USNIC Space Nuclear Industry Symposium
Powering the Future of Space
25 September, 2025
Washington, DC
Agenda
08:45 AM
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
09:15 AM
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Mr. Todd Abrajano
President & CEO
U.S. Nuclear Industry Council
Dr. Ron Faibish
Vice Chair, USNIC;
Chair, Space Nuclear Industry Symposium (SNIS);
Senior Director of Strategic Development
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
09:30 AM
KEYNOTE FIRESIDE CHAT
Dr. Ron Faibish – Moderator
Vice Chair, USNIC;
Senior Director of Strategic Development
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
Dr. Bhavya Lal
Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy (Ret.)
NASA
Dr. Rian Bahran
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors
U.S. Department of Energy
Dr. Scott Pace
Director, Space Policy Institute
George Washington University
10:30 AM
NETWORKING BREAK
11:00 AM
PANEL DISCUSSION: “LAY OF THE SPACE” – MISSIONS, ENABLERS, & TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
This session will explore the intersection of commercial and government priorities driving space nuclear power and propulsion. Panelists will examine the missions on the horizon—from national security and exploration to private-sector applications—and discuss how industry and government are enabling progress toward these goals. The conversation will also highlight the critical technology requirements needed to deliver on these missions, from fuel and reactor design to launch readiness and in-space operations.
Ms. Kristie Soliman – Moderator
Space Systems Technical Project Manager
BWXT Advanced Technologies
Mr. Patrick Frye
Director, Program Management
Blue Origin
Mr. Vince Bilardo Jr.
Executive Director - Nuclear Space Programs
Intuitive Machines
Dr. Robert Braun
Sector Head, Space Exploration
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
12:00 PM
LUNCH
1:15 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION: SPACE NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES — EXPLORING WHAT’S POSSIBLE
This session will dive into the latest advancements in space nuclear power and propulsion, with a focus on how technologies are being tailored to specific mission needs. Panelists will consider the implications of recent Executive Orders and evolving priorities at NASA and across government, examining how these developments shape technology choices and open new pathways for innovation in space exploration and national security.
Dr. Justin Coleman – Moderator
Division Director, Nuclear Reactor Technology
Idaho National Laboratory
Mr. Joel Sema
Director, Space Programs
BWXT Advanced Technologies
Mr. Gerald Lilienthal
Program Manager, Space Nuclear Programs
General Atomics
Mr. Ryan Blinn
Director, Space & Energy Systems
Westinghouse
Mr. Jordan Bramble
Co-Founder & CEO
Antares
2:15 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION: LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE POLICY AND REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
From launch authority to indemnification and export control, the policy and regulatory framework is rapidly evolving for space nuclear systems. This session will explore how recent Executive Orders and other government actions are reshaping the rules of the game—and what industry and government leaders need to know to navigate this changing landscape.
Ms. Amy Roma – Moderator
Partner, Global Regulatory
Hogan Lovells
Dr. Clarence Tolliver
Associate
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Mr. Alex Gilbert
Vice President, Regulation
Zeno Power
Dr. Tina Ghosh
Senior Reactor Systems Engineer
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Mr. John Fulton
Manager
Sandia National Laboratories
3:15 PM
NETWORKING BREAK
3:45 PM
LIGHTNING TALKS:
Mr. Richard Dinan
Founder & CEO
Pulsar Fusion
Hon. Rita Baranwal
Chief Nuclear Officer
Radiant
Mr. Ryan Coulson
Senior Technical Advisor - Space Fission
Idaho National Laboratory
Dr. Dianne Ezell
Group Leader, Nuclear & Extreme Environment Measurement
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
4:25 PM
KEYNOTE: VC/FINANCING PERSPECTIVE
Perspective on capital markets, funding models, and public-private partnerships.
Dr. Douglas McAdams
Senior Advisor
Balerion Space Ventures
4:55 PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Dr. Ron Faibish
Vice Chair, USNIC;
Chair, Space Nuclear Industry Symposium (SNIS);
Senior Director of Strategic Development
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
Mr. Todd Abrajano
President & CEO
U.S. Nuclear Industry Council
5:05 PM
ADJOURN
5:15 PM
NETWORKING RECEPTION
Rooftop of Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw, Pittman
SPEAKERS
Jordan Bramble
Co-Founder & CEO
Antares
Dr. Bhavya Lal
Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy (Ret.)
