US start-up Space Ocean Corporation has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes) to explore integrating space nuclear reactor technology into future deep-space missions.
Space Ocean intends to test a 10 kW microreactor developed by SpaceNukes aboard its planned ALV-N satellite. If performance criteria are met, SpaceNukes will become a core supplier of nuclear power units for future Space Ocean missions focused on lunar and planetary operations.
The LOI covers mutual objectives to: explore integration of fluid delivery systems with reactor modules; collect operational data to support Technology Readiness Level 9 certification; form a joint working group to pursue additional space infrastructure and commercial opportunities.
Space Ocean Corp, founded in 2021 and incorporated in Texas, describes itself as “a pioneering a multi-faceted space enterprise”. Its mission is to provide assured, cost-effective water, data, and innovation platforms for space operations. Its vision is “to become the world’s leader and most credible provider of space resources and services”.
SpaceNukes is a spin out from the US Los Angeles National Laboratory (LANL). Its Kilopower reactor technology was developed over the past decade under the joint NASA/NNSA/LANL KRUSTY ground test programme and the current Space Force/Air Force Joint Emergent Technology Supplying On-orbit Nuclear Power (JETSON) programme.
The company states: “From 2010 to 2012, while at LANL, we researched and presented various concepts for deployable reactors, based on our high-power Mars surface reactors, for defence locations, disaster relief, mining operations, etc. Over the years, while at LANL, we proposed our ideas to DARPA [the Defense Department’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency], DOE [Department of Energy] and the Defense Science Board, which ultimately led to significant interest today. We plan to continue to investigate deployable reactors as our company grows.”
Andrew Phelps, CEO of SpaceNukes, noted: “Space Ocean’s vision aligns with our belief that small, scalable and extremely reliable nuclear power is essential for long-duration missions. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for a future where spacecraft can generate, manage and distribute energy far beyond Earth orbit.”
Space Ocean CEO Paul Mamakos said: “Power is mission-critical, especially when you’re operating in the deepest parts of space,” said “This collaboration gives us the opportunity to pair our fluid logistics and delivery infrastructure with nuclear technology that can scale, sustain and energise orbital and planetary missions.”
According to Pete Freeland, President and CTO of Space Ocean, the strategic alliance between SpaceNukes and Space Ocean “is a game changer for not only our programmes, but for planetary exploration missions yet to launch”. He added: “Our collaborative efforts will mature an essential technology for future spaceflight, and we are excited to be aligned with this groundbreaking organisation.”
