Research Areas

Nuclear science, engineering, and technologies are critical for space exploration. They enable spacecraft propulsion, energy generations in missions on extra-terrestrial surfaces, and power for onboard spaceship systems. It can enable sustainable human presence in other planets of the solar system providing heat and electricity. Nuclear technologies have also been vital tools in the geological exploration of Mars and for planned use in other planetary bodies. Study in this area is also concerned with radiation effects in space on living organisms and materials and equipment and concepts and methodologies of shielding for radiation protection. Research in this area leverages advances in related areas such as radiation detection and monitoring, nuclear materials and data, as well as artificial intelligence and modeling.