Banner for Space Nuclear Industry Symposium in Washington, D.C., August 13, 2026, with USNIC logo.”

Space Nuclear Industry
Symposium (SNIS)

Aug. 13 | Washington, DC & Virtual

Registration

Event Details

Join leaders from industry, government, and the broader innovation ecosystem for the premier event focused exclusively on space nuclear power and propulsion technologies.

Futuristic Earth-like planet with glowing red and blue digital streaks circling its surface in space.

EXPLORE NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

The Space Nuclear Industry Symposium (SNIS) offers a one-of-a-kind platform to engage directly with top experts, policymakers, and stakeholders advancing fission-enabled systems for the space domain. Through keynotes, expert panels, and strategic networking opportunities, SNIS explores how these technologies are accelerating U.S. leadership across space exploration, national security, and commercial market development.

Two astronauts in white spacesuits seated in a conference audience alongside professionals in suits, preparing for a presentation.

What to Expect at SNIS

As interest in long-duration space missions, in-space mobility, and lunar infrastructure grows, nuclear technologies are poised to play a central role in enabling the next generation of capabilities.

Dive into expert-led sessions exploring the missions, technologies, and policies driving the future of space nuclear power and propulsion.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

  • Where is space nuclear headed?
  • Building the cislunar economy
  • Latest space nuclear technology developments
  • Policy, regulation, and launch readiness
  • Federal programs and commercial opportunities
  • Executive orders and future policy landscape
  • Funding, partnerships, and market growth

Who Should Attend

  • Industry executives shaping the future of space and nuclear technologies
  • Policymakers and government officials engaged in space and energy strategy
  • Investors exploring frontier technologies and emerging space markets
  • Researchers and engineers developing space nuclear systems
  • Developers and integrators of spacecraft, habitats, and propulsion systems
  • Innovators focused on dual-use technologies for space and defense applications
  • National lab and DOE leadership involved in space and reactor programs
  • Commercial and civil space stakeholders planning next-gen missions

Space Nuclear Industry
Symposium (SNIS)
Sponsors & Exhibitors

ARTEMIS SPONSOR

APOLLO SPONSOR

OKLO logo featuring a circular segmented emblem to the left of the word OKLO.
X•ENERGY logo in bold dark blue lettering.

EXPLORERs SPONSORs

Westinghouse logo: blue circular emblem with a white stylized 'W' and three dots, followed by the 'Westinghouse' wordmark in dark blue
BWXT Technologies, Inc. logo with bold dark BWXT letters and a red curved swoosh above the name.

SNIS SUPPORTER

SPEAKERS

Portrait of a smiling woman in a white blazer with the American flag and a space agency flag in the background.

Nujoud Merancy

Deputy Associate Administrator, Strategy and Architecture Office Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate NASA

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Dr. Stacie Williams

Chief Science Officer United States Space Force

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Cynthia Simmons

Director, Space Reactors Division NASA

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Dr. Aaron Miles

Coordinator for Strategic Capabilities, Office of Science and Technology Policy Executive Office of the President

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Lindsay Kaldon 

Fission Surface Power Deputy Program Executive, Senior Advisor for Space Nuclear Systems NASA Glenn Research Center

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Carl Sandifer II

Program Manager, Radioisotope Power Systems NASA

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Dr. Bhavya Lal

Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy (Ret.) NASA

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James Winter

Program Manager, Advanced Space Power Portfolios Air Force Research Laboratory

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Dr. Jeff Waksman

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Installations, Energy and Environment

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Dr. Christina Back

Vice President, Nuclear Technologies and Materials General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

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Jeremy Kenny

Supervisor, Advanced Transportation and Communications Systems Space Reactors Division – Advanced Nuclear Technology Lead (Acting) NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

Kate Kelly

President BWXT Advanced Technologies

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CJ Zumbar

Vice President of Government Affairs Anchor & Arrow Strategies

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Dr. Nora Dianne Bull Ezell

DOE National Technical Director Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation; Reactor Program Manager and Technical Coordinator Idaho National Laboratory

