Nuclear fuel maker Standard Nuclear signs Antares space reactor deal

(SpaceEnergy) US nuclear fuel producer Standard Nuclear has signed a binding agreement to supply Antares Nuclear with fuel for compact reactors intended for defence and space applications.

The Oak Ridge, Tennessee-based company will supply at least 1 metric tonne of tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) fuel, with Antares holding options that could increase purchases to as much as 8 tonnes. The companies said the multi-year supply arrangement runs through 2035.

Antares is developing compact fission microreactors for locations where conventional power infrastructure is unavailable. The company intends to use Standard Nuclear’s fuel for systems serving defence and commercial customers, including space missions.

Standard Nuclear said the agreement supports a domestic supply chain for advanced reactor fuel as customers move from demonstrations towards deployment. Its separate regulatory disclosure identifies the contracted material as high-assay low-enriched uranium TRISO fuel.

Antares said it achieved initial criticality with its Mark-0 microreactor in 2026 and is targeting electricity generation from an advanced reactor in 2027. Initial production deployments to US military installations are planned from 2028.