DARPA Awards Contract for Space Reactor Control Testing

The new project focuses on developing autonomous control systems for nuclear reactors in extreme, remote environments.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Nuclear

Isometric editorial illustration of a geometric space reactor core component, evoking the precision of autonomous control systems technology. — DARPA has awarded a contract to Space Nuclear Power Corporation to develop autonomous control systems for nuclear reactors designed for remote space missions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the U.S. develop autonomous nuclear reactors for remote national security missions?

DARPA has awarded a contract to Space Nuclear Power Corporation to design and test a Kilopower reactor. This project aims to create nuclear power units capable of operating autonomously for national security missions.

Why it matters

Developing autonomous reactors is critical for supporting long-term, remote national security operations where human intervention is not feasible. This technology advances the capacity to generate reliable power in extreme environments beyond Earth or in isolated regions.

The project utilizes movable control rods to regulate autonomous operation, marking a departure from the passive control approach used in the 2018 KRUSTY experiment. The development cycle includes phases for design, procurement, integration, and ground testing.

The players

DARPA

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the research and development arm of the United States Department of Defense.

Space Nuclear Power Corporation

This company specializes in the development of space-rated nuclear reactor technologies and control systems.

Los Alamos National Laboratory

A premier research institution tasked with solving complex problems in national security through multidisciplinary science.

The details

Space Nuclear Power Corporation will collaborate with Los Alamos National Laboratory to build and test the reactor control systems. The firm will handle integration work at its facility in Medina, Ohio.

October 26, 2026: DARPA awarded the contract to Space Nuclear Power Corporation.
2018: The KRUSTY experiment demonstrated passive control nuclear reactor technology.

The Big Picture

This project moves the nuclear sector toward active autonomy, shifting away from the legacy of the 2018 KRUSTY experiment. It fundamentally changes how reactors manage operations in extreme settings by replacing passive systems with movable control rod technology.

Advancements in autonomous nuclear power could eventually provide sustainable, reliable energy solutions for remote off-grid locations. While this is currently a national security effort, the integration techniques developed in Ohio could eventually inform commercial small-scale reactor designs.

The takeaway

The move toward autonomous control systems represents a major step forward for field-deployable nuclear energy. Readers should watch for future milestones as the project transitions from initial design phases into ground testing.