Nuclear Systems for High Power Space Applications

It is the mission of the United States Space Force to protect American interests in space, to that end nuclear power systems can add game-changing mission capabilities for orbital warfare and space situational awareness.  The Antares R1 is a terrestrial microreactor system that can be adapted for space operations.  Antares proposes an RDT&E effort aimed at prototyping key components for space operations, demonstrating an accelerated pathway to high-power nuclear systems in orbit through adaptation of an existing design rather than a bespoke space reactor build.  Furthermore, the USSF can take advantage of cost savings of volume manufacturing by leveraging the same manufacturing lines that will be producing terrestrial reactors at scale.  High-power nuclear systems in space will unlock capabilities that are currently not feasible with solar panels such as continuous electric propulsion maneuvers and defensive directed energy systems.