Former engineers from SpaceX have launched a new venture aimed at transforming the energy industry with the development of small nuclear reactors. Radiant Nuclear, founded by Doug Bernauer and Bob Urberger, seeks to provide a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional energy sources with their innovative microreactor, the Kaleidos. This reactor is designed to produce approximately 1.2 megawatts of electricity, offering a solution to power small commercial and military installations, even in off-grid locations.
The Kaleidos represents a significant step forward in nuclear technology, classified as a small modular reactor (SMR). SMRs are compact enough to fit in confined spaces, such as garages and small industrial sites, and can generate up to 500 megawatts of electricity. The Kaleidos, as a microreactor, employs pressurized helium gas rather than water for turbine operation and core cooling. This approach not only enhances safety—since helium does not become radioactive—but also reduces reliance on local water supplies, allowing for more versatile installation options.
Safety concerns have long overshadowed nuclear energy, especially following catastrophic incidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi. Nevertheless, experts argue that nuclear fission remains one of the safest energy sources when evaluated statistically. The Kaleidos incorporates advanced features, including nuclear fuel rods that utilize Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel, which is designed to prevent meltdowns through its multi-layered ceramic structure.
Radiant Nuclear’s reactor is engineered to deliver not only electricity but also thermal power, with a capacity of 1.9 megawatts for facility heating or water desalination. This dual functionality positions the Kaleidos as a complementary asset to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, enhancing the reliability of clean power generation. The reactor can adjust its output to meet demand fluctuations throughout the day, ensuring a steady supply of energy even during night hours.
Radiant Nuclear has made significant strides in its development process. Late last year, the company concluded its front-end engineering and experiment design (FEEED) phase for the Kaleidos microreactor, with plans for testing at the Idaho National Laboratory. The Kaleidos is slated for potential trials at the lab’s DOME microreactor test bed as early as mid-2026.
Tori Shivanandan, COO of Radiant Nuclear, highlighted the achievement, stating, “Completing the FEEED phase is a major milestone leading to Radiant’s fueled reactor test at INL’s DOME facility.” She noted that the company has been added to the lab’s qualified supplier list, passed numerous design reviews, and submitted its Conceptual Safety Design Report while adhering to timelines and budget constraints.
As the energy landscape evolves, Radiant Nuclear’s innovations could pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future, potentially reshaping the perception and application of nuclear energy. The promise of clean, reliable power from small modular reactors may soon become a feasible reality, benefiting both the environment and local economies.
