With its rich heritage in aerospace and nuclear power technology development, the city of Dayton will be in the national spotlight next week as the site of the 2026 Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space Conference, to be held April 27–30 at the Dayton Convention Center.
Hosted this year by the University of Dayton Research Institute and the American Nuclear Society, NETS is expected to convene up to 500 scientists, engineers and national leaders representing NASA, the Department of Energy, U.S. Space Command, national laboratories and private industry to focus on advanced space nuclear power and propulsion technologies that will enable missions to the moon, Mars and beyond.
The annual conference has evolved under different names over more than four decades, and is typically held in regions heavily involved in aerospace missions, research, development and commercialization. This is the first year NETS will be held in Dayton, which was selected not only for its roots in aviation and space power development, but for its growing activities and advanced R&D in these fields—particularly at UDRI, said Chadwick Barklay, Director of UDRI’s Space and Power Systems Office.
“The region’s role in space nuclear technology is not new, it’s foundational,” Barklay said. “Miamisburg was home to the historic Mound Laboratory, a cornerstone of the nation’s early radioisotope power system programs and developer of the first radioisotope thermoelectric generator technology patented in the 1950s. Mound later played a critical role in the Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power program that supported the fabrication and handling of nuclear heat sources for early space power systems. These efforts helped enable the United States’ first nuclear-powered missions, laying the groundwork for decades of deep-space exploration.”
The conference will include organizational exhibits, technical sessions, short discussions and two related events— a banquet at the National Museum of the United States Air Force featuring Bobak Ferdowsi, Systems Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and tours of UDRI facilities involving work in advanced materials and impact testing, space power and thermal systems, and sustainment technologies that support defense and space missions.
Barklay said tours at UDRI sold out quickly after registration opened, underscoring strong national interest in Dayton’s research capabilities.
“NETS 2026 comes at a time of renewed national focus on nuclear technologies for space applications,” Barklay said. “Programs such as the NASA Ignition Initiative are accelerating efforts to develop reliable power systems that will enable long-duration missions, such as sustained operations on the Moon and future missions to Mars.”
“The programs facilitated by NETS aren’t just for networking and education, they’re designed to produce real outcomes,” Barklay added. “Through interactive sessions, experts will work through technical and policy challenges and generate actionable recommendations to solve problems and move technologies forward.”
Economic impact, national relevance
In addition to the short-term economic benefit to local hotels, restaurants and other businesses, the conference will spur significant long-term value to the region by elevating Dayton’s profile as a hub for high-tech collaboration and innovation.
“With participation from organizations such as U.S. Space Command and other federal partners, NETS 2026 will highlight the powerful connection between national priorities and the region’s growing technical expertise, and provide a platform for Dayton-based organizations to engage directly with key decision-makers to shape the future of space exploration and national defense,” Barklay said. “Dayton will not just be a host city, but an active contributor to the next generation of space capabilities.”
Established in 1954, the American Nuclear Society is an international professional organization of engineers, scientists, technologists, teachers and healthcare providers devoted to the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. Its more than 12,000 members represent government, academia, research laboratories, medical facilities and private industry. The ANS mission is to advance, foster and spur the development and application of nuclear science, engineering and technology for the benefit of humanity.
For more information, visit the conference website www.ans.org/meetings/nets2026 or contact Andrew Smith, Director of Communications for ANS, at 202-996-0474 or asmith@ans.org. To talk with Chad Barklay, Director of Space Power Systems, UDRI, contact Pamela Gregg, Sr. Communication Manager, UDRI, at 937-269-8963 or pamela.gregg@udri.udayton.edu.