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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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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|Technology Research and Development
Thursday, April 30, 2026|2:00–3:20PM EDT|Room 302/303/304
Session Chair:
Jessica Leung
Alternate Chair:
Krystine Pimentel
This session highlights innovative approaches to spacecraft power and design, focusing on the roadmap for 3D-printed Stirling convertors alongside the preliminary design and atmospheric reentry safety analysis of the JETSON Low Power spacecraft.
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Merging Additive Manufacturing and Stirling Convertors for Space Power Systems: Opportunities, Challenges, and a Roadmap for 3D-Printed Stirling Engines
2:00–2:20PM EDT
Matthew D. Stang (NASA Glenn Research Center)
Paper
Atmospheric Reentry Analysis of a Co-60 Heat Source for the JETSON LP Spacecraft
2:20–2:40PM EDT
Ryan Potter (Standard Nuclear, Inc.), Brian Ade (Standard Nuclear, Inc.)
Preliminary Design of the JETSON-Low Power Spacecraft
2:40–3:00PM EDT
Vincent Bilardo (Intuitive Machines), Chris Tutt (Intuitive Machines), Ben Pigg (Intuitive Machines), Nicholas Marks (Intuitive Machines), Robert Pavelko (Intuitive Machines), Andrew Jordan (Intuitive Machines), John Stanley (Sunpower), Ryan Potter (Standard Nuclear), Ricky Kanak (Standard Nuclear), Robert Hon (West Coast Solutions), Scott Kimbrel (L3Harris/Aerojet Rocketdyne)
