The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Space Vehicle Directorate recently selected Westinghouse Electric Co. for the Joint Emergent Technology Supplying On-Orbit Nuclear power (JETSON) High Power program, an advanced space research program.
The program is examining alternatives to current space power systems which can be heavy and have limited storage. Current systems are batteries and solar arrays.
A nuclear reactor system, such as Westinghouse’s eVinci mircoreactor, has the potential to provide constant power without these operational limitations. This allows for greater flexible as well as reliable power levels.
“Westinghouse is an industry leader in developing innovative solutions through advanced technology for our customers,” Jon Ball, Westinghouse president of eVinci Technologies, said. “This award reflects the progress made in the development of our technology, and demonstrates its unique capability to power the nation’s most critical missions. We are proud to be able to meet AFRL’s space nuclear power needs with our demonstrated technology.”
Westinghouse partnered with Astrobotic, a space robotics technology company, and Northrop Grumman, an aerospace and defense technology company.
“Astrobotic is honored to support Westinghouse and their AFRL customer with adapting high-heritage terrestrial reactor technologies for space applications as part of our continued focus on advancing the state of the art for in-space power,” John Thornton, Astrobotic CEO, said.