NANO Nuclear Energy Issues Request for Information Soliciting Potential Commercial Partner Input in Support of U.S. Department of Energy and NASA Lunar Surface Reactor Program

Rhea-AI Summary

NANO Nuclear Energy (NASDAQ: NNE) on Jan 15, 2026 issued a Request for Information to identify commercial partners to support development, demonstration, integration, and maturation of its LOKI MMR™ microreactor for potential U.S. Department of Energy and NASA lunar surface reactor programs.

The LOKI MMR™ is described as scalable 300 kW–1 MW electric (down to 100 kWe for space), up to 3 MWth, ~40% electrical efficiency via a supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle, coolant temps of 500–950°C, TRISO fuel enriched between 9.75% LEU and 19.9% HALEU, sealed non‑refueled core with up to 10 years continuous operation, and integrated mass under 15 metric tons.

Positive

• Power range of 300 kW–1 MW electric (scalable to 100 kWe)
• Thermal capacity up to 3 MWth with ~40% conversion efficiency
• Compact mass design under 15 metric tons including shielding
• Long core life sealed, non-refueled design up to 10 years

Negative

• Fuel enrichment requires TRISO fuel enriched 9.75%–19.9% (HALEU/LEU)
• No in‑service refueling limits operational life to the stated ~10 years

News Market Reaction

-2.88%

1 alert

-2.88% News Effect

On the day this news was published, NNE declined 2.88%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Electrical power range: 300 kW to 1 MW Space power option: 100 kWe Thermal power: 3 MWth +5 more

8 metrics

Electrical power range 300 kW to 1 MW LOKI MMR™ design output for surface applications

Space power option 100 kWe Scalable electrical output for space-based applications

Thermal power 3 MWth Maximum thermal output of LOKI MMR™ system

Coolant temperature range 500–950°C Reactor coolant operating temperatures

Conversion efficiency Approximately 40 percent Electrical efficiency via supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycle

Fuel enrichment range 9.75% LEU to 19.9% HALEU TRISO fuel enrichment for LOKI MMR™

System mass Less than 15 metric tons Fully integrated system including shielding and power conversion

Shelf registration size $900,000,000 Mixed shelf capacity from S-3/A filed Oct 22, 2025

Market Reality Check

Price: $35.67 Vol: Volume 1,639,767 vs 20-da...

normal vol

$35.67 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,639,767 vs 20-day average 2,213,197; relative volume at 0.74 ahead of this announcement. normal

Technical Price at $34.37, trading above 200-day MA of $33.72 before the RFI news.

Peers on Argus

NNE was up 6.01% while closest peers showed small, mixed moves (e.g., GRC +1.05%...

NNE was up 6.01% while closest peers showed small, mixed moves (e.g., GRC +1.05%, HLIO -0.61%, THR -0.81%), indicating a stock-specific reaction rather than a sector-wide move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 13 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 13	International MMR MOU	Positive	-3.1%	MOU with DS Dansuk to localize and deploy MMRs in South Korea.
Jan 12	U.S. deployment MOU	Positive	+4.5%	MOU with Ameresco to explore advanced microreactor deployment on key sites.
Jan 09	Conference participation	Positive	+4.5%	Announcement of presentation at Needham’s 28th Annual Growth Conference.
Jan 09	Lawsuit dismissal	Positive	-3.1%	Federal securities class action dismissed by Southern District of New York.
Dec 31	University MMR project	Positive	-3.5%	Extended collaboration to build first KRONOS MMR™ on U.S. university land.

Pattern Detected

Recent news has triggered volatile and often inconsistent price reactions, with positive strategic updates sometimes met by negative moves.

Recent Company History

Over the last few weeks, NANO Nuclear announced multiple strategic steps: MOUs with DS Dansuk and Ameresco to advance KRONOS, ZEUS, and LOKI microreactor deployment, participation in Needham’s Growth Conference on Jan 13, 2026, dismissal of a federal securities lawsuit on Jan 8, 2026, and an expanded KRONOS MMR™ project with the University of Illinois on Dec 31, 2025. Those updates drew mixed price reactions. Today’s RFI around LOKI MMR™ for NASA/DOE space power fits the same commercialization and partnership-building trajectory.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf · $900,000,000

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-10-22

$900,000,000 registered capacity

An effective mixed shelf registration filed on Oct 22, 2025 covers up to $900,000,000 of securities, including a $400,000,000 at-the-market program, providing significant capital-raising capacity through Oct 22, 2028.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement outlines a Request for Information to identify commercial partners supporting LOKI...

Analysis

This announcement outlines a Request for Information to identify commercial partners supporting LOKI MMR™ deployment for NASA and DOE surface fission power needs, with design specs including 300 kW–1 MW electrical output and up to 3 MWth thermal power. It complements recent MOUs and project expansions, signaling continued focus on commercialization pathways. Investors may track partnership responses, demonstration plans, and use of the existing $900,000,000 shelf when evaluating future capital and execution risk.

