SpaceX puts BOHR nuclear-powered satellite into orbit

On July 7, SpaceX launched the BOHR (Betavoltaic Orbital High‑Reliability) CubeSat aboard a Falcon 9 rideshare mission (Transporter‑17) from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The satellite, built by Miami‑based City Labs, is described as the world’s first commercially designed and operated satellite powered by a nuclear battery. BOHR uses a betavoltaic system called NanoTritium, which converts beta particles from the decay of tritium into electricity, providing a long‑life power source for payloads in shadowed or deep‑space environments.

The mission marks the first commercial nuclear payload cleared through the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s dedicated review pathway, established under a 2019 regulatory framework. While the satellite’s main bus is powered by solar panels, the nuclear battery powers a demonstration payload, proving the technology can operate in orbit. City Labs CEO Peter Cabauy said, “This is a historic step for commercial nuclear power in space.” The launch was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense, with City Labs receiving a DARPA contract to further develop the technology. BOHR flew alongside about 80 other payloads, highlighting SpaceX’s role in expanding access to space for small satellite operators.