From Nuclear Navy to Mars Rovers: A Legacy of Innovation at Idaho National Laboratory
For 35 years, Dave Hendricks dedicated his career to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a journey that began with a foundation in naval nuclear systems and culminated in contributions to groundbreaking space exploration. His recent retirement marks not just the end of an individual career, but a reflection on the vital, often unseen, role INL plays in powering both our world and our ventures beyond it.
The Early Years: From Reactors to Fuel Examination
Hendricks’ path to INL started with four years in the U.S. Navy, where he specialized in nuclear systems. This expertise led him to eastern Idaho in 1991, initially working at what was then Argonne National Laboratory–West, located at the INL site. There, he contributed to the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II), a pioneering reactor focused on advanced fuel and safety concepts. He described the atmosphere as “family-like” from the start.
From 1996 to 2002, Hendricks shifted his focus to INL’s Hot Fuel Examination Facility and Fuel Conditioning Facility. These highly secure facilities allowed scientists to safely study spent nuclear fuel, utilizing remote-controlled equipment and heavily shielded rooms. He later broadened his experience in engineering labs, focusing on testing, design, and applied research.
A Turning Point: 9/11 and the Rise of Space Power
The events of September 11, 2001, proved to be a pivotal moment for INL. Increased national security concerns prompted a reassessment of vulnerable sites, and INL was selected for a new, critical mission: relocating space-power work from Ohio. This led to the construction of a new facility dedicated to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs).
RTGs are unique power sources, converting heat from the natural decay of plutonium-238 into electricity, providing decades of steady power – essential for spacecraft operating far from the sun. Hendricks played a key role in assembling the first RTG used for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, which successfully flew past Pluto in 2015.
Powering Exploration on Mars
Hendricks’ contributions extended beyond Pluto, impacting missions to Mars. He helped assemble components used in both the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers. These rovers rely on nuclear power due to the challenges of using solar energy on the Red Planet – dust storms, cold temperatures, and vast distances from the sun.
“Curiosity paved the way, while Perseverance represents the next generation of Mars exploration, including collecting samples for eventual return to Earth,” Hendricks explained. The reliability of these power systems, tested and certified at INL, is crucial for the success of these long-duration missions.
Returning to Nuclear Fuel Research and a Satisfying Retirement
From 2018 until his retirement in 2026, Hendricks returned to the Hot Fuel Examination Facility, focusing on Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) – essentially a detailed “checkup” for spent nuclear fuel, helping to improve the safety and efficiency of future reactors.
Hendricks expressed immense satisfaction in his work on New Horizons and the Mars rovers, and remains a strong advocate for nuclear energy. He hopes the public will gain a greater understanding of the important work conducted at INL.
The Future of Nuclear Innovation at INL
Idaho National Laboratory continues to be at the forefront of nuclear research and development. According to the INL website, the laboratory focuses on nuclear science and engineering, national security research, and energy and environmental sustainability. Recent work, as highlighted on their LinkedIn page, includes developing tools to track nuclear materials and enhance safety and security in nuclear facilities.
The lab’s expertise is accessible through the INL Experts database, designed to foster collaboration with researchers both within and outside the laboratory.
Did you know?
RTGs don’t store power like batteries; they generate power from the heat produced by the natural decay of plutonium-238.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary focus of Idaho National Laboratory?
- What are RTGs used for?
- What is PIE?
INL focuses on nuclear science, national security research, and energy and environmental sustainability.
RTGs provide long-lasting power for spacecraft where solar energy isn’t feasible, such as missions to Pluto and Mars.
PIE, or Post-Irradiation Examination, is a detailed analysis of spent nuclear fuel to improve the safety and efficiency of future reactors.
Hendricks is now looking forward to retirement, planning to travel with his wife, explore the Oregon coast, and pursue hobbies like hunting, fishing, and restoring old cars.
Learn more about the innovative research happening at Idaho National Laboratory: Visit the INL website