Key Terms

micro modular reactor, MMR, surface fission power, baseload power, +4 more

8 terms

micro modular reactor technical

"a leading advanced nuclear micro modular reactor (MMR) and technology company"

A micro modular reactor is a compact, factory-built nuclear power unit designed to supply a small, steady amount of electricity and heat—think of it as a scaled-down, self-contained power station you could place where a large plant wouldn’t fit. For investors it matters because these reactors promise lower upfront construction risk and steady, low-carbon revenue streams, but they also carry regulatory, licensing and long-term waste and decommissioning uncertainties that affect cost and returns.

MMR technical

"advanced nuclear micro modular reactor (MMR) and technology company"

MMR is a combined vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella, three contagious viral illnesses. For investors, MMR-related news matters because changes in approvals, manufacturing capacity, supply, or public vaccination programs can quickly affect revenues, costs and reputation for vaccine makers and healthcare providers—similar to how a disruption to a key product line can alter a company's sales and market value.

surface fission power technical

"reaffirming development of a fission surface power (FSP) system as part"

Surface fission power is electricity generated when atoms are split in a nuclear reactor installed on the ground rather than buried or launched into space. It matters to investors because these land-based reactors promise steady, high-output power like a large, constant steam engine, but they also bring heavy upfront costs, long regulatory reviews and public-safety considerations that can affect project timelines, financing needs and long-term returns.

baseload power technical

"include continuous baseload power through extended lunar night or Martian winter"

Baseload power is the consistent, reliable electricity output that a power plant or source can provide around the clock to meet the minimum demand on the grid, similar to a factory that runs steadily to keep essential machines humming. For investors, baseload capacity matters because it tends to produce predictable revenue, supports grid stability, and reduces the risk that production will be sidelined when demand dips, making assets and contracts tied to it easier to value.

passive safety technical

"autonomous startup and shutdown, passive safety, launch and lander compatibility"

Passive safety describes built-in design features that protect people or property automatically, without requiring the user to take action—think airbags in a car or a medication formulation that reduces accidental overdose risk. For investors, passive safety matters because stronger inherent protections can lower regulatory hurdles, reduce liability and warranty costs, and improve customer trust and marketability, all of which can affect a company’s revenue and long-term risk profile.

supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycle technical

"efficiency is approximately 40 percent via a supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycle"

A supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycle is a method for generating electricity that runs a turbine using carbon dioxide heated and pressurized beyond the point where it behaves like a thick gas and thin liquid at once. Like replacing water in a steam engine with a denser, faster-moving fluid, it can squeeze more power from the same heat, which matters to investors because higher efficiency, smaller equipment and fuel flexibility can cut construction and operating costs and improve returns — though commercial-scale adoption depends on engineering maturity and regulatory factors.

TRISO fuel technical

"system utilizes helium and supercritical CO₂ as primary and secondary coolants and TRISO fuel"

Triso fuel is a type of nuclear fuel made of tiny ceramic kernels (often uranium) each wrapped in multiple protective coatings, creating hard, heat-resistant pellets like peas inside several shells. It matters to investors because that layered design improves safety, allows higher operating temperatures, and can reduce cooling needs and meltdown risk, which affects plant design, regulatory approval, operating costs and the commercial prospects of advanced reactors.

HALEU technical

"TRISO fuel enriched between 9.75 percent LEU and 19.9 percent HALEU"

HALEU (high-assay low-enriched uranium) is uranium fuel enriched to a higher level than traditional reactor fuel but below weapons-grade, roughly like a higher-octane gasoline for nuclear reactors. It matters to investors because this fuel enables newer, smaller and more efficient reactors to run longer or produce more power from less material, so availability, regulation and production costs can affect utilities, reactor developers and mining companies’ prospects.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

New York, N.Y., Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear micro modular reactor (MMR) and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled “NANO Nuclear Energy NASA Surface Fission Power Partnership Capabilities,” to identify the potential capabilities, experience, and strategic positioning of organizations that may support technology development, demonstration, system integration, and maturation activities related to NANO Nuclear’s LOKI MMR^™ microreactor, with the objective of enabling future deployment, commercialization, and adoption of surface fission power systems.

To become a part and apply for the RFI, please refer this link: https://nanonuclearenergy.com/rfi/

Figure 1 - NANO Nuclear Energy Issues Request for Information to Solicit Partner Input in Support of U.S. Department of Energy and NASA Lunar Surface Reactor Program

The United States is pursuing an expanded and sustained presence beyond low Earth orbit, with near-term objectives focused on the Moon and longer-term ambitions extending to Mars. Achieving these objectives will require reliable, resilient power systems capable of supporting continuous operations in extreme and remote environments. Surface power is widely recognized as a foundational capability for enabling long-duration missions, permanent or semi-permanent infrastructure, and scalable exploration architectures.

These priorities align with a December 18, 2025 executive order titled “Ensuring American Space Superiority,” which calls for a human return to the lunar surface by 2028 and the establishment of initial elements of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030, while reaffirming development of a fission surface power (FSP) system as part of the long-term lunar architecture.

