SpaceNukes and University of Michigan team up to develop next-generation nuclear space propulsion under U.S. Space Force initiative.

SpaceNukes Tapped for Advanced Space Reactor Development in Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan has been selected to lead a national defense technology initiative focused on next-generation space propulsion, and the school is bringing in Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes) as its key commercial partner. The collaboration is part of the SPAR Institute (Space Power and Propulsion for Agility, Responsiveness, and Resilience), under the U.S. Space Force University Consortium’s Space Strategic Technology Institute.

At the heart of the program is the development of nuclear electric propulsion (NEP)—a system that combines compact nuclear fission reactors with electric thrusters to dramatically improve spacecraft agility and fuel efficiency.

Nuclear Electric Propulsion Could Outperform Traditional Rockets

nuclear space propulsion — Rendering of a 40 MW VASIMR® Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) human mission to Mars (Credit, Ad Astra Rocket Company

According to the release, spacecraft using NEP systems may operate 5 to 25 times more efficiently than traditional chemical-based propulsion methods. This performance leap allows for significantly enhanced maneuverability with reduced fuel demands—an especially important factor in both military and long-range space operations.

The goal: vehicles that can “Maneuver Without Regret”—meaning they can reposition in orbit or space without worrying about exhausting their propellant reserves.

University of Michigan Leads Nuclear Space Propulsion Effort With Strategic National Backing

The University of Michigan’s leadership role in the SPAR Institute is a major milestone for Michigan’s academic contribution to national security and space innovation. The collaboration draws on Michigan’s longstanding expertise in aerospace engineering and nuclear science.

Working directly with SpaceNukes, U-M students and faculty will help design second-generation space reactors that achieve higher operational temperatures and reduce size and weight compared to existing solar-powered alternatives. The compact size of these reactors also makes them more difficult to detect—an asset in defense applications.

SpaceNukes Brings Proven Experience With KRUSTY Reactor for NASA

SpaceNukes is the only U.S. company to design, build, and test a new reactor concept in over five decades. The company’s KRUSTY reactor, developed in partnership with NASA, was ground-tested in 2018 and generated 1 kilowatt of power—enough for robotic missions on the Moon or Mars.

Now, SpaceNukes is partnering with the U.S. Space Force on a 12-kilowatt Kilopower system, moving closer to a future flight demonstration.

The company’s growing footprint in the space fission market includes propulsion and power systems tailored to the expanding commercial and government space economies.

Second-Generation Reactors: Compact, Agile, and Operationally Secure

The upcoming NEP system aims to generate more power with less mass, allowing spacecraft to deploy faster, maneuver more flexibly, and survive longer in contested orbital environments.

For Michigan, this partnership means more than technical prestige—it positions the state at the center of the next era of space defense and commercial propulsion systems. U-M’s role offers students a direct path into national security and space tech industries, reinforcing the state’s role in emerging aerospace sectors.

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