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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
Latest Magazine Issues
Apr 2026
Jan 2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
May 2026
Nuclear Technology
March 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
NRC introduces microreactor regulatory framework
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has released a new licensing framework for microreactors and similar reactor designs that may provide a more suitable pathway for applicants with simpler technologies.
The proposed rule—known as Part 57—is the latest to come out of the NRC’s rules review and overhaul stemming from the ADVANCE Act and 2025 nuclear-related executive orders. It is also the latest framework developed for advanced reactor designs shifting away from light water reactor technology, such as the Part 53 rule finalized in March.
Technical Session|Panel|Technology Research and Development
Tuesday, April 28, 2026|8:00–9:20AM EDT|Room 305
This panel will address the critical challenges that must be overcome to enable the deployment of various space nuclear systems within the next 3-5 years. Experts will provide insights into the needs and challenges facing radioisotope, fission surface power, and space nuclear propulsion systems. Additionally, there will be discussion on the nuclear industry’s development of new material supply chains, its need to increase manufacturing capacity, and test and evaluation capabilities that could be required to quantify performance from small-scale materials studies up through an integrated full scale space nuclear system.
Kurt Polzin
NASA
Claude Joyner
Aerojet Rocketdyne
Lee Mason
Michael Smith
Office of the Undersecretary of War (OUSW)
Peter Frye
Westinghouse Electric Co.
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