Powering the Next Frontier: Nuclear Power and Propulsion
Operations on the Moon and missions deeper into space will require energy systems that can perform where sunlight, batteries, and conventional propulsion reach their limits. This panel examines nuclear technology’s role in providing surface power and enabling faster transportation beyond Earth. Panelists will explore fission surface power, nuclear electric propulsion, nuclear thermal propulsion, fuel supply, testing, safety, and the industrial capabilities needed to move these systems from development to operation. The discussion will address the deployment pathway: mission requirements, public-private roles, launch authorization, regulation, security, workforce, supply chain readiness, and public confidence. It will compare where nuclear solutions create decisive value and where other technologies remain more practical. Bringing together government, industry, technical, and policy perspectives, the session will clarify decisions that must be made now to avoid power and propulsion becoming constraints on future missions. Attendees will gain a realistic assessment of readiness, remaining barriers, and commercial opportunities emerging around space nuclear infrastructure.
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