Advanced Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program Advances Criticality Milestones
- Reports
- 12
- Developments
- 9
- Repetition
- 50%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
A pilot program utilizing a reactor developed at Idaho National Laboratory was launched under the Trump administration's orders to accelerate nuclear development. The ANTARES reactor achieved criticality on June 30, 2026, successfully demonstrating a zero-power fueled criticality demonstration. This achievement was made possible through executive orders issued in May 2025 to launch the pilot program.
From theepochtimes.com
Why it matters
The successful criticality demonstration marks a significant milestone for advanced reactor designs, which are being developed as compact, reliable power sources. The program aims to validate the technology for defense missions, critical infrastructure, and meeting U.S. industrial energy needs.
From theepochtimes.com
Who's involved
- ANTARESANTARES is a company whose reactor technology was tested in the pilot program.
- Donald TrumpDonald Trump initiated the pilot program through executive orders to accelerate nuclear development.
- Chris WrightChris Wright, as Energy Secretary, discussed the goals of the advanced reactor pilot program.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- ANTARESSpeculative
ANTARES could secure major operational and funding boosts through the successful pilot program.
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.- Executive Order 14300 revises radiation standards in Idaho.Sub-event
- Antares, a nuclear fission startup, raised $470M in Series C funding and received an executive order regarding a US base deployment.Sub-event
Pilot program advances SMRs; executive orders accelerate nuclear power production.1 source
Wright discussed goals for the Reactor Pilot Program at INL.1 source
- A reactor pilot program involving ANTARES was initiated by the Trump administration at Hill Air Force Base.Sub-event
Trump ordered the speed up of nuclear development in the ANTARES pilot program.1 source
ANTARES reached criticality and received design approval authority from the Trump administration.1 source
Trump administration launches pilot program using a reactor developed at INL.1 source
Show 1 earlier step
ANTARES reactor reached criticality; Trump administration orders limited NRC authority.1 source
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
ANTARES
nonprofit organization from Spain
Nothing else this week.
-
Donald Trump
American businessman and politician (born 1946), President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
-
Chris Wright
American basketball player (born 1988)
Related events
Coverage
Newest first; wire copies grouped- digg.comTrump Hosts Valar Atomics CEO in Oval Office
- theepochtimes.com
- gazette.com
- columbian.com
- postregister.com
- fox10phoenix.com
- santamariatimes.com
- santafenewmexican.com
- kuer.org
- seattletimes.com
- lasvegassun.com
- canoncitydailyrecord.com