18 - Dr. Fred Kennedy: Nuclear Propulsion and Power in Space

A nuclear-powered rocket? Is that possible? Dr. Fred Kennedy, CEO of Dark Fission Space Systems and one of America's leading experts on the use of nuclear technology in space, explains how nuclear space propulsion is not only possible but an essential capability for the nation. With a distinguished career in the Air Force, at DARPA, and in the private sector, Dr. Kennedy details the significant operational benefits of nuclear-powered spacecraft, the state of the technology, development and testing strategies, and how such nuclear systems enhance our national security and commercial prospects in space. Dr. Kennedy provides an overview of Dark Fission's vision for bringing nuclear thermal propulsion to market, the type of propulsion technology under development by the company, and how advances in AI, additive manufacturing, and analytical modeling will greatly reduce the time and expense of bringing nuclear propulsion to the final frontier.

Dr. Fred Kennedy is the founder and CEO of Dark Fission, a company advancing nuclear propulsion for space. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, he previously led the Department of Defense’s Space Development Agency and DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. Dr. Kennedy has also held senior roles at Momentus and Astra and served as a space policy advisor at the White House. He contributes to Forbes on space and defense issues and serves on multiple aerospace advisory boards.

00:00 Introduction to Y-12 and CNS

02:45 Y-12's Current Missions and Workforce

05:39 Safety Protocols and Improvements

08:27 Future Growth and Challenges

11:33 Facility Modernization and Workforce Issues

14:18 Planning for Future Warheads

17:15 Collaboration with Design Labs

19:43 Wishes for the Future