Stellar Nuclear

Stellar Nuclear develops nuclear propulsion technologies designed for deep-space exploration and high-efficiency orbital transfer. The company engineers nuclear thermal and nuclear electric propulsion systems, utilizing small fission reactors to heat propellants or generate massive electrical power for ion thrusters. This architecture delivers vastly higher specific impulse than chemical rockets, significantly reducing travel times for interplanetary missions and heavy payload transfers in cislunar space.

The startup focuses on miniaturizing reactor designs and developing high-temperature materials capable of surviving the extreme thermal and radiation environments of spaceflight. It targets government and commercial missions requiring propulsion capabilities beyond the physical limits of traditional combustion engines.

A team of aerospace and nuclear engineers founded the company in 2024. It operates out of Seattle, Washington, functioning as an early-stage research and development organization.