SpaceNukes wins DARPA agreement for ground test of autonomous reactor controller

Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes) received an Other Transaction Agreement from DARPA under the Fat Cat program for autonomous reactor operation. With Los Alamos National Laboratory, the company will design, build and ground-test a Kilopower reactor with active control rod operation, advancing beyond the 2018 KRUSTY test.

• The DARPA agreement covers design, procurement and a ground demonstration of the reactor
• Unlike KRUSTY in 2018, the new test adds active control rod operation
• Integration will take place at SpaceNukes' workshop in Medina, Ohio
• The Fat Cat program targets autonomous reactor operation for national security