(Zero Hedge)—NASA and the Department of Energy signed a new space nuclear agreement Thursday, putting another piece of Washington’s reactor ambitions on paper while private developers race to meet some of the near-term goals.
The nuclear energy renaissance story has been increasingly linked to the buildout of data centers for AI. NASA is reminding folks that ChatGPT is not the only customer for fission.
Signed by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the MOU, “Accelerating American Leadership in Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion,” takes effect November 1st. The MOU covers all aspects of getting nuclear energy off the ground, including research, testing, launch integration, and fuel production.
This newer version of the Space Nuclear Power agreement replaces the previous MOU between NASA and the DOE, which reaches its 10-year expiration at the end of October.
Most of the MOU should not be news to our readers, though. The agreement signed this week is more of a collection of the previous agreements announced in January and March of this year.
The MOU covers three programs:
- Space Reactor-1 Freedom, a fission-powered spacecraft that will demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion, slated to launch toward Mars in 2028
- Lunar Reactor-1, the fission surface power system meant to keep the lights on at NASA’s planned Moon Base, with a launch-ready unit due by 2030 under the December 2025 executive order “Ensuring American Space Superiority.”
- DOE will keep supplying radioisotope power and heater units for missions such as Dragonfly, which heads to Saturn’s moon Titan in 2028
“Adm. Hyman Rickover understood that nuclear power would fundamentally change what was possible at sea,” Isaacman said, per Payload. “SR-1 Freedom is our Nautilus, and she will launch in 2028.”
January saw the original announcement of the goal for reactors on the moon by 2030. By March, Isaacman was announcing NASA’s ambitions for nuclear-powered Mars spacecraft and goals for getting a reactor in the air by 2028.
March also included one of the first price tag estimates we got for the program, with NASA claiming the reactor on the moon could cost approximately $20 billion over the next 7 years to develop and deploy.
Nuclear’s position as the leading source of energy production in space is almost without competition or disagreement. While there is a time and a place for solar production, certain locations on the Moon, and both the travel and operations on Mars, will unquestionably require the resilience only offered by nuclear reactors.
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The Space Force is also pursuing its own nuclear and space applications. Last month, Antares announced a $161 million Strategic Breakthrough award. The assignment is to demonstrate the company’s R1-S reactor on the ground and integrate it with a spacecraft for flight certification.
Antares also plans to use its electricity-producing Mark-1 reactor to power an operational ground-to-space asset, with testing scheduled for 2027. That follows Mark-0’s June criticality demonstration under DOE authorization.
The space variant is adapted from Antares’ terrestrial R1 architecture. The company told Nuclear News its first version targets at least 35 kilowatts of electrical output, using different materials, shielding and heat-rejection arrangements for space.
Not to be outdone by a group of startups, Lockheed Martin is leaning into the same opportunity.
In our January coverage of the initial NASA nuclear announcement, we covered how Lockheed Martin was one of the companies originally involved in the reactor-on-the-moon projects from 2022. It looks like their ambition to stay relevant is still going strong.
Lockheed also participated in an investment round with Radiant Nuclear earlier this year. Radiant is developing a transportable gas-cooled microreactor that may be developed for extraterrestrial applications.
The nuclear trade is bigger than the next hyperscaler power deal. Space and defense are already generating contracts for nuclear companies and equipment suppliers.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
