Nuclear in Space, with Kate Kelly (BWXT)

This week on Pathfinder, we feature Kate Kelly, Director of Space and Emerging Programs at BWXT, an 8,000-person firm that specializes in delivering nuclear reactors and components for the Navy, commercial nuclear industry, and advanced technologies. 

Kate shares her journey into the nuclear and space industry, providing insights into the advancements and challenges faced by BWXT. With a background in chemical engineering, Kate has been with BWXT for over a decade, contributing to significant projects like small modular reactors and space nuclear propulsion systems.

Our conversation with Kate covers the world of space nuclear technology and BWXT's role in it. We also discuss:

• Kate's unconventional path into the nuclear industry and BWXT
• The significance of the DARPA Draco Phase 2 Award and its impact on space nuclear propulsion
• The role of nuclear thermal propulsion in future exploration
• Challenges and milestones in developing nuclear technology for space
• Regulatory processes and safety considerations for nuclear systems

And much more...
 

• Chapters •

00:00 - Intro

01:25 - How Kate ended up at BWXT and pursuing nuclear

03:47 - Quick rundown on BWXT

04:34 - What has made Kate stay at BWXT for her whole career?

06:50 - Director of space and emerging programs

08:02 - For All Mankind and how nuclear propulsion works

11:29 - First spacecraft to use nuclear propulsion

12:51 - Milestones

14:33 - What does nuclear propulsion solve?

16:25 - What kind of work is BWXT doing on the power side when it comes to space?

19:46 - Possible scenarios for nuclear power solutions on Earth

21:38 - Long-term value behind BWXT's tech

23:19 - The size of Kate's division

24:45 - How does regulation work for nuclear technologies in space?

27:40 - State of nuclear today and how long until it becomes commercialized

30:38 - BWXT post successful demonstration prediction

32:03 - Safety and combatting public perception on nuclear

34:54 - How BWXT tests their propulsion systems

37:24 - Competitors

38:57 - How does BWXT compete against faster and more agile startups?

41:34 - Nuclear for space in 10 years

43:16 - What Kate does with her free time
 

• Show notes •

BWXT’s website — https://www.bwxt.com/what-we-do/advanced-technologies/

BWXT’s socials — https://twitter.com/BWXT

Mo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislam

Payload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspace

Pathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspace

Pathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes

• About us •

Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world.

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