Powering the future of defense and space
Exploring how NDB's nuclear energy technologies enable breakthrough capabilities in defense and space applications through active partnerships and conceptual integration scenarios.
This page includes both active partnerships and conceptual scenarios. Conceptual scenarios do not represent existing partnerships or endorsements. Logos are used for illustrative purposes.
Imagining the future of mission-critical power
NDB's never-recharge battery technology, radioisotope thermoelectric generators, and small modular reactors could revolutionize how defense and space systems operate. These conceptual case studies explore how our technology might enable decades of autonomous operation in the world's most demanding environments—from deep space to forward operating bases.
Aerospace innovation collaboration
NDB has an active agreement with Airbus to study our prototype technology for potential aerospace applications, exploring how never-recharge power systems could transform aviation and space systems.
Aircraft Power Systems
Evaluating how NDB's technology could provide auxiliary power for commercial and military aircraft, reducing fuel consumption and enabling new capabilities for electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems.
Satellite Power Innovation
Exploring applications for Airbus's satellite platforms, where NDB's never-recharge technology could eliminate solar panel degradation and extend operational lifetimes from 15 years to decades, reducing constellation replacement costs.
Space Exploration Systems
Assessing how NDB's technologies could enable Airbus's deep space missions, lunar infrastructure, and Mars exploration platforms with reliable, long-duration power independent of solar availability.
Advanced aerospace systems
Envisioning how NDB technology could enable next-generation capabilities in satellite systems, spacecraft, and autonomous platforms developed by aerospace leaders.
Deep Space Mission Power
Imagine spacecraft exploring the outer solar system powered by NDB's advanced RTG technology, providing decades of reliable energy far beyond the reach of solar panels. Missions to Jupiter's moons, Saturn's rings, or the Kuiper Belt could operate autonomously for 20+ years without power degradation.
Satellite Constellation Independence
NDB Cell technology could enable satellites to operate for decades without solar panel degradation or battery replacement concerns. Imagine GPS, communications, and reconnaissance satellites powered for centuries, eliminating the primary failure mode of space systems.
Autonomous Aerial Systems
Envision high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drones and autonomous aircraft powered by compact NDB systems, enabling months of continuous flight for surveillance, communications relay, and atmospheric research without refueling or recharging.
Autonomous defense systems
Exploring how NDB's power technologies could enable breakthrough capabilities in unmanned systems, sensors, and defense platforms requiring decades of autonomous operation.
Persistent Surveillance Systems
Imagine autonomous surveillance platforms powered by NDB technology, providing decades of continuous monitoring without maintenance or refueling. Ground sensors, underwater systems, and aerial platforms could operate continuously in denied or contested environments.
Space-Based Defense Architecture
Envision space-based sensors and defensive systems powered by NDB's never-recharge technology, eliminating solar panel vulnerabilities and enabling decades of reliable operation in contested space environments. Critical infrastructure protection without power system weaknesses.
Underwater Autonomous Systems
Picture unmanned underwater vehicles and seabed sensors powered by compact NDB systems, enabling years of continuous operation at extreme depths without surfacing or battery replacement. Maritime domain awareness without logistical vulnerabilities.
Forward operating base energy independence
Conceptualizing how NDB's small modular reactor technology could transform forward operating base logistics and energy security for military installations worldwide.
Expeditionary Power Systems
Imagine NDB Volta small modular reactors providing megawatt-scale power for forward operating bases, eliminating vulnerable fuel convoys and generator maintenance. Compact, transportable systems could operate for 10+ years without refueling, transforming expeditionary logistics.
Remote Installation Power
Envision radar stations, communications facilities, and early warning systems in remote locations powered by NDB technology, operating for decades without resupply. Arctic, desert, and island installations could achieve true energy independence.
Tactical Communications Networks
Picture distributed communications nodes powered by NDB Cells, creating resilient networks that operate for years without battery replacement. Mesh networks, relay stations, and sensor grids could achieve unprecedented persistence and reliability.
