Is the U.S. Already Losing the Space Nuclear Race?

Nuclear reactors may be critical for the future of space exploration. But as the United States debates policy and regulation, China is rapidly advancing plans for nuclear power systems in space. From powering lunar bases to enabling deep space missions, space nuclear power systems could determine which nations lead the next era of space development.

In this interview, Dr. Bhavya Lal discusses why the United States may need to fly a nuclear reactor in space within the next decade, the strategic competition with China’s space nuclear ambitions, and the policy barriers slowing American progress.

We explore the key questions shaping the future of space power:

• Why the U.S. may need to demonstrate a space nuclear reactor by 2030
• Whether China could deploy nuclear power systems on the Moon first What the cancellation of DARPA’s DRACO nuclear propulsion program means for U.S. strategy The difference between nuclear propulsion and nuclear power systems in space How regulatory barriers affect the development of space nuclear technology Whether public-private partnerships can realistically deliver space nuclear systems The strategic implications of nuclear power infrastructure beyond Earth

Dr. Lal outlines the policy options, technical challenges, and geopolitical stakes surrounding the race to develop nuclear power systems for space.

If humanity is going to establish a sustained presence beyond Earth, nuclear energy may be the only power source capable of supporting large-scale space infrastructure.

Topics coveredspace nuclear powernuclear reactors in spaceKilopower reactorNASA space nuclear technologyChina lunar infrastructure plansDARPA DRACO nuclear propulsionlunar base power systemsspace exploration strategynuclear propulsion vs nuclear power

Weighing the Future: Strategic Options for U.S. Space NuclearLeadership [White paper]: https://coldstarproject.com/lalnuclearpaper

About The Cold Star ProjectThe Cold Star Project explores the technology, strategy, and economics shaping the future of space and defense.

Executive Clarity Assessment: https://coldstartech.com/assessment

Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospace

Fair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuse

Portions of this video reference the following works:

NASA Image and Video Libraryhttps://images.nasa.gov

NASA Scientific Visualization Studiohttps://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA Headquarters

U.S. National Archives (Apollo footage)https://archive.org

Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain NASA imagery)

Selected materials include imagery from the Apollo program, Saturn launch footage, NERVA nuclear propulsion program archives, Kilopower reactor concept demonstrations, Artemis briefings, Europa Clipper development imagery, lunar visualization datasets, and historical NASA documentary film.

Most NASA images and videos are public domain courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

All referenced material is used here for commentary and analysis purposes.

Remuneration Disclaimer

We were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".

The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.

https://jasonkanigan.com

Science Fiction's Secret Power: How Stories Built the Modern World

The Cold Star Project - Season 2, Episode 99

Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan

What if science fiction didn’t just predict the future — but helped create it?In this conversation, we explore how post-World War II science fiction shaped how societies think about nuclear war, AI, surveillance, and autonomous weapons before those systems fully existed.

My guest is Matt, creator of Feral Historian. We examine the feedback loop between imagination and reality — how stories made invisible threats understandable, emotional, and politically usable.

We talk about writers like Arthur C. Clarke, films like They Live, and how science fiction shifted from optimism to pessimism as technology and power consolidated.

We also ask a harder question: Did sci-fi help kill the space-age dream — or did it simply tell the truth about where civilization was heading?

If you’ve ever wondered whether science fiction influenced the military-industrial complex, or why modern futures feel recycled instead of bold, this conversation will give you a framework for understanding why.

Topics Covered:

* Science fiction and nuclear war psychology

* AI, autonomous weapons, and cultural conditioning

* Cold War fear narratives

* Surveillance and control in sci-fi

* Why the future stopped feeling new.

“The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.”

Feral Historian YouTube Channel: @feralhistorian

Ninti's Gate book: https://www.amazon.com/Nintis-Gate-Matthias-Pierce/dp/B0D8HK9YJT/

Peter Thorpe space artist interview:https://youtu.be/0R7WpYCtZaE?si=RvDvY6PMSb-gjnW0

Executive Clarity Assessment: https://coldstartech.com/assessment

Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospace

Fair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuse

All referenced material is used here for commentary and analysis purposes.

Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion.

This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".

The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.

https://jasonkanigan.com

Why the Space Force Needs a 'Tony Stark Acquisition Model'The Pentagon takes years to build what China develops in months. But what if the problem isn't the technology: it's the system itself?Colonel Eric Felt (ret.) spent his career inside the machine—leading the Air Force Research Lab Space Vehicles Directorate and shaping Space Force acquisition at the Pentagon. Now he's breaking down exactly where defense innovation breaks, and how to fix it.In this conversation, we cover:

• The "Valley of Death" and why it's actually a GOOD thing

• The "Tony Stark Acquisition Model" and how it works

• Supply chain vulnerabilities in space systems
• How to bridge research labs and battlefield faster
• PPBE budget reform and acquisition workarounds (OTAs, BTRs, quick-start authorities)
• The Replicator initiative for proliferated LEO satellites
• Golden Dome missile defense and what it really means
• Why peacetime makes us complacent and vulnerable
• Commercial space partnerships that actually work (Starlink case study)
• How to sell technology to the DoD (insights from someone who bought it).Whether you're building space tech, working in defense, investing in dual-use technology, or just want to understand how America can move faster in great power competition...this is essential viewing.The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 24Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan“The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.”Previous Interviews with Col. Felt: • Eric Felt on the Cold Star Project Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospaceFair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuseRemuneration DisclaimerWe were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.