Oklo, NuScale Stocks Rally On US Space Nuclear Power Initiative

Shares of next-generation nuclear developers Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) and NuScale Power Corp. (NYSE:SMR) surged Wednesday after the U.S. government unveiled a sweeping initiative to bring nuclear energy technology into space. 

• OKLO stock is climbing. See the chart and price action here. 

SR-1 Freedom

The announcement comes as part of the newly signed National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power (NSTM-3), a joint NASA–Pentagon strategy to develop nuclear power systems capable of supporting future lunar and interplanetary missions.

The initiative, officially endorsed by NASA this week, aims to deploy a 20-kilowatt electric (kWe) space reactor, codenamed "SR-1 Freedom," for interplanetary propulsion and surface power. 

In addition to designing the small modular reactor, the program outlines an in-orbit demonstration by 2028 and a functional reactor installation on the lunar surface by 2030. 

The collaboration highlights the Trump administration's push to ensure reliable, long-duration energy sources for deep-space exploration and defense-related applications.

Markets React

Investors responded quickly to the news. Oklo stock gained more than 26% in the past week, while NuScale advanced nearly 20% in the same period. 

Both Oklo and NuScale are leading players in the small modular reactor (SMR) segment, with designs tailored for scalable, efficient deployment. 

Oklo specializes in microreactors designed for remote and off-grid use — a capability that fits neatly into NASA's off-Earth energy ambitions. 

NuScale, meanwhile, remains the only U.S. company with an NRC-approved SMR design, positioning it as a potential partner for government-led demonstrations.

Fellow nuclear and advanced energy names Nano Nuclear Energy (NASDAQ:NNE) and Terra Innovatum Global N.V. (NASDAQ:NKLR) also traded higher on renewed interest in space nuclear and microreactor technologies. 

The NSTM-3 marks one of the strongest federal alignments yet between civilian space exploration and defense energy research, signaling new investment pathways for microreactor and nuclear propulsion companies. 

As the U.S. races to establish sustainable lunar operations and interplanetary travel systems, nuclear power is increasingly viewed as the key to making those missions possible — and investors are already taking notice.

OKLO Price Action: According to Benzinga Pro data, Oklo shares were up 7.06% at $62.72 at the time of publication Wednesday. The intraday range shows a high of $66.62 with 17.6 million shares changing hands. OKLO stock is still 67.2% below its 52-week high.

Photo: Shutterstock