Next-generation soldier systems
Exploring how NDB's miniaturized power technology could enable breakthrough capabilities in soldier-worn systems, robotics, and tactical equipment for future warfare.
Soldier Power Systems
Imagine soldier-worn systems powered by compact NDB Cells, eliminating battery weight and charging requirements for communications, night vision, and computing equipment. Decades of power in a package smaller than current battery solutions.
Autonomous Ground Robotics
Envision unmanned ground vehicles and robotic systems operating for years without recharging, performing reconnaissance, logistics, and support missions with unprecedented endurance. True set-and-forget autonomous systems for extended operations.
Distributed Sensor Networks
Picture thousands of miniature sensors powered by NDB technology, creating persistent surveillance networks that operate for decades without maintenance. Battlefield awareness without logistical burden or electronic signature from charging.
Deep space exploration enablement
Conceptualizing how NDB's advanced power technologies could enable NASA's most ambitious missions to the outer solar system, Mars, and beyond.
Mars Surface Operations
Imagine Mars rovers and habitats powered by NDB Volta small modular reactors, providing reliable power through dust storms and polar winters. Decades of continuous operation enabling permanent human presence and extensive scientific research.
Outer Planet Missions
Envision spacecraft exploring Jupiter's Europa, Saturn's Enceladus, or Neptune's Triton powered by advanced NDB RTG technology. Missions lasting 20+ years with consistent power output, enabling comprehensive exploration of ocean worlds and icy moons.
Lunar Infrastructure
Picture lunar bases and mining operations powered by NDB technology, operating continuously through 14-day lunar nights without solar power. Enabling permanent human presence and resource utilization for deep space exploration.
European space infrastructure
Exploring how NDB technology could support ESA's ambitious programs in Earth observation, navigation, and interplanetary exploration.
Galileo Navigation Enhancement
Imagine next-generation Galileo satellites powered by NDB Cell technology, eliminating solar panel degradation and extending operational lifetimes from 12 years to decades. Enhanced reliability and reduced replacement costs for Europe's critical navigation infrastructure.
ExoMars Mission Power
Envision future Mars exploration missions powered by NDB RTG technology, enabling year-round operation through dust storms and winter conditions. Comprehensive geological surveys and sample return missions with unprecedented endurance.
Earth Observation Constellation
Picture Copernicus satellites powered by never-recharge technology, providing decades of continuous Earth monitoring for climate science, disaster response, and environmental protection. Enhanced data continuity and reduced constellation maintenance costs.
Advanced nuclear research
NDB previously collaborated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a U.S. Department of Energy facility, on advanced nuclear technology research. Building on this foundation, we envision future applications of our technology in national laboratory research programs.
Remote Research Facility Power
Imagine NDB Volta small modular reactors powering remote DOE research facilities, providing decades of reliable energy for sensitive experiments and long-term environmental monitoring without grid dependency or fuel logistics.
Nuclear Waste Characterization
Envision using NDB's nuclear waste recycling technology to support DOE's waste management mission, transforming legacy waste into valuable energy sources while reducing long-term storage requirements and environmental impact.
Advanced Materials Research
Picture collaboration on advanced semiconductor and transducer materials for next-generation nuclear energy systems, leveraging ORNL's world-class materials science capabilities to enhance NDB's technology performance.
Breakthrough defense technologies
Envisioning how NDB's technology could enable DARPA's most ambitious programs requiring decades of autonomous operation in extreme environments without maintenance or resupply.
Persistent Perch Systems
Imagine miniature surveillance platforms powered by NDB Cells, operating for years in denied areas without recharging or maintenance. True set-and-forget intelligence gathering with decades of operational lifetime.
Extreme Environment Electronics
Envision electronics operating in extreme radiation, temperature, and pressure environments powered by NDB technology. Enabling missions in nuclear reactors, deep ocean, space, and other hostile environments where conventional power fails.
