Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Appoints Carlos O. Maidana, Ph.D., as its Head of Thermal Hydraulics and Space Program.

Dr. Maidana previously held the positions of Senior Research Fellow and Scientific Secretary at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, where he made noteworthy contributions to high-energy particle accelerator advancements. He also served as a Research Associate at the Idaho National Laboratory, focusing on space nuclear systems and technologies in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA.

Dr. Maidana has been awarded several DOE Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants for his work in advanced nuclear technologies. He is highly regarded for his expertise in engineering magneto-hydrodynamics, particularly in annular linear induction pumps (ALIPs) and the thermo-hydraulics of liquid metals and molten salts. His knowledge in these areas has significantly advanced magneto-hydrodynamics technology and its applications.

“I am honored to join NANO Nuclear Energy and take a leading role in developing cutting-edge energy solutions for operations in space,” said Carlos O. Maidana, Ph.D., Head of Thermal Hydraulics and Space Program of NANO Nuclear Energy. “NANO Nuclear is evolving into a leader in the advanced nuclear technology sector, with pioneering microreactor designs and plans for vertical integration that create vast opportunities for innovation across multiple sectors. I was confident that NANO Nuclear was the right partner to help complete development of the ALIP technology. Having now worked with the company closely, I am even more excited to take a leading role in NANO Nuclear Space, where I believe the ALIP technology will help position us at the forefront of nuclear energy solutions for space exploration.”

Dr. Maidana will continue to serve as the DOE SBIR Phase 3 Project Director for the ALIP technology and will simultaneously assist in the expansion of NANO Nuclear’s nuclear energy consulting services. As Project Director, he will be pivotal to the development of compact, scalable, and versatile nuclear systems that can power the next frontier of human and robotic missions in space. Dr. Maidana will also assist in the optimization and simplification of NANO Nuclear’s ‘ODIN’ microreactor design, a cutting-edge, clean energy, advanced portable micronuclear reactor currently under development.

Figure 2 – Rendition of Proprietary NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. ‘ODIN’ Microreactor Optimized for Cis-Lunar Operations

“It is with pleasure that we welcome Dr. Maidana to the NANO Nuclear team,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Dr. Maidana is a well-known and respected physicist, research engineer and project manager with numerous beneficial synergies with NANO Nuclear and our long-term goals. He will spearhead our newly founded space subsidiary, helping to refine and develop our proprietary technologies with the objective of establishing a leading position in space propulsion, habitation, and exploration sectors.”

NANO Nuclear Space will focus on developing compact, scalable, and versatile nuclear systems that can power the next frontier of human and robotic missions in space. By leveraging nuclear energy and its own proprietary technologies, NANO Nuclear aims to enable long-duration missions and habitation on extraterrestrial bodies, reduce travel times and increase mission efficiency with advanced propulsion and provide reliable power solutions for critical operations and infrastructure in space.

Figure 3 – Rendition of Proprietary NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. ‘ODIN’ Microreactor Optimized for Celestial Bodies with Centripetally Generated Gravity

NANO Nuclear’s innovative systems are planned to support cis-lunar operations, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface, and facilitate the precise maneuvering of satellites and spacecraft to their designated orbits. Furthermore, the ALIP technology is poised to significantly contribute to the development of viable space systems following the completion of its DOE SBIR Phase III program. The ALIP technology enhances thermal management systems by enabling forced circulation of coolant during normal operations.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Maidana to his new role with NANO Nuclear,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Dr. Maidana has a distinguished background of developing advanced nuclear technologies and working with the government to optimize and implement commercialization strategies. His innovative vision for space exploration, combined with decades of experience, will be invaluable as we venture into this sector. I am confident that his contributions will be transformative for the long-term growth of NANO Nuclear, and I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Maidana on this exciting new frontier.”