General Matter Aims to Revive U.S. Nuclear Enrichment Using SpaceX Methodology
General Matter, a startup led by former SpaceX employee Scott Nolan, is attempting to revive the U.S. nuclear enrichment industry by applying agile startup principles to a traditionally slow, government-regulated sector. The company has secured $900 million in federal funding and aims to double domestic production of enriched uranium by 2029, reducing reliance on Russian imports. While supporters praise its speed and bipartisan backing, critics worry that prioritizing rapid deployment over established safety cultures could compromise nuclear security.