U.S. Military and NASA Accelerate Nuclear Microreactor Deployment for Bases and Space

In response to power-grid vulnerabilities and the need for long-lasting energy in harsh environments, the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA are advancing nuclear microreactor projects. Antares, which recently achieved criticality with its Mark-0 prototype, aims to install a 1-megawatt R1 reactor at Fort Bragg by September 2028 and is pursuing a moon-ready R1-S version, supported by a $161 million DoD contract. Radiant, another microreactor startup, received the largest share of Project Janus awards to place its compact Kaleidos system at Fort Benning and Buckley Space Force Base, offering power equivalent to about 750 homes in a footprint of three parking spaces.

Army energy chief Jeff Waksman emphasizes that the reactors will primarily support mission-critical systems during grid outages, reducing the need for diesel fuel convoys that have been targeted in conflicts. General Atomics is also developing a larger GA-TES reactor for Fort Hood, highlighting competition among firms. While the military is not yet planning deployment in active combat zones, the programs aim to prove safety and affordability on continental U.S. sites before considering austere locations such as the Arctic or Pacific islands.