About NETS-2018

In February 2018, the Aerospace Nuclear Science & Technology Division (ANSTD) of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) will hold the 2018 Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS-2018) topical meeting at the Palace Station Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. NETS-2018 is the premier meeting for the sharing of ideas related to nuclear technology research and development, testing, experimentation, deployment and manufacturing for use in space or on non-terrestrial planetary bodies. Specific areas of interest include: (1) electrical power generation (both radioisotope and fission systems) for both space and surface-based applications, (2) nuclear propulsion applications, and (3) the infrastructure, facilities and mission support elements necessary to deploy such technology successfully. With authors from universities, national laboratories, NASA facilities and industry, NETS-2018 will provide an excellent communication network and forum for information exchange. We are also strongly emphasizing and encouraging international participation.

Four-page summary papers are being solicited in the following Tracks:

Track 1: Fuels and Materials, Special focus on Pu-238 Production Processes

Track 2: Surface and Space Fission Power, Special focus on NASA’s KiloPower Technology Project

Track 3: Nuclear Propulsion, Special focus on NTP Development Innovation

Track 4: Radioisotope Power Systems, Special focus on Advanced Power Conversion Technology

Track 5: Nuclear Missions and Nuclear Mission Support, Special focus on Nuclear Launch Safety Approval Process Innovation

Three Panel Discussions are planned:

Emerging Missions for Nuclear Technologies – Commercial and Governmental

Alternative Fission Development Scenarios

New Initiatives in Nuclear Technologies

Planned tour:

The meeting will also include a visit to the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) to tour the Rover/NERVA areas of the NNSS and the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC).