The U.S. military and NASA have power problems. Nuclear microreactors might solve both

Key Points:

• The U.S. federal government is increasing funding to deploy nuclear microreactors on domestic military bases by 2028, with plans to extend their use to remote, harsh environments and eventually lunar and deep space bases.
• Nuclear startup Antares has successfully tested its Mark-0 microreactor and plans to install a 1-megawatt R1 reactor at Fort Bragg by 2028, with ambitions for a space-capable reactor on the moon by 2030, supported by a $161 million Department of Defense award.
• Project Janus, led by the U.S. Army, aims to install 20 microreactors on major bases to ensure reliable, clean power for critical defense operations and reduce reliance on vulnerable fuel convoys, with Radiant as a major recipient developing transportable reactors.
• The Army emphasizes the importance of logistics and aims to prove microreactor technology's safety and affordability before deploying in combat zones, focusing initially on critical infrastructure rather than full base power.
• Established companies like General Atomics are also developing advanced reactors, advocating for larger capacity systems and highlighting the benefits of proven technology, while startups compete on mobility and rapid deployment, reflecting differing approaches within the microreactor industry.