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Norway Funds Research and Development of Microreactors for Marine Nuclear Propulsion

Recently, the Research Council of Norway announced an early-stage grant of US$2 million to the Marine Nuclear Power Systems (MarNuPS) project to support the integration and testing of maritime nuclear propulsion technology. It is reported that the project is led by the Norwegian subsidiary of Emerald Nuclear, a U.S. microreactor startup, with a total first-phase research budget of approximately US$15 million. Emerald's GEM microreactor concept uses tristructural isotropic (TRISO) high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel, has a refueling cycle of 5 to 15 years, and plans to adopt a "reactor leasing" rather than direct sales...

2026-10-28

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Accelerate Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Technologies

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) formally signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a summit hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), establishing a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the two parties in the fields of space nuclear power and nuclear propulsion systems, aimed at replacing and revising two previously reached related agreements. The memorandum is titled "Accelerating American Leadership in Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion,"...

2026-10-18

From Deep Space "Nuclear Batteries" to Extraterrestrial Nuclear Propulsion: How Nuclear Technology Is Reshaping the New Paradigm of Future Space Exploration

As deep space exploration, the construction of permanent lunar research stations, and crewed Mars missions gradually move onto the international space agenda, human spaceflight technology is facing unprecedented energy and propulsion bottlenecks. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reviewed and outlined the key role and development trajectory of nuclear technology in space exploration. From the radioisotope thermoelectric generators that quietly served in the Apollo program more than half a century ago, to the efficient micro nuclear fission reactors currently undergoing ground testing, to nuclear propulsion systems expected to cut interplanetary flight times by more than half, space nuclear power technology is evolving from a marginal auxiliary energy source into a strategic core power for deep space exploration....

2026-10-14

US to Partner with UK Firm to Advance Nuclear-Powered Commercial Ships

Stephen Carmel, Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), stated that the United States will sign an agreement with Core Power, a UK-based marine nuclear energy company, to jointly advance the development of a fleet of nuclear-powered commercial ships. Under the arrangement, Washington plans to sign a public-private cooperation agreement with Core Power. The company will participate in promoting the research and development of nuclear propulsion systems in the shipping sector, accelerating the exploration of applications for this technology in commercial vessels. In June of this year, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) approved a nuclear-powered ship design proposed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The design is regarded as a significant step forward in the U.S. technological pathway for nuclear-powered commercial ships...

2026-08-25

Amentum Joins Babcock UK Defense Engineering Services Framework to Support Naval Nuclear Infrastructure Projects

Amentum recently announced that it has joined Babcock International Group's five-year engineering services framework, which will support projects related to nuclear energy, marine, land, aviation, and mission systems for the UK Armed Forces both domestically and overseas. The framework aims to establish closer, longer-term partnerships with key suppliers, delivering specialist engineering capabilities to critical defense programs in a more streamlined and consistent manner. Through this arrangement, suppliers can engage in multiple projects more quickly, helping to optimize procurement processes and enhance project collaboration. According to reports, this framework agreement builds on Amentum's long-standing support for Babcock-related infrastructure, involving facilities such as HMNB Devonport...

2026-08-20

Leonardo DRS to Build New Facility in Connecticut, U.S. to Support Growth in Naval Nuclear Propulsion-Related Business

Leonardo DRS announced on August 4 that it has signed an agreement to build a new facility in Brookfield, Connecticut, U.S., to expand and consolidate its naval electric power systems operations. The project aims to increase production capacity, support key U.S. Navy-related programs, and provide space and infrastructure for the company's future growth in the nuclear energy sector. According to the company's disclosure, the new facility is located at 120 Park Ridge Road in Brookfield, covering approximately 141,087 square feet. Once completed, the facility will consolidate operations currently spread across three locations in Danbury and Bethel, Connecticut. The facility is expected to be operational in early 2027, with partial occupancy potentially available by late 2026 if final design and tenant fit-out work proceed smoothly.

2026-08-06

US BWXT in Discussions with Naval Reactors on Proposed Nuclear-Powered Warship Reactor Design

BWX Technologies is in preliminary discussions with the U.S. Naval Reactors program regarding a proposed nuclear-powered warship. According to company CEO Rex Geveden during the Q2 2026 earnings call, the project could begin long-lead procurement as early as 2028 if approved and funded by the U.S. Congress. Image credit: U.S. Navy. Geveden stated that the design could leverage the existing reactor design used in Ford-class aircraft carriers. Each Ford-class carrier is equipped with two large reactors, while the proposed warship could use one reactor of the same type. Given BWXT's existing naval propulsion systems business, this approach aligns directly with the company's current manufacturing capabilities...

2026-08-05

Amentum Awarded $85 Million Contract to Provide Design Engineering Support for U.S. Navy Nuclear Infrastructure

On July 23, Amentum announced it had secured a three-year, $85 million contract to provide design and modernization support for infrastructure associated with the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program.Under the contract, Amentum will assist in

2026-07-27