Preparing Spaceports for the Nuclear Age

The future of deep-space exploration may depend as much on what happens at the launch site as what happens once a spacecraft reaches orbit.

That was the central theme of the Global Spaceport Alliance webinar, Powering Launch: Nuclear Systems, Testing, and Safe Operations, which brought together experts from RS&H, Merrick & Company, BWXT, and Westinghouse to discuss the realities of handling, testing, integrating, and launching nuclear-powered systems.

While much of the space industry’s attention is focused on advanced reactors, propulsion systems, and power generation technologies, the panel emphasized that enabling nuclear-powered missions requires a parallel evolution in infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and operational procedures here on Earth.

A Technology With Deep Roots

The discussion began with a look at the history of space nuclear systems.

Jo Vehec of BWXT noted that the United States has been studying nuclear power for space applications since the 1950s. Programs such as SNAP, SP-100, SAFE, Prometheus, Kilopower, and DRACO have demonstrated the feasibility of nuclear-powered space systems. Yet despite decades of research, only one U.S. nuclear reactor has ever been launched into space: SNAP-10A in 1965.

The panel agreed that the primary barriers today are no longer technical feasibility. Instead, the challenges involve logistics, regulatory processes, infrastructure, and operational readiness.

Safety Remains the Foundation

One of the most discussed topics was public perception and safety.

Peter Frye of Westinghouse  emphasized that modern reactor concepts incorporate multiple generations of safety improvements from the current terrestrial fleet and are specifically engineered to prevent accidental operation during transportation and launch.

The panel stressed that nuclear safety culture remains central to every aspect of development. Extensive review processes, safety analyses, transportation planning, operational controls, and independent oversight are designed to ensure protection of both workers and the public.

For space nuclear missions to gain widespread acceptance, the industry must demonstrate that these systems can be handled safely and consistently.

Understanding the Regulatory Framework

The discussion highlighted the importance of National Security Presidential Memorandum-20 (NSPM-20), which establishes the U.S. framework for launching spacecraft carrying nuclear systems.

Rather than prescribing specific designs, NSPM-20 uses a risk-based approach that evaluates the probability and consequences of potential accidents. Missions undergo extensive safety reviews involving multiple federal agencies, including NASA, the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others.

Panelists noted that while NSPM-20 provides a foundation for launch approvals, many regulatory questions remain unresolved for transportation, integration, testing, and other ground operations associated with future nuclear-powered missions.

Are Spaceports Ready?

According to the panel, some spaceports already possess experience handling nuclear payloads through decades of radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) missions.

However, supporting future fission reactor systems will require additional capabilities.

Gavin Fink of Merrick & Company explained that future spaceports may need specialized payload processing facilities, radiological monitoring systems, enhanced security protocols, emergency response capabilities, and procedures designed specifically for nuclear payload operations.

Importantly, panelists noted that spaceports are not expected to become nuclear reactor facilities. Reactor systems would remain inactive during transportation and launch, with startup occurring only after reaching their intended operational environment in space.

The Challenge of Ground Operations

A recurring theme throughout the webinar was the need to focus on what several speakers described as the “last mile” of nuclear spaceflight.

While reactor designs continue to mature, practical questions remain:

• How are fueled reactors transported to launch facilities?
• What testing should occur before launch?
• How are nuclear payloads integrated into launch vehicles?
• What infrastructure is required to safely support operations?
• How should regulations evolve to address these unique systems?

The panel observed that many existing regulations were written for commercial power reactors and spent nuclear fuel rather than space reactors that have not been operated and will not be operated until after launch.s. As a result, industry and government are often adapting frameworks that were never originally intended for space applications.

Testing for Space Nuclear Missions

Testing requirements also received significant attention.

Future systems will likely require validation beyond traditional spacecraft testing, including evaluations for impact survivability, thermal exposure, containment performance, dispersal scenarios, and operation within combined space and radiation environments.

The goal, panelists explained, is to maintain the aerospace principle of “test like you fly” while accounting for the unique characteristics of nuclear-powered systems.

Building Toward Routine Operations

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the discussion was that nuclear-powered missions are increasingly viewed as a necessity rather than a distant possibility.

Whether supporting long-duration lunar operations, surviving the lunar night, enabling high-power science missions, or eventually powering deep-space exploration, nuclear systems are expected to become an essential part of future space architectures.

To reach that future, industry, government agencies, launch providers, and spaceports must work together to establish clear processes, practical regulations, and proven operational models.

The technology may be ready. The next challenge is ensuring the infrastructure, policies, and procedures are ready as well.

As the commercial space industry continues to expand beyond Earth orbit, spaceports are emerging as a critical part of the nuclear spaceflight ecosystem transforming from launch sites into enabling infrastructure for the next generation of exploration.