Exlabs and Antares partner for nuclear spacecraft development

Southern California startups Exlabs and Antares announced a partnership on March 19 to develop a nuclear-powered spacecraft aimed at deep-space missions. This collaboration marks a significant step towards using nuclear technology in space exploration. Exlabs plans to launch its first missions without nuclear power, including a 2028 mission to approach the asteroid Apophis. However, their spacecraft, called the Science Exploration and Resource Vehicle (SERV), will be designed to integrate Antares' microreactors for future missions. Matthew Schmidgall, Exlabs' CEO, emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for long-duration missions. He noted that nuclear power provides the necessary energy for larger propulsion systems and payloads, something solar panels cannot achieve. Exlabs aims to send a spacecraft with an Antares microreactor to geostationary orbit by late 2028 or 2029, which would test the feasibility of nuclear power in space. Will Madsen, head of mission engineering at Antares, stated that this partnership blends ambitious goals with practical plans to advance space nuclear technologies. He highlighted that nuclear power has mainly existed in theory, but now it is time for action. The development of nuclear technology for space has faced challenges related to safety and regulations. Both startups aim to overcome these hurdles as interest in nuclear capabilities for national security and long missions grows. Schmidgall pointed out that future infrastructure will require these advancements. Nuclear power is a key component of Exlabs' long-term plans, as the company was founded in 2023 to promote space-resource utilization. Schmidgall reiterated the need for their spacecraft design to support a nuclear future in space exploration.