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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|Architectures, Missions, and Use Cases
Wednesday, April 29, 2026|2:00–3:20PM EDT|Room 306
Session Chair:
Gina Dugala
Alternate Chair:
Monica Salunkhe (Univ. Alabama, Huntsville)
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The Future of Deep Space Exploration Without Pu-238
2:00–2:20PM EDT
William James Adams (Jim Adams World, LLC), James L. Green (Space Science Endeavors), Ralph L. McNutt Jr. (Johns Hopkins Univ. APL), June F. Zakrajsek (Aerospace Corp.)
Paper
REXIS - Rendezvous With Legacy Nuclear Reactors on Earth Orbit
2:20–2:40PM EDT
Michal Marčišovský (Stellar Nuclear), Edita Bromová (Stellar Nuclear), Marek Strnad (Czech Technical Univ.), Martin Ševeček (Czech Technical Univ.), Adam Hláčik (Stellar Exploration)
Voyager 1 and 2, Cassini, New Horizons, Curiosity, and Perseverance – Overachieving Beyond all Expectations
2:40–3:00PM EDT
Thomas J. Sutliff (Aerospace Corp.), Ralph L. McNutt Jr. (Johns Hopkins Univ.)
Dragonfly Mission MMRTG Launch System Integration for the a Horizontal Processing Launch Vehicle System
3:00–3:20PM EDT
Steven R. Vernon (Johns Hopkins APL), Hoi Yee Tom (Johns Hopkins APL)
