White House Orders Space Nuclear Power by 2028 | KeepTrack Space Brief
White House directs NASA and Pentagon to field space nuclear power systems by 2028, with DoD demonstration required by 2031. Game-changer for military satellite power budgets.
Launch Date
July 23, 1972
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 0900
NORAD ID
08096
International Designator
1972-058DX
Decay Date
6/18/1976
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Delta 89
Type
Status
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
White House directs NASA and Pentagon to field space nuclear power systems by 2028, with DoD demonstration required by 2031. Game-changer for military satellite power budgets.
Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.
Today's brief covers China's Tianzhou-9 launch to the Tiangong space station, the U.S. Space Force's unfunded MILNET project, and the evolving use of AI in military applications.
SpaceX wins a $4.16 billion Space Force satellite contract to track airborne threats worldwide, while dual-pad launches add 53 Starlink satellites.
Key military and technology developments in space; US Space Force and Army strategize national security with new rocket certifications and space training initiatives.
FAA advances environmental review for up to 44 Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center pad 39A. SpaceX wraps January with dual-coast Starlink launches. Crew-12 timeline tied to Artemis 2 schedule.
Today's brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's upcoming modular satellite mission, increased military reliance on commercial space intelligence, and the demand for expanded commercial reserve support. Learn more about these advancements alongside our Satellite Spotlight on Yaogan-30 B.
On April 22, 2026, the FAA published a final rule implementing per-launch user fees for commercial space transportation — the first time the U.S. government has charged payload-based fees for rocket launches. Starting at 25 cents per pound with a $30,000 cap, the fees are modest today. By 2033, they won't be.