Context

The use of Nuclear Power System (NPS) for space application is gaining interest over the last years at ESA, as both internal and external activities are ongoing. Therefore, it is the right time to gather key stakeholders in Europe to better prepare the next steps towards use of European NPS in space (follow up activities, next ministerial, etc.).

While Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) where excluded from the “Innovative nuclear electric and nuclear thermal propulsion workshops” in June 2023 (INDICO2023), they will be addressed in dedicated presentations and panels during the Nuclear Propulsion Workshop.

Main Objectives:

Communicate on the results of ongoing activities.

Mostly on nuclear propulsion topics, this will provide visibility on on-going activities. This will serve as a basis for discussions and preparation of future activities.

Draft the white paper on Nuclear Propulsion in Europe.

Consistent with the white paper drafted in the Innovative propulsion workshops of 2023, the relevant remarks and recommendations arising from the debates will be accounted to draft the NEP and NTP chapters.

Provide mid-term and long-term vision for NPS development in Europe.

Here the idea is to show an estimated objective consistent with The European ecosystem, needs and capacities. Based on this, institutions in Europe can contribute to progress towards a common objective (including national initiatives).

Secondary Objectives:

Foster exchange between the key stakeholders in Europe.

Diverse consortia are currently working on nuclear related ESA activities. We expect that entities will exchange ideas and knowledge in this workshop and identify potential partners for future activities.

Connect space and nuclear experts.

With bridging nuclear and space experts together, we will promote a network that wil serve as a platform to grow and connect between the nuclear and the space domains in Europe.