A California-based nuclear startup has reached a hallowed milestone that could accelerate the development of more sustainable energy sources. Per Interesting Engineering, Valar Atomics announced it has achieved criticality, becoming the first nuclear startup to sustain a controlled fission reaction with support from Los Alamos National Laboratory. “Zero power criticality is a reactor’s first heartbeat, proof the physics holds,” said Valer founder Isaiah Taylor. “This moment marks the dawn of a new era in American nuclear engineering, one defined by speed, scale, and private-sector execution with closer federal partnership.” Nuclear fission generates electricity by splitting atoms to release massive amounts of energy. When enriched fuel releases neutrons that split other atoms, it creates more neutrons and repeats the reaction in a controlled chain. The process produces much less atmospheric pollution than burning dirty fuels, helping to reduce respiratory illnesses and climate-related health impacts in communities near power plants. Valar Atomics’ achievement involves cold criticality, also known as zero-power criticality. This type of test verifies that the reactor’s fuel arrangement and design will sustain a chain reaction, serving as proof of concept before ramping up to full-power operation.

Full report : Fission Energy startup, Valar Atomics achieves historic breakthrough by going critical in a controlled fission reaction.

For more see the OODA Company Profile on Valar Atomics.