Military researchers approach industry for innovations in orbiting space nuclear power design
Key Highlights
Questions and answers:
- What is the goal of DARPA’s On-orbit Nuclear Power Concepts project? To develop cost-effective, safe, and space-qualified nuclear power systems for orbiting satellites.
- When and where will DARPA hold its industry briefing on the project? The briefing will be on 31 March and 1 April 2026 at the DARPA Conference Center in Arlington, Va.
- What type of information is DARPA requesting from industry participants? DARPA seeks details about technologies, safety practices, spaceflight qualification testing, and potential mission applications for on-orbit nuclear power systems.
ARLINGTON, Va. – U.S. military researchers are surveying industry for companies able to develop cost-effective nuclear power systems for orbiting satellites, focusing on technology, safety, and spaceflight qualification.
Officials of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, Va., issued a request for information (DARPA-SN-26-21) on Monday for the On-orbit Nuclear Power Concepts project.
From industry, DARPA wants information on technologies, spaceflight qualification testing, safe handling, and applications for on-orbit space satellite nuclear power systems with a focus on producible, cost- effective nuclear reactors.
DARPA will brief industry on the On-orbit Nuclear Power Concepts project on 31 March and 1 April 2026 at the DARPA Conference Center, 675 N. Randolph St., in Arlington, Va. The meeting will address challenges, collaboration, and key technology risks for on-orbit nuclear power.
Use cases
DARPA is asking industry for information on use cases and mission applications -- including power levels -- that demonstrate significant advantages for on-orbit nuclear power over solar power systems.
DARPA also is seeking information on nuclear reactor design and technologies for orbital space; efficient power conversion technologies; technological challenges of building a nuclear reactor and power conversion system able to survive the launch and space operation; and objectives for a technology demonstration.
Companies interested should email eight-page white papers no later than 6 Feb. 2026 to DARPA at [email protected]. Those submitting white papers will receive details on the industry workshop.
Email questions or concerns to James Shoemaker, the DARPA On-orbit Nuclear Power Concepts program manager, at [email protected]. More information is online at https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/4bc82ea5fe8941dba8f74364147d5631/view.
