Executive Order on Small Modular Reactors for Defense and Space

On January 12, 2021, President Trump issued Executive Order 13972 on Promoting Small Modular Reactors for National Defense and Space Exploration.

View order at federalregister.gov

The Executive Order will further revitalize the U.S. nuclear energy sector, reinvigorate America’s space exploration program, and develop diverse energy options for national defense needs.

Using small modular reactors for national defense and space exploration will allow the United States to maintain and advance our leadership and dominance across space and terrestrial domains.

The sustainable exploration of the Moon, Mars, and other locations will be enhanced by small modular reactors deployed and operated remotely from Earth. NASA will explore the use of nuclear energy systems for human and robotic exploration missions through 2040.

View White House press statement