The US has announced a national strategy for the use of nuclear power and propulsion in space that defines key goals such as nuclear fuels, fission reactors for surface power, thermal propulsion technology, and radioisotope power systems for space exploration.

The DOE said the US has recommitted itself to space discovery and exploration. Space Policy Directive-6. (SPD-6) establishes goals, principles, roles and responsibilities, and a supporting roadmap that demonstrates Washington’s commitment to using space nuclear power systems.