Massive US cargo plane airlifts nuclear microreactor in historic first

The US Departments of Energy and Defense have successfully airlifted a nuclear microreactor for the first time, marking a historic milestone in the deployment of small-scale nuclear power. The microreactor, developed by California-based Valar Atomics, was transported aboard a C-17 military cargo plane from California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Slightly larger than a minivan, the Ward microreactor can generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity—enough to power approximately 5,000 homes. Notably, the reactor was transported without nuclear fuel, which will be delivered separately from the Nevada National Security site. The flight demonstrated the potential for rapid deployment of microreactors to support both military operations and civilian needs. Valar Atomics plans to begin operating the reactor at 100 kilowatts in July, ramping up to 250 kilowatts later this year before reaching full capacity. The company aims to commercialize the technology by 2028, with trial