ExLabs, Antares to develop nuclear-powered spacecraft

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Through the partnership, Antares' microreactor technology will be integrated into ExLabs' Science Exploration and Resource Vehicle (SERV), establishing a high-power spacecraft platform for Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and deep-space operations (GEO+).

The partnership will begin with a GEO demonstration mission, where ExLabs will build and deploy a spacecraft hosting Antares' nuclear microreactor. This mission will serve as a critical validation for space-based nuclear power and set the stage for broader adoption of nuclear technologies for GEO+ missions.

Beyond the initial demonstration, ExLabs and Antares will pursue long-term strategic collaborations, with ExLabs serving as a partner spacecraft provider and module integrator for Antares' nuclear systems in space-based applications. The SERV platform will be optimised for nuclear propulsion, providing next-generation capabilities for missions to the Moon, Mars, and asteroids.

ExLabs - a leader in scalable deep-space exploration technology - and Antares - a pioneer in advanced nuclear systems - have multiple existing contracts with the US Space Force and US Air Force.

"This collaboration represents a major advancement in space infrastructure, enabling long-duration missions, advanced propulsion capabilities, and scalable power solutions for commercial, defence, and scientific applications," the companies said.

"The future of space infrastructure depends on scalable, high-power solutions, and nuclear technology is the key," said ExLabs CEO Matt Schmidgall. "Our collaboration with Antares marks the beginning of a new chapter in spaceflight, where spacecraft can operate longer, travel farther, and support missions that were once impossible."

"This partnership pairs two companies with an ambitious vision and pragmatic roadmaps to bring space nuclear technologies to bear," added Will Madsen, head of mission engineering at Antares. "For too long, space nuclear power has solely existed in conceptual studies - now it's time to build."