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Ryan Blinn 

Director, Space & Energy Systems Westinghouse Electric Company

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Michael Smith

Nuclear Portfolio Lead, Operational Energy-Innovation (OE-I) U.S. Department of War

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Amy Roma

Partner Orrick

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Michael Glogowski

Chief System Architect, Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Northrop Grumman

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Vincent Bilardo Jr

Executive Director - Nuclear Space Programs Intuitive Machines

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Sachin Desai

Chief Regulatory and Legal Officer Zeno Power

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Sebastian Corbisiero

National Technical Director - DOE NE Space Reactor Program Idaho National Laboratory

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Said Hamouch

Aerospace Engineer Federal Aviation Administration

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John Fulton

Manager, Accident Consequence and Analysis Department Sandia National Laboratories

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Dr. Clarence Tolliver

Associate Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Head-and-shoulders portrait of a smiling middle-aged man in a dark suit and striped tie against a light background.

Andrei Afanasev

Gus Weiss Endowed Professor of Physics Director, GW Institute for Nuclear Studies (GWINS) George Washington University

Todd Abrajano

President & CEO U.S. Nuclear Industry Council

Dr. Ron Faibish

USNIC Fellow

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SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES AT SNIS

This is your opportunity to position your organization at the center of the rapidly emerging space nuclear sector.

As a sponsor or exhibitor at SNIS, you’ll showcase your technology, expertise, and leadership to an audience of top government officials, industry executives, researchers, and investors shaping the future of space power and propulsion.

Gain visibility, build strategic partnerships, and engage directly with key decision-makers across defense, civil space, and advanced nuclear markets — all in one place.

Please Note: Limited space is available for this exclusive showcase opportunity; be sure to secure your space now!

For information on sponsorships & exhibits please contact Caleb Ward at caleb.ward@usnic.org, or click on the button below for our Sponsorship & Showcase prospectus.

Sponsorship Exhibition Space Prospectus

Agenda

8:30 AM  

REGISTRATION AND COFFEE 

9:00 AM 

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS 

Mr. Todd Abrajano 
President and Chief Executive Officer
United States Nuclear Industry Council 

Dr. Ron Faibish 
Senior Fellow
United States Nuclear Industry Council

9:10 AM 

OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS 

Dr. Aaron Miles 
Coordinator for Strategic Capabilities 
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy 

9:30 AM 

OPENING PLENARY: GOVERNMENT PERSPECTIVES – WHERE ARE WE HEADED IN SPACE NUCLEAR?  

Dr. Ron Faibish – Moderator
Senior Fellow
USNIC 

Ms. Cynthia Simmons
Director, Space Reactors Division
NASA

Dr. Bhavya Lal (Former NASA)
Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy (Ret.)
NASA 

Dr. Aaron Miles
Coordinator for Strategic Capabilities 
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy 

Mr. James Winter
Program Manager, Advanced Space Power Portfolios 
Air Force Research Laboratory

Mr. Sebastian Corbisiero 
National Technical Director, DOE Space Reactor Program 
Nuclear Science & Technology Directorate 
Idaho National Laboratory  

10:40 AM 

NETWORKING BREAK 

11:00 AM 

PANEL DISCUSSION: SPACE REACTOR-1 (SR-1), LUNAR REACTOR-1 (LR-1) AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN AND BEYOND 

This session will explore the intersection of government and industry priorities driving space nuclear power and propulsion. Panelists will examine recent government programmatic announcements and plans for both on-orbit and on-surface nuclear power and propulsion missions and synergies with an overall future commercial space nuclear economy.

