Idaho National Lab Leads US Space Nuclear Power Efforts

Report outlines strategies to accelerate development of nuclear reactors for the moon and beyond.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:21pm

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Idaho National Laboratory is spearheading the development of nuclear reactors for space exploration, aiming to boost US energy dominance on the moon and beyond. The lab is coordinating across multiple national labs to advance space reactor technologies, with specialized staff and facilities like the Transient Reactor Test Facility to conduct critical testing. A new report funded by INL outlines three strategic options to accelerate the pace of space nuclear power development and ensure US leadership in this critical area.

Why it matters

Reliable energy is essential for space exploration, and fission-based nuclear reactors can provide a significant increase in available power compared to current radioisotope systems. Advancing US space nuclear capabilities is crucial for supporting ambitious lunar and Mars missions, as well as maintaining geopolitical leadership in the new space race.

The details

The key differences between space-bound and terrestrial nuclear reactors are mass, temperature, and component endurance. Space reactors must be as light as possible while still being robust and durable, as everything sent into space must be transported by rocket. They also operate at much higher temperatures than terrestrial reactors, and are designed to last 10 years without maintenance, requiring exceptionally durable components and electronics.

  • The report outlines strategies for the US to accelerate space nuclear power development.
  • NASA plans to place a nuclear reactor on the Moon by fiscal year 2030.

The players

Idaho National Laboratory

The lead national laboratory supporting space reactor efforts, coordinating across multiple labs to develop the technologies, capabilities, and infrastructure needed to ensure mission success.

Sebastian Corbisiero

The Department of Energy Space Reactor Initiative national technical director, who says fission reactors can significantly boost what humans can do in space by providing a step increase in available power.

NASA

The agency collaborating with federal agencies, national labs, and private companies to create reliable nuclear reactors for power generation on the Moon and Mars.

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What they’re saying

“It might sound like science fiction, but it's not. It is very realistic and can significantly boost what humans can do in space because fission reactors provide a step increase in the amount of available power. What we need now is a clear path forward.”

— Sebastian Corbisiero, Department of Energy Space Reactor Initiative national technical director

“We're potentially on the cusp of a major step forward regarding nuclear power for space applications. To be a part of an effort like this ― that is as exciting as it gets. That's something you tell your grandkids.”

— Sebastian Corbisiero, Department of Energy Space Reactor Initiative national technical director

What’s next

NASA plans to place a nuclear reactor on the Moon by fiscal year 2030, and the report outlines three strategic options for the US to accelerate the development of space nuclear power capabilities to meet this goal.

The takeaway

Advancing US space nuclear power technology is crucial for supporting ambitious lunar and Mars missions, as well as maintaining geopolitical leadership in the new space race. Idaho National Laboratory is playing a pivotal role in coordinating the nationwide research and development needed to ensure the US maintains its dominance in this critical area.