PNNL Joins Space ISAC to Enhance Space Security
Researchers from the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are extending their expertise in nuclear energy, cybersecurity, and technological advancements to the arena of space exploration.
Their collaboration with a consortium focused on global space collaboration marks a significant milestone.
PNNL makes history as the first Department of Energy national laboratory to affiliate with the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center, known as Space ISAC. This organization serves as a vital resource for data, intelligence, and analyses related to space security threats and vulnerabilities.
Space ISAC promotes cooperation within the global space sector, enabling proactive response to various challenges. Its membership comprises U.S. government entities, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and international organizations.
This development comes at a pivotal juncture for space exploration, characterized by a surge of private companies designing launch vehicles, spacecraft, and various payloads. Missions into space—many involving civilian participants—are increasingly funded by both governmental and commercial entities.
Additionally, four nations beyond the United States have successfully executed lunar landings. With over 11,000 satellites currently in orbit and tens of thousands anticipated by decade’s end, the space environment is becoming increasingly congested.
Effectively managing these myriad activities and associated risks necessitates meticulous coordination and cooperative scientific efforts between the public and private sectors.
“Joining Space ISAC positions us alongside leaders in space technology and governance,” remarked Sarah Frazar, a national security analyst at PNNL.
“We possess valuable insights for federal and industry collaborators keen on harnessing nuclear technology for space power and propulsion. Our rich legacy of facilitating technology testing, along with our capabilities in risk assessment, is a significant asset.”
PNNL also possesses an extensive understanding of the regulatory and legal challenges surrounding the deployment of new technologies in space, including emerging launch regulations, international governance frameworks, and performance standards.
“We are excited to welcome Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to Space ISAC,” conveyed Erin Miller, executive director of Space ISAC. “Their national security expertise and pioneering research significantly bolster our collective mission to ensure the safety of the global space ecosystem.”
Extensive Experience in Space Exploration
PNNL brings an impressive 60 years of experience in managing nuclear materials and technologies essential for cutting-edge space exploration. PNNL scientists have contributed to various initiatives focused on space reactor development, including the SP-100 and Project Prometheus, which date back to the late 1980s.
Although these projects faced cancellation, the need for sustainable energy solutions in space remains pressing as missions to the Moon and Mars advance. The environments encountered in these explorations are characterized by extreme darkness, frigid temperatures, and geographical remoteness.
Nuclear fission and radioactive decay offer energy-dense solutions capable of overcoming these formidable challenges.
In recent years, the collaboration between public and private entities has become integral to successful space exploration endeavors.
PNNL has thrived in this ecosystem, working jointly with industry leaders to innovate and implement novel space nuclear power systems designed to sustain critical components and deliver electrical energy for extensive durations, sometimes spanning decades.
A particular initiative spearheaded by PNNL engineer Jeff Katalenich harnessed the specialized resources of PNNL’s nuclear research facility, the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory.
This team collaborated closely with Zeno Power, a frontrunner in developing commercial radioisotope heat and power systems, to fabricate and validate a strontium-90 heat source design.
In a noteworthy partnership last year, PNNL collaborated with the Polaris Program, a commercial spaceflight initiative led by entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, to investigate the implications of space radiation on both materials and human health.
This study, referred to as OHSNAP (the Orbital High-Energy Space Neutron Activation Project), focused on the effects of galactic cosmic rays and the high-energy neutrons generated when these cosmic rays encounter a spacecraft.
Samples collected from this venture were returned to PNNL for analysis using advanced low-background radiation detection techniques at the Shallow Underground Laboratory.
PNNL’s endeavors also encompass research linked to the Space Cyber Test Range, a virtual platform that the laboratory operates for the U.S. Space Force.
This test bed supports a wide range of space cyber activities, including ground operations, communications, launches, and satellite management.
Additionally, PNNL collaborates with the Space Force to enhance the training pipeline for students tasked with safeguarding space-based technologies from cyber threats.
The Cyber Halo Innovation Research Program offers college students a structured two-year pathway to a cybersecurity career with Space Systems Command or with industry partners.
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