Trump administration advances nuclear microreactor deployment for military and space missions
By kevinhughes // 2026-02-18
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  • The U.S. Departments of Energy and War airlifted Valar Atomics' unfueled Ward 250 microreactor (size of a minivan, 5 MW output) via C-17 aircraft from California to Utah. The test showcased portable nuclear power for military and civilian use, aligning with President Donald Trump's 2025 executive orders to accelerate small modular reactors (SMRs).
  • Microreactors aim to eliminate reliance on vulnerable grids and diesel convoys, ensuring operational resilience for forward bases. Pentagon officials emphasized their potential for expeditionary warfare and space exploration (e.g., lunar/Martian bases), leveraging TRISO fuel and helium cooling for safety.
  • The administration targets three operational microreactors by July 4, with Valar Atomics scaling from 100 kW to 250 kW in 2026 and commercial sales by 2027. Grants and private investment are prioritized to fast-track SMRs for AI data centers, space infrastructure and defense.
  • Skeptics cite high costs (compared to renewables), unresolved waste disposal and safety risks. The Energy Department is negotiating with states like Utah for fuel reprocessing sites, though long-term solutions remain unclear.
  • The reactor undergoes testing at Utah's San Rafael Energy Lab, with full deployment expected by 2028. Success could revolutionize military logistics, disaster response and off-grid energy, despite ongoing debates over feasibility.
In a historic first, the U.S. Departments of Energy and War successfully airlifted a nuclear microreactor, marking a significant milestone in the Trump administration's push to expand advanced nuclear energy for military and civilian applications. The demonstration, conducted in partnership with California-based Valar Atomics, showcased the potential for rapid deployment of portable nuclear power—an initiative that could reshape energy security for the U.S. armed forces and beyond. On Sunday, Feb. 15, a C-17 transport aircraft carried Valar's unfueled Ward 250 microreactor from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The reactor, roughly the size of a minivan, is designed to generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 5,000 homes. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey accompanied the flight, hailing the event as a breakthrough in energy logistics. "This gets us closer to deploy nuclear power when and where it is needed to give our nation's warfighters the tools to win in battle," Duffey said. He emphasized that such reactors could provide energy independence for military bases, eliminating reliance on vulnerable civilian grids and ensuring operational resilience against fuel supply disruptions.

Trump's nuclear energy push

The airlift aligns with President Donald Trump's May 2025 executive orders, which mandate the acceleration of small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors for defense and space exploration. The administration views nuclear microreactors as a critical solution for powering AI data centers, space infrastructure and forward military operations, where energy demands outstrip conventional supply chains. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, nuclear microreactors represent a paradigm shift in nuclear energy technology—compact, portable fission reactors typically producing 1–20 megawatts (MW) of power, designed for decentralized deployment with minimal infrastructure requirements. Unlike traditional gigawatt-scale nuclear plants, microreactors prioritize modularity, passive safety and rapid deployment, making them ideal for military bases, remote communities and industrial applications where grid reliability is critical. Microreactors promise energy independence, lower costs and resilience, but their success hinges on regulatory reform to accelerate approvals; private investment to prove economic models; and fuel diversification to avoid geopolitical traps. "The American nuclear renaissance is to get that ball moving again, fast, carefully, but with private capital, American innovation and determination," Wright told reporters. The Energy Department has awarded grants to expedite SMR development, with Trump pledging to have three microreactors reach criticality by July 4. Valar Atomics, selected under one of Trump's executive orders, plans to begin test operations in July at 100 kilowatts, scaling up to 250 kilowatts this year before reaching full capacity. CEO Isaiah Taylor projected commercial power sales by 2027, pending federal support for domestic fuel fabrication and uranium enrichment.

Military and space applications

The Pentagon envisions microreactors as a game-changer for expeditionary warfare, allowing troops to operate in remote regions without relying on diesel convoys—a frequent target for adversaries. "Powering next-generation warfare will require us to move faster than our adversaries," Duffey said. "Today is a monumental step toward building that system." Beyond terrestrial use, the technology could support lunar and Martian bases, where compact, reliable energy sources are essential. The reactor's TRISO fuel and helium cooling system—unlike traditional water-cooled reactors—enhance safety and mobility, making it suitable for austere environments.

Skepticism and challenges

Despite the enthusiasm, critics warn of unresolved issues, including cost, radioactive waste disposal and safety risks. Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists argued, "There is no business case for microreactors, which—even if they work as designed—will produce electricity at a far higher cost than large nuclear reactors, not to mention renewables like wind or solar." The Energy Department is negotiating with states, including Utah, to establish fuel reprocessing and waste disposal sites, though long-term solutions remain uncertain. Following the airlift, the reactor will undergo testing at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab, with full-scale deployment targeted for 2028. If successful, the program could revolutionize military logistics, disaster response and off-grid energy—ushering in what officials call the "American nuclear renaissance." As the Trump administration accelerates its nuclear strategy, the debate over cost, safety and necessity will intensify. But for now, the Pentagon and Energy Department are betting big on microreactors—one airborne test at a time. Watch the video below about a market expert revealing why small modular reactor stocks are an "exciting" investment. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Infowars.com Reuters.com TheHill.com AnadoluAgency.com.tr BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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