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America's First Small Modular Nuclear Reactor Just Switched On — Sort Of
Ars Technica·Monday, 8 June 2026
A startup called Antares has achieved criticality in the US's first test of a small modular reactor, or SMR. Criticality means the nuclear chain reaction is self-sustaining — the key step before a reactor can generate power. It isn't producing electricity yet, but this is a significant milestone for next-generation nuclear energy.
Why It Matters
SMRs are smaller, cheaper and faster to build than traditional nuclear plants. They're being watched closely by every country — including India — that wants clean, reliable power without the massive cost of a full-scale nuclear plant.
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