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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|Policy, Regulations, Safety, and Security
Tuesday, April 28, 2026|1:00–2:00PM EDT|Room 306
Session Chair:
Frank Putzu
Alternate Chair:
Annette Parks
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Thin Film Isotope Nuclear Engine Rocket (TFINER) Preliminary Launch Safety Analysis
1:00–1:06PM EDT
Brian Casel (The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.), James Bickford (The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.)
Paper
Anticipating Cyber Threats to Space Nuclear Systems: Engineering and Policy Options
1:06–1:12PM EDT
Kathleen A. Doty (PNNL), David A. Koch (PNNL), Kevin M. Eldrige (PNNL)
Presented by Catrina Melograna (PNNL)
Mission Pull and Fission Surface Power
1:12–1:18PM EDT
Frank A. Putzu (PNNL)
Impact Tests for the Americium-Based Radioisotope Heater Unit (Am-RHU)
1:18–1:24PM EDT
Alessandra Barco (Univ. Leicester), Ramy Mesalam (Univ. Leicester), Tony Crawford (Univ. Leicester), Richard Ambrosi (Univ. Leicester), Rob Tute (Univ. Leicester), Kris Bell (Univ. Leicester), Emily Jane Watkinson (Univ. Leicester), Adam White (Univ. Leicester), Joanna Lucas (Univ. Leicester), Pierre Coquay (ESA), Christophe Fongarland (ESA)
Strategic Messaging’s Impact on the Public’s Perception of Space Nuclear–Critical Role of the Community to Support Mission Success for All
1:24–1:30PM EDT
Kristin Jansen (NASA Glenn Research Center), Kerri Beisser (Aerospace Corp.), Margaret Simon (Aerospace Corp.), David Lam (ARES Technical Services Corporation)
Enabling Mission Success: Effective Joint Information Center (JIC) Communication During the Mars 2020 Launch
1:30–1:36PM EDT
Vicky Ryan (JPL), Paul VanDamme (JPL), Douglas Isbell (NASA)
Closing the Gap: Policy Reforms Needed to Enable U.S. Space Nuclear Leadership
1:36–1:42PM EDT
John Jacobs (Zeno Power)
Payload Review and FAA Determination for Tritium Power Sources
1:42–1:48PM EDT
Peter Cabauy (City Labs), Kevin Makinson (Nuclear Consulting, LLC), Mark Stone (City Labs)