US firm's nuclear power push can overcome solar limits for deep space

US private space company Intuitive Machines has received an $8.2 million contract extension from the US Air Force Research Laboratory to advance the development of compact nuclear power conversion technology for space applications. This funding builds on a prior $9.5 million award and aims to accelerate the transition from design to flight-ready hardware. The technology centers on a Stirling-based power-conversion system that converts heat from a radioisotope source into electricity, enabling missions to overcome the limitations of solar power and operate for extended durations in deep space. Intuitive Machines plans to demonstrate this nuclear power system aboard the International Space Station, subjecting it to harsh space conditions to raise its technology readiness level from prototype to space-flown. This effort is part of the company’s broader START program, which focuses on scalable, compact, and continuous power solutions to support sustained lunar infrastructure and spacecraft operations. Having previously conducted lunar landings with its Nova-C landers, Intuitive Machines aims to evolve from lunar delivery missions to becoming a commercial