diu-napp

Overview

The Nuclear Advanced Propulsion and Power (NAPP) program at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) — the DoD's first nuclear fusion program. Started by Maj. Ryan Weed (USAF). Announced May 17, 2022. Awarded two Prototype Other Transaction (OT) contracts: (1) Ultra Safe Nuclear — EmberCore radioisotope battery, 'soccer ball-size,' for small spacecraft maneuvering in cislunar space. (2) Avalanche Energy — Orbitron compact fusion device, 'lunchbox-size,' using electrostatic fields to trap fusion ions with magnetron electron confinement. Goal: orbital prototype demonstration in 2027. Weed: 'Advanced nuclear technologies will provide the speed, power, and responsiveness to maintain an operational advantage in space.' 'Chemical and solar-based systems won't provide the power needed.' NAPP targets 'small spacecraft that allow them to maneuver at-will in cislunar space and enable high-power payloads.'

Entity Type: Program — DIU NAPP is a government or defense program/initiative.

Network Relationships

DIU NAPP connects to 3 entities in the intelligence network:

Organisations (2):

• → Avalanche Energy: NAPP funded Avalanche Orbitron compact fusion
• ← Avalanche Orbitron: NAPP funded Avalanche Orbitron — DoD's first fusion program

Persons (1):

• ← Ryan Weed: Started DoD's first fusion program (NAPP) at DIU

Source Documents

Intelligence derived from 5 source documents:

• DIU — 'Launching Next-Generation Nuclear Propulsion and Power' (May 17, 2022)
• C4ISRNET — 'DIU picks designs for space nuclear propulsion demo' (May 18, 2022)
• GeekWire — 'Pentagon boosts ventures working on space nuclear power' (2022)
• IEEE Spectrum — 'Pentagon Aims to Demo a Nuclear Spacecraft Within 5 Years'
• DIU FY22 Year-in-Review