Former SpaceX Engineers Launch Revolutionary Small Nuclear Reactors
Former engineers from SpaceX have established Radiant Nuclear, a company aiming to transform the energy sector with its innovative small modular reactors (SMRs). These reactors, specifically the Radiant Kaleidos model, are designed to generate approximately 1.2 megawatts of electricity, prioritizing safety and efficiency in their operation. The founders, Doug Bernauer and Bob Urberger, bring their aerospace expertise to a project that seeks to replace traditional, pollution-heavy diesel generators, particularly in off-grid commercial and military applications.
The Kaleidos reactor is classified as a microreactor, a subset of SMRs that can fit into confined spaces such as garages or small industrial facilities. These reactors can produce up to 500 megawatts of usable electricity. What sets the Kaleidos apart is its use of pressurized helium gas instead of water for turbine operation and core cooling. This innovative approach enhances safety, as helium does not become radioactive in the event of a leak, mitigating some of the risks associated with conventional water-based systems.
Nuclear fission, the process at the heart of nuclear reactors, involves splitting the nucleus of an atom to release significant amounts of heat and radiation. With historical incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi raising public safety concerns, the design of the Kaleidos focuses on minimizing risks. The reactor employs specially formulated Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel, which consists of uranium isotopes encased in multiple layers of ceramic material, effectively eliminating the chance of a meltdown.
Radiant Nuclear also incorporates a passive cooling mechanism using an air jacket, which simplifies regulatory approval processes. In addition to generating electricity, the Kaleidos can provide 1.9 megawatts of thermal power, suitable for facility heating and water desalination. This capability positions the reactor as an ideal partner for renewable energy sources like solar and wind, allowing for a consistent supply of clean energy, particularly during nighttime hours.
The company recently achieved a significant milestone by completing the front-end engineering and experiment design (FEEED) phase for testing its microreactor at the Idaho National Laboratory. The Kaleidos is slated for potential trials at the laboratory’s DOME microreactor test bed as early as mid-2026. Tori Shivanandan, Chief Operating Officer of Radiant, remarked, “Completing the FEEED phase is a major milestone leading to Radiant’s fueled reactor test at INL’s DOME facility.”
With a team comprised of talent from both the energy and aerospace sectors, Radiant Nuclear is poised to make significant strides in the energy landscape, potentially reshaping how power is generated and consumed in various settings. The advent of small, reliable nuclear reactors like the Kaleidos could play a pivotal role in addressing the global energy crisis and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
