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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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NN Asks: What’s needed to get space nuclear off the ground?
Kate Kelly
For decades, the thrill of space exploration has ignited the imaginations of engineers, scientists, and innovators alike. The dream of expanding humanity’s reach beyond Earth continues to attract the brightest minds, fueling groundbreaking advancements. As we set our sights on missions that venture farther and last longer in the cosmos, one truth stands out: Nuclear technology is the key to unlocking these bold ambitions. Its impact goes far beyond any single mission, driving a surge of momentum that not only propels space exploration but also energizes the entire nuclear ecosystem—sparking innovation and growth in an era of unprecedented opportunity.
Technical Session|Panel|Panels
Friday, April 5, 2024|10:15–11:35AM EDT|Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub Room 603
Session Chair:
Nour Hernandez (Penn State University)
Session Organizer:
Jonathan B. Balog (Penn State University)
Latin for "to the stars", Ad Astra captures the possibilities that nuclear systems can provide for space propulsion and remote power systems. As a result, this area of nuclear science/engineering is drawing increased interest from space agencies and private corporations. Join our panelists as they discuss the current state of the technology, where it's going (literally and figuratively), and how different companies/agencies are approaching the opportunities that nuclear systems afford space applications!
Brian Taylor
NASA
Shane Stimpson
BWXT
Meredith Heh
Westinghouse Electric Co.
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Attachment — Ad Astra - Nuclear Applications in Space Bios
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