AMSE Presentation "Getting off the Ground" - Overcoming the engineering and regulatory hurdles to launch a nuclear mission to Mars
What: AMSE Presentation "Getting off the Ground" - Overcoming the engineering and regulatory hurdles to launch a nuclear mission to Mars
Who: Dr. David Koch
When: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, presentation at 6:00pm
Where: Room 239 of the Floyd Building of WSU Tri-Cities
“Conquering the Universe, one has to solve two problems: gravity and red tape.” Wernher von Braun
Space is hard. The last 40 years have proved that overcoming terrestrial hurdles is just as hard. Truly ambitious missions require more than just good engineering, they require broad alignment across a myriad of disparate fields, all of which must be carefully orchestrated to ensure successful outcomes. This presentation presents a conceptual nuclear-powered mission to Mars as the catalyst through which to examine the often-unspoken interplay between physics, engineering, law, regulations, and international norms.
About the Presenter:
Dr. David Koch leads PNNL’s domestic space nuclear portfolio, whose mission is to leverage our flexible radiochemical R&D facility and experienced research staff to provide rapid solutions for commercial companies, with a specific focus on providing world-class research at an affordable rate for startup companies. Recently, PNNL fabricated the first new 90Sr radioisotope heat source design in the US in over 40 years. Through this effort, PNNL is a leading example of how successful public-private collaboration can transform domestic American capabilities.
Meeting Details:
Dr. Koch’s presentation will begin at 6 pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 and can be enjoyed in person in room 239 of the Floyd Building of WSU Tri-Cities, located at 2710 Crimson Way in Richland, WA (going north on George Washington Way in Richland, turn right on Sprout Road and turn left into the WSU’s parking lot). The presentation begins at 6 pm. We’ll provide some refreshments beginning at 5:30 pm. We’ll be serving some food and drinks beginning at 5:30 pm.
To help ensure we provide enough refreshments – please register for the presentation at:
Here's the Eventbrite link.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
For those that wish to join the presentation remotely – please follow the Zoom Link instructions Zoom link in attached document.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
-
Add Event to Calendar
- Washington State University - Tri Cities
- 2710 Crimson Way
- Richland, Washington
- United States 99354
- Building: Floyd Building
- Room Number: 239
- Contact Event Host
- Co-sponsored by ASME - ANS-EWS
Speakers
David Koch
Biography:
Dr. David Koch leads PNNL’s domestic space nuclear portfolio, whose mission is to leverage our flexible radiochemical R&D facility and experienced research staff to provide rapid solutions for commercial companies, with a specific focus on providing world-class research at an affordable rate for startup companies. Recently, PNNL fabricated the first new 90Sr radioisotope heat source design in the US in over 40 years. Through this effort, PNNL is a leading example of how successful public-private collaboration can transform domestic American capabilities.