spacetoday.net: White House releases space nuclear strategy

White House releases space nuclear strategy

Posted: Mon, Dec 21, 2020, 5:57 AM ET (1057 GMT)
Kilopower nuclear reactor (NASA)

The White House released a strategy Wednesday for the development of space nuclear power and propulsion systems. Space Policy Directive (SPD) 6, titled "National Strategy for Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion," features a road map that outlines plans to develop surface nuclear power systems, nuclear thermal propulsion and other capabilities to support civil and national security space missions. Many of the projects outlined in SPD-6 are already in progress, and a senior administration official said the strategy is designed to "pull together a common operating picture" and also set development priorities.