“The renewed global focus on nuclear energy has been encouraging, and the momentum being driven by the United States across the sector is clear,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “Through this RFI, NANO Nuclear is seeking to position itself to support national objectives beyond Earth’s orbit by evaluating the potential application of our patented LOKI MMR^™ technology for extraterrestrial and lunar use cases. The responses received will help inform our long-term decision-making and provide a comprehensive assessment of the technical requirements, constraints, and opportunities as we plan our next steps.”

NASA, led by commercial and international partners, is advancing programs intended to transition space exploration from short-duration missions to sustained surface operations. As these efforts progress, there is growing emphasis on technologies that can operate independently of intermittent energy sources, reduce operational risk, and support a broad range of surface activities. Fission-based surface power systems represent the most scalable power solution to meet these needs.

NANO Nuclear’s space-relevant reactor design, the LOKI MMR^™, is being developed through the Company’s subsidiary NANO Nuclear Space to address functional, operational, and architectural considerations publicly articulated for the FSP program. These considerations include continuous baseload power through extended lunar night or Martian winter, autonomous startup and shutdown, passive safety, launch and lander compatibility, modular interfaces, and integration with surface users and infrastructure.

“The LOKI MMR^™ design is inherently well suited for space-based applications, enabling a straightforward pathway to address the specific operational needs of NASA,” said Florent Heidet, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear. “This RFI represents an important step for NANO Nuclear as we work to position the Company to support a stable, long-term program aligned with NASA’s and the Department of Energy’s objectives for space nuclear power. The LOKI MMR^™’s form factor, robust safety characteristics, and power output profile make it well suited for integration into space operations, and we are pleased to take this next step through this RFI process.”

The LOKI MMR^™ is designed to provide 300 kW to 1 MW of electrical power, scalable down to 100 kWe for space-based applications, with load-following capability. The patented system produces up to 3 MWth of thermal power, supports thermal offtake, and operates with reactor coolant temperatures ranging from 500 to 950°C. Electrical conversion efficiency is approximately 40 percent via a supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycle. The system utilizes helium and supercritical CO₂ as primary and secondary coolants and TRISO fuel enriched between 9.75 percent LEU and 19.9 percent HALEU. The fully integrated system mass is designed to be less than 15 metric tons, including shielding and power conversion components, and features a sealed, non-refueled core with a design life of up to 10 years of continuous operation.

“NANO Nuclear is developing its portfolio of advanced nuclear microreactor technologies with applications such as this in mind, positioning the LOKI MMR^™ as a strong candidate for these use cases,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “This Request for Information will help inform the next phase of development for our patented LOKI MMR^™ and ensure our approach is aligned with the objectives of the U.S. Department of Energy and NASA as they evaluate the role of nuclear power in space-based applications, including lunar surface power. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to these efforts and to support the nation’s long-term space exploration and energy objectives.”

The objective of this RFI is to help shape NANO Nuclear’s planning and commercial partnership strategy by identifying organizations with enabling capabilities across areas such as systems integration, testing and qualification, manufacturing, deployment, and operations. The RFI will further be leveraged to inform NANO Nuclear’s plan for advancing the demonstration, integration, and maturation of surface fission power systems in alignment with NASA’s FSP objectives.

Responses to this RFI are voluntary and will be used for informational and planning purposes only.

About NANO Nuclear Energy Inc.

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is a North American advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include its lead project, the patented KRONOS MMR^™ Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), ZEUS^™, a solid core battery reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR^™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are modular, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micro nuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR^™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon's surface.

For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:
Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release in this press release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “aim,” “seek,” “believe”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate to the Company’s development of the LOKI MMR as described herein. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management's current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”), Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (“CNSC”) or related state or other U.S. or non-U.S nuclear licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complementary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE, and the NRC, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23 and December 18, 2025 Executive Orders seeking to streamline nuclear regulation, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated, competitive and rapidly evolving industry, including that our plans may change and we may use our cash on hand faster or in different ways than anticipated as our business requires. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

Attachment

• NANO Nuclear Energy Inc.

FAQ

What did NANO Nuclear (NNE) announce on January 15, 2026?

NANO Nuclear issued an RFI seeking commercial partner input to support development and integration of its LOKI MMR™ for DOE and NASA lunar surface reactor programs.

What electrical power does the LOKI MMR™ design provide for lunar use (NNE)?

The LOKI MMR™ is described as providing 300 kW–1 MW electric, scalable down to 100 kWe for space applications.

What are the LOKI MMR™ key technical specs cited by NANO Nuclear (NNE)?

Key specs include up to 3 MWth, ~40% efficiency via supercritical CO2, coolant temps 500–950°C, and system mass under 15 metric tons.

What fuel does NANO Nuclear (NNE) specify for the LOKI MMR™?

The system uses TRISO fuel enriched between 9.75% LEU and 19.9% HALEU.

How long is the LOKI MMR™ core designed to operate without refueling, per NNE?

The sealed, non-refueled core is designed for up to 10 years of continuous operation.

Where can organizations apply to respond to NANO Nuclear's RFI (NNE)?

Interested organizations can apply via the company's RFI webpage referenced by NANO Nuclear.