Promoting Small Modular Reactors for National Defense and Space Exploration

What it means

Directs federal agencies to promote small modular nuclear reactors for defense installations and space exploration. The Pentagon must develop a plan to demonstrate a micro-reactor at a military installation, while NASA must define nuclear energy requirements for space missions through 2040.

Expected impact

• Enhanced energy flexibility and security at remote military installations
• Advancement of space exploration capabilities through nuclear power sources
• Development of domestic nuclear fuel supply chain, particularly high-assay low-enriched uranium
• Creation of a coordinated technology roadmap between defense and space agencies through 2030
• Potential economic benefits from transitioning government nuclear technologies to the private sector