beamed at NASA objects inside a radiation-shielded bay. This neutron radiography process allows engineers to see inside the parts and detect any defects that could cause problems during the mission. The facility has previously discovered issues in past NASA components, allowing the agency to replace faulty parts before they are integrated into the larger spacecraft.
- The Artemis II rocket is scheduled to launch this spring.
- The UC Davis reactor has been supporting NASA's Artemis program, which is expected to last at least another decade.
The players
UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center
A nuclear research facility at the University of California, Davis that operates a one-megawatt nuclear reactor originally built by the military when the McClellan Air Force Base was active.
Sandra Warren
An engineer at the UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center who oversees the neutron radiography testing of NASA components.
Artemis Program
NASA's initiative to return humans to the moon, with the Artemis II mission scheduled to launch this spring and take astronauts to the moon's orbit.
What they’re saying
“Everything that a person's life depends on usually is neutron radiographed. NASA spares no expense about that.”
— Sandra Warren, Engineer, UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center
“If you can look inside of them and see what's going on, then you can say, 'All right, this part is going to work.'”
— Sandra Warren, Engineer, UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center
“They're brave and they face a lot of dangers, so the least we can do is to make sure that everything works as it's supposed to.”
— Sandra Warren, Engineer, UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center
What’s next
The UC Davis reactor will continue supporting the Artemis program over the next decade as NASA works to return astronauts to the moon.
The takeaway
The UC Davis nuclear reactor's role in the Artemis mission demonstrates the critical importance of advanced testing and quality assurance in space exploration. By using neutron radiography to identify potential issues before launch, the facility helps ensure the safety of NASA's astronauts and the success of the historic moon return.
