ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Jul 2026
Jan 2026
2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
Technical Session|Policy, Regulations, Safety, and Security
Tuesday, April 28, 2026|2:00–3:20PM EDT|Room 306
Session Chair:
Susan S. Voss (GNNA LLC)
Alternate Chair:
Patrick Riley
To access paper attachments, you must be logged in and registered for the meeting.
Register NowLog In
Launch Safety Consequence Analysis for a Generic Space Nuclear Reactor Mission
2:00–2:20PM EDT
D.J. Clayton (Sandia), M.L. Smith (Sandia)
Paper
U.S. Regulatory Gaps in Commercial Space Nuclear Activities
2:20–2:40PM EDT
Kate Doty (PNNL), Catrina Melograna (PNNL), Frank Putzu (PNNL)
So, You Want a Reactor on the Moon: Comprehensive Technical, Policy, and Regulatory Considerations for Fission Power on the Lunar Surface
2:40–3:00PM EDT
Aubrey Means (PNNL), Jim Cabe (PNNL), Katherine Miller (PNNL)
Presented by Frank Putzu (PNNL)