NASA
Dr. Douglas McAdams
Senior Advisor
Balerion Space Ventures
Dr. Rian Bahran
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors
U.S. Department of Energy
Hon. Rita Baranwal
Chief Nuclear Officer
Radiant
Richard Dinan
Founder & CEO
Pulsar Fusion
Ryan Blinn
Director, Space & Energy Systems
Westinghouse
Dr. Dianne Ezell
Group Leader, Nuclear & Extreme Environment Measurement
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Joel Sema
Director, Space Programs
BWXT Advanced Technologies
Dr. Robert Braun
Sector Head, Space Exploration
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Dr. Justin Coleman
Division Director, Nuclear Reactor Technology
Idaho National Laboratory
Alex Gilbert
Vice President of Regulation
Zeno Power
Amy Roma
Partner, Global Regulatory
Hogan Lovells
Dr. Scott Pace
Director, Space Policy Institute
George Washington University
Vince Bilardo Jr.
Executive Director - Nuclear Space Programs
Intuitive Machines
Gerald Lilienthal
Program Manager, Space Nuclear Programs
General Atomics
Dr. Tina Ghosh
Senior Reactor Systems Engineer
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
John Fulton
Manager
Sandia National Laboratories
Dr. Clarence Tolliver
Associate
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Kristie Soliman
Space Systems Technical Project Manager
BWXT Advanced Technologies
Ryan Coulson
Senior Technical Advisor - Space Fission
Idaho National Laboratory
Dr. Ron Faibish
Vice Chair, USNIC;
Senior Director of Strategic Development
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
Todd Abrajano
President & CEO
U.S. Nuclear Industry Council
EXPLORE NEW GROWTH
OPPORTUNITIES
Join leaders from industry, government, and the broader innovation ecosystem for the premier event focused exclusively on space nuclear power and propulsion technologies. As interest in long-duration space missions, in-space mobility, and lunar infrastructure grows, nuclear technologies are poised to play a central role in enabling the next generation of capabilities.
REVOLUTIONIZE
YOUR KNOWLEDGE
The Space Nuclear Industry Symposium (SNIS) offers a one-of-a-kind platform to engage directly with top experts, policymakers, and stakeholders advancing fission-enabled systems for the space domain. Through keynotes, expert panels, and strategic networking opportunities, SNIS explores how these technologies are accelerating U.S. leadership across space exploration, national security, and commercial market development.
Location
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Dive into expert-led sessions exploring the missions, technologies, and policies driving the future of space nuclear power and propulsion.
Agenda Highlights:
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Latest developments in nuclear propulsion and surface power systems
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Space nuclear-related regulatory updates
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Launch safety protocols, indemnification, and nuclear licensing pathways
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Federal and commercial implementation programs and opportunities
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Insight into new Executive Orders shaping space nuclear policy
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Expert perspectives on capital markets, funding models, and public-private partnerships
Strategic Connections Start Here
SNIS offers a front-row seat for professionals advancing space exploration, nuclear innovation, and next-gen mission capabilities.
Who Should Attend:
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Industry executives shaping the future of space and nuclear technologies
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Policymakers and government officials engaged in space and energy strategy
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Investors exploring frontier technologies and emerging space markets
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Researchers and engineers developing space nuclear systems
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Developers and integrators of spacecraft, habitats, and propulsion systems
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Innovators focused on dual-use technologies for space and defense applications
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National lab and DOE leadership involved in space and reactor programs
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Commercial and civil space stakeholders planning next-gen missions
EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS
GEMINI SPONSOR
APOLLO SPONSOR
EXPLORERS SPONSORS
SNIS SUPPORTER
Limited Space Available - Sponsorship opportunities are going quickly!
For information on sponsorships & exhibits please contact Caleb Ward at caleb.ward@usnic.org, or click on the button below for our Sponsorship & Showcase prospectus.
STAY CONNECTED
Uniting Government and Industry to Launch a New Era in Space Nuclear Power
SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES AT SNIS
This is your opportunity to position your organization at the center of the rapidly emerging space nuclear sector.
As a sponsor or exhibitor at SNIS, you’ll showcase your technology, expertise, and leadership to an audience of top government officials, industry executives, researchers, and investors shaping the future of space power and propulsion.
Gain visibility, build strategic partnerships, and engage directly with key decision-makers across defense, civil space, and advanced nuclear markets — all in one place.
Please Note: Limited space is available for this exclusive showcase opportunity; be sure to secure your space now!
For information on sponsorships & exhibits please contact Caleb Ward at caleb.ward@usnic.org, or click on the button below for our Sponsorship & Showcase prospectus.