Mr. Todd Abrajano – Moderator 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
United States Nuclear Industry Council

Ms. Nujuod Merancy 
Chief Architect, NASA Moon Base 
NASA

Mr. Michael Glogowski 
Senior Fellow 
Space Systems 
Northrop Grumman Corporation  

Ms. Lindsay Kaldon
Project Manager, SR-1 Freedom Nuclear Power Module (NPM)
NASA

Mr. Vince Bilardo 
Executive Director – Nuclear Space Programs 
Intuitive Machines

Dr. Andrei Afanasev  
Gus Weiss Endowed Professor of Physics Director, GW Institute for Nuclear Studies (GWINS)
The George Washington University  

12:10 PM 

LUNCH 

1:00 PM 

PANEL DISCUSSION: SPACE NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES — LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND FUTURE NEEDS 

This session will dive into the latest advancements in space nuclear power and propulsion, with a focus on how technologies are being tailored to specific mission needs. Panelists will consider the implications of recent Executive Orders and evolving priorities at NASA, DoW and across government, examining how these developments shape technology choices and open new pathways for innovation in space exploration and national security.

Dr. Dianne Ezell  – Moderator  
Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Reactor Project Manager 
Idaho National Laboratory

Ms. Kate Kelly 
President, Advanced Technologies 
BWXT

Dr. Christina Back 
Vice President, Nuclear Technologies and Materials 
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

Mr. Jeremy Kenny
Advanced Nuclear Technology Office Manager, Space Reactors Division
NASA

Mr. Mike Smith  
Nuclear Portfolio Manager  
The Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF) 
Department of War

Mr. Ryan Blinn  
Director, Space & Energy Systems 
Westinghouse Electric Company  

2:10 PM 

PANEL DISCUSSION: UPDATES ON POLICY AND REGULATORY ASPECTS 

From launch authority to indemnification and export control, the policy and regulatory framework is rapidly evolving for space nuclear systems. This session will address latest developments in these areas to help enable future space nuclear-enables missions. 

Ms. Amy Roma – Moderator 
Partner
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Mr. Said Hamouch 
Aerospace Engineer / Space Nuclear Systems Safety Lead
Office of Commercial Space Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration

Mr. Carl Sandifer II
Program Manager, Radioisotope Power Systems
NASA

Mr. Sachin Desai 
Chief Regulatory and Legal Officer 
Zeno Power

Mr. John Fulton 
Manager 
Sandia National Laboratories 

Dr. Clarence Tolliver  
Associate  
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP 

3:10 PM 

NETWORKING BREAK 

3:30 PM 

LIGHTNING TALKS

Mr. CJ Zumbar
Vice President of Government Affairs
Anchor & Arrow Strategies

3:45 PM 

CONVERSATION: SYNERGIES BETWEEN TERRESTRIAL AND SPACE NUCLEAR

Dr. Jeff Waksman  
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army  
Installations, Energy and Environment 

Dr. Ron Faibish
Senior Fellow
United States Nuclear Industry Council

4:05 PM 

CLOSING KEYNOTE ADDRESS AND CONVERSATION

Dr. Stacie Williams 
Chief Science Officer 
U.S. Space Force

Dr. Ron Faibish 
Senior Fellow 
United States Nuclear Industry Council 

4:35 PM 

CLOSING REMARKS

Dr. Ron Faibish 
Senior Fellow 
United States Nuclear Industry Council 

Mr. Todd Abrajano 
President and Chief Executive Officer
United States Nuclear Industry Council 

4:45 PM 

ADJOURN 

AGENDA

8:30 AM

Registration and Coffee

9:00 AM

Welcome and Introductions

9:10 AM

Opening Keynote Address Given By Dr. Aaron Miles

9:30 AM

Opening Plenary: Government Perspectives – Where Are We Headed in Space Nuclear?

10:40 AM

Networking Break

11:00 AM

Panel Discussion: Space Reactor-1 (SR-1), Lunar Reactor-1 (LR-1) and Everything In-Between and Beyond

12:10 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Panel Discussion: Space Nuclear Technologies — Latest Developments and Future Needs

2:10 PM

Panel Discussion: Updates on Policy and Regulatory Aspects

3:10 PM

Networking Break

3:30 PM

Special Address Given by Dr. Jeff Waksman

3:45 PM

Lightning Talks Given by Mr. Jeremy Kenny

4:25 PM

Closing Keynote Address and Conversation

4:55 PM

Closing Remarks

5:00 PM

Adjourn



Location 


Thursday, August 13, 2026

George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Registration