SMRTR Science & EngineeringJul 7, 2026Interesting Engineering

US startup moves one-mile underground reactor closer to reality with key prototype

SMRTR summary

Deep Fission, a California-based nuclear startup, has delivered a prototype reactor canister to its test site in Kansas, bringing its underground nuclear reactor concept closer to reality. Unlike traditional reactors, Deep Fission's design places a pressurized water reactor one mile underground in a borehole, using the surrounding water column for pressure and cooling. This non-nuclear test phase will validate installation methods before any nuclear fuel is introduced.

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