Swarm Robotics Power
Picture thousands of autonomous micro-robots powered by miniature NDB Cells, operating cooperatively for years without recharging. Enabling persistent swarm intelligence for reconnaissance, area denial, and distributed sensing.
Missile and defense systems
Exploring how NDB's power technologies could enable next-generation missile systems, radar platforms, and defense electronics requiring decades of readiness without maintenance.
Long-Term Missile Readiness
Imagine missile systems with NDB-powered guidance and control electronics, maintaining full readiness for decades without battery replacement or maintenance. Eliminating the primary cause of missile system degradation and reducing lifecycle costs.
Persistent Radar Systems
Envision remote radar installations powered by NDB Volta small modular reactors, providing decades of continuous operation without fuel resupply. Arctic, maritime, and forward-deployed systems achieving true energy independence.
Space-Based Sensors
Picture space-based early warning and tracking systems powered by NDB never-recharge technology, eliminating solar panel vulnerabilities and extending operational lifetimes from 10-15 years to decades of reliable service.
Mars colonization power
Conceptualizing how NDB's technology could enable SpaceX's vision of Mars colonization and Starlink constellation enhancement through decades of reliable, maintenance-free power.
Mars Base Power Infrastructure
Imagine the first Mars colony powered by NDB Volta small modular reactors, providing reliable energy through dust storms, polar winters, and day-night cycles. Enabling permanent human presence with 10+ years of autonomous operation between maintenance.
Starlink Satellite Enhancement
Envision next-generation Starlink satellites powered by NDB Cell technology, extending operational lifetimes from 5 years to decades. Dramatically reducing constellation replacement costs and space debris while improving service reliability.
Deep Space Starship Missions
Picture Starship missions to the outer solar system powered by NDB RTG technology, enabling years of autonomous operation far from the Sun. Exploring Jupiter's moons, Saturn's rings, and beyond with reliable power for decades.
Space domain superiority
Exploring how NDB's technology could enable Space Force's mission of protecting U.S. interests in space through resilient, long-duration power systems immune to conventional vulnerabilities.
Resilient Space Architecture
Imagine Space Force satellites powered by NDB never-recharge technology, eliminating solar panel vulnerabilities to kinetic, directed energy, and cyber attacks. Creating truly resilient space systems that maintain full capability even in contested environments.
Cislunar Operations
Envision Space Force platforms operating in cislunar space powered by NDB technology, providing persistent presence and domain awareness beyond geosynchronous orbit. Enabling protection of critical space infrastructure and lunar operations.
Rapid Response Spacecraft
Picture on-orbit spare satellites powered by NDB Cells, maintaining full readiness for years without degradation. Enabling rapid reconstitution of critical capabilities if primary systems are disabled, ensuring space domain superiority.
Enabling unprecedented capabilities
These conceptual scenarios illustrate how NDB's technology portfolio could transform defense and aerospace operations, enabling capabilities that are currently impossible with conventional power systems.
Mission Assurance
Decades of reliable power without maintenance, refueling, or recharging—eliminating the primary failure mode of remote systems.
Logistical Independence
Eliminating fuel convoys, battery logistics, and charging infrastructure—reducing vulnerability and operational costs.
Extreme Environment Operation
Reliable power in space, underwater, polar regions, and hostile environments where conventional systems fail.
Forward-Looking Statements
Conceptual scenarios presented on this page represent potential applications of NDB's technology and do not constitute claims of existing partnerships, contracts, or endorsements except where explicitly stated as "Active Partnership" or "Past Collaboration." Company names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for illustrative purposes.
NDB is actively developing its technology portfolio and welcomes discussions with defense and aerospace organizations interested in exploring how our innovations could support their missions.
Interested in exploring possibilities?
Contact our team to discuss how NDB's technology could enable breakthrough capabilities for your organization's most challenging missions.