NASA and DOE Collaborate on Space Nuclear Technologies

NASA and the US Department of Energy (DOE) have formalized a partnership to accelerate the development of next-generation nuclear technologies for space. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), titled "Accelerating American Leadership in Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion," was signed on October 8 by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. The MoU, which takes effect on November 1, aims to enhance civil space exploration, facilitate scientific discovery, and strengthen American leadership in space nuclear power and propulsion.

NASA Administrator Isaacman stated that the agency is entering a "Nuclear-NASA era," signifying a transformation in space exploration. He emphasized that nuclear power will enable longer missions, greater distances, and more capable spacecraft and instruments. This initiative is intended to lay the groundwork for future fission-powered spacecraft and open new frontiers for exploration.

Fission-Powered Spacecraft and Lunar Reactors

NASA is working towards a 2030 deadline to develop a launch-ready lunar surface reactor, a directive under the 2025 Executive Order on Ensuring American Space Superiority. The agency reports steady progress on this goal in collaboration with the DOE.

A key project is the Space Reactor-1 Freedom (SR-1), described as the first fission-powered interplanetary spacecraft, with a target launch in late 2028. The SR-1 mission, named SkyFall, will demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion in space. Its nuclear fission reactor will activate 48 hours into the mission, after escaping Earth's gravity, to power electric thrusters for navigation to Mars. The spacecraft will deploy three Ingenuity-class helicopters equipped with cameras, ground-penetrating radar, and radios to survey potential human landing sites, search for subsurface water, and relay navigation data for future landers in the Martian atmosphere.

The SR-1 mission is designed to inform and enable the Lunar Reactor-1 (LR-1), a fission surface power system intended to sustain NASA's planned Moon Base during periods of darkness and in areas where solar power is insufficient. By launching a reactor first, without the complexities of a lunar landing, NASA aims to reduce nuclear flight risk, stimulate and qualify the supply chain, and develop the workforce required for future space nuclear missions.

Radioisotope Power Systems

NASA is also expanding its use of radioisotope power systems, which have been a power source for space missions since 1961, utilizing energy from the radioactive decay of isotopes. The Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan, also scheduled for a 2028 launch, will use a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator and 24 Lightweight Radioisotope Heater Units to power and warm the rotorcraft. Additionally, NASA and DOE plan to provide 24 similar heater units to the European Space Agency's (ESA) Rosalind Franklin Mars rover to maintain instrument temperatures in the Martian environment.

Urenco USA Expands Enrichment Capacity to Support US Nuclear Industry

Urenco USA is expanding its National Enrichment Facility in Eunice, New Mexico, which is currently the sole commercial uranium enrichment facility in the United States. The company aims to increase its domestic enrichment production capacity to over 7 million separative work units (SWU) within the next decade.

The expansion involves several phases. Between 2025 and 2027, 700,000 SWU of new capacity will be installed through the addition of eight centrifuge cascades in an existing building. The seventh cascade is expected to be installed later this year, with the final cascade operational by spring 2027.

Starting next year, Urenco USA plans to refurbish existing cascades at the facility. This initiative is part of ongoing capital investments designed to ensure a long-term, reliable supply of enrichment services for its customers.

In 2029, construction is scheduled to begin on a new enrichment plant at the facility. This new plant will add 2.1 million SWU of enrichment capacity. Initial cascades are projected to start production in 2032, with additional cascades installed through 2036.

Jody Blackshear, Managing Director of Urenco USA, stated that the company is delivering new capacity ahead of schedule and within budget to support the US nuclear industry and allied nations. This experience will inform future capacity programs as Urenco aims to increase its enrichment production by over 50% to meet the needs of both traditional and advanced reactors.

India's Power Transmission and Data Center Growth to Boost Capital Goods Sector

According to a 360 ONE Capital report, the engineering and capital goods sector in India is poised for growth due to an expanding power transmission network and rising data center demand. High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology is identified as a significant driver.

The report projects India's HVDC capacity to increase from 34.5 GW in FY27 to 55 GW by FY32, with an additional 78 GW in the pipeline by FY36, as identified by CEA. This expansion is crucial for integrating renewable energy and strengthening the power grid. Data center capacity in India is expected to reach 13-18 GW by 2030, up from under 2 GW, creating further demand for reliable power supply and advanced grid equipment.

To support this growth, manufacturing capacity expansion and increased domestic production of specialized transmission equipment are anticipated. Localizing high-voltage equipment is expected to reduce import reliance and enhance supply-chain control. However, potential risks include project delays, increased input costs, and uncertainties in global investment for AI infrastructure.