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
Jun 2026
Jan 2026
2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
July 2026
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Valar’s Ward 250 reaches criticality in Utah
El Segundo, Calif.–based start-up Valar Atomics has taken its Ward 250 test reactor critical at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab (USREL), becoming the second company in the Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program to reach the milestone, and, according to the DOE, the first to do so outside a national laboratory.
The DOE celebrated the achievement in a June 18 announcement, describing it as a "zero-power fueled criticality demonstration." The news follows a similar update for Antares Nuclear's Mark-0 reactor, which the DOE said achieved criticality at Idaho National Laboratory earlier this month.
1919 Connecticut Ave NWWashington, DC 20009, US
Nightly Room RatesGroup Rate: $319 + Tax
Cut-off date for reservations is October 24th, 2025
Book Your Hotel Today!
Government Block Book Your Room Now
At time of booking your credit card will be charged for one night room and tax charges. If your travel plans change and you cancel your reservations, you will receive a full refund if your cancel no less than 72 hours before the expected date of arrival. After this time, no refunds will be issued.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
Internet Access
Parking
Smoke-free
Property Details
Pet Policy
Transportation
Airport shuttle: Not available
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: 6.0 miles
Washington Dulles International Airport: 27.0 miles
Baltimore/Washington International Airport: 33.0 miles
Last modified October 24, 2025, 1:48pm EDT