Thomas Lockhart, director of U.S. Space Command’s Capability and Resource Integration Directorate, speaks on the “Space Nuclear Propulsion & Power: Enabling Unparalleled Capabilities in Space Operations & Exploration” panel at the 40th annual Space Symposium, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 9, 2025. During the panel he emphasized the importance of nuclear propulsion for future space operations to enable sustained maneuverability and resilience in an increasingly contested space environment.