Propulsion and power for payloads

Nuclear energy for power and propulsion is clearly the best technology for missions requiring both high electrical power and thrust. In distinction from radioisotope sources, it can be turned off and run silent, with lifespans of 10 years or more in space. Nuclear electric propulsion enables faster, efficient space travel without the need for multiple refueling operations.

As the space domain grows increasingly contested and commercialized, nuclear power offers strategic advantages in maneuverability, endurance, and operational flexibility.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) draws from terrestrial reactor technologies to meet the demands of space environments. These innovations support critical NASA and DoD missions, reflecting the company’s enduring focus on protection and defense.