Nuclear Firm BWXT Opens Melbourne IT Center, Eyes Moon Reactor for NASA

BWXT plans to develop a nuclear reactor for NASA's planned moon base by 2030.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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BWX Technology, a $3.2 billion company that produces nuclear reactors and uranium fuel for the U.S. Navy, has opened a new digital center in Melbourne, Florida. The center will focus on digital modernization, including AI and automation for BWXT's manufacturing processes. The company is also a prime candidate to develop a nuclear reactor for NASA's planned moon base by 2030.

Why it matters

BWXT's new Florida presence highlights the growing importance of the Space Coast region for advanced nuclear technology development. As NASA and the Department of Energy aim to deploy a nuclear reactor to the moon's surface by 2030, BWXT's expertise in small modular reactors makes it a leading contender for the project. The company's expansion into Melbourne also signals the region's evolution from an agricultural and tourism hub to a hub for cutting-edge aerospace and defense technology.

The details

BWXT's new 11,600-square-foot digital center in Melbourne will initially employ around 20 workers, with plans to expand to more than 40 people. The center will focus on digital modernization efforts, including increased automation and AI integration across BWXT's manufacturing processes. In addition to its nuclear work for the U.S. Navy, BWXT is also pursuing nuclear-powered rocket propulsion for future NASA deep-space missions, such as trips to Mars.

  • BWXT opened its new Melbourne digital center on February 4, 2026.
  • NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy aim to deploy a nuclear reactor to the moon's surface by 2030.

The players

BWX Technology (BWXT)

A $3.2 billion company that produces nuclear reactors and uranium fuel for the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet.

Rex Geveden

President and CEO of BWXT.

NASA

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which is partnering with the Department of Energy to deploy a nuclear reactor to the moon's surface by 2030.

U.S. Department of Energy

Partnering with NASA to deploy a nuclear reactor to the moon's surface by 2030.

Peter Mannino

Chair of the Melbourne Regional Chamber board.

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What they’re saying

“You can't hardly lay down enough solar arrays to get enough power density to really run a base on the moon. You just can't. And so, you have to get yourself a nuclear reactor so that you can generate 40 kw or 80 kw or 100 kw of power.”

— Rex Geveden, President and CEO, BWXT (FLORIDA TODAY)

“If all that expresses in a big way, I can see us having significant operations on the Space Coast supporting launches, nuclear launches. Maybe a technical workforce to understand things like space environments, space vehicle engineering and other such things.”

— Rex Geveden, President and CEO, BWXT (FLORIDA TODAY)

“Those were the types of things that were here. And I can't imagine those folks imagining a nuclear technology company with a really attractive stock price and great analyst ratings from Wall Street being here in our community.”

— Peter Mannino, Chair, Melbourne Regional Chamber board (FLORIDA TODAY)

What’s next

NASA and the Department of Energy plan to select a contractor to develop the lunar fission reactor by the end of 2026, with the goal of deploying the system to the moon's surface by 2030.

The takeaway

BWXT's expansion into Melbourne highlights the Space Coast's growing importance as a hub for advanced nuclear technology development. As NASA and the DOE work to bring a nuclear reactor to the moon, BWXT's expertise in small modular reactors positions the company as a leading contender for the project, further cementing the region's role in the next era of space exploration.