Parsons, KS | Deep Fission nuclear project site

Proud to Build with Parsons

We're proud to be building Deep Fission's first demonstration of the Gravity™ Nuclear Reactor right here in Parsons. We believe that when Deep Fission wins, Parsons wins as well—through local jobs, new investment, and opportunity that stays close to home. Explore this page for updates from the field, answers to common questions, and the many ways to participate, be heard, and stay involved in the months and years ahead.

Updates From the Field

Latest Milestone:

Non-nuclear prototype reactor canister successfully fabricated and tested

The Deep Fission team has successfully fabricated, tested and received at our Parsons project site, our first prototype reactor canister, achieving an important milestone on our path toward deployment. The testing confirmed that the canister meets key industry requirements for structural integrity and leak tightness.

“The arrival of our prototype reactor canister at the Kansas site is a clear step forward in moving from design to deployed infrastructure. Upcoming testing using this hardware will validate our approach and provide valuable learnings as we assemble, install and test key systems under non-nuclear conditions in our large diameter borehole.

—Mark Pérès
Chief Nuclear Officer of Deep Fission

Current Focus:

Preparation for our non-nuclear demonstration borehole

With our reactor canister on site, and ground preparations complete for our second test well, we are targeting Q3 of 2026 to begin drilling our ~2,500 foot deep commercial proof of concept borehole. This non-nuclear well is intended to test borehole thermal behavior and to demonstrate deep deployment (~2,500 ft) of major components, including lowering a prototype reactor underground to help validate key aspects of our deployment approach ahead of future project phases.

Commercial Deployment Plan

Understand the phases, key milestones and projected timeline of our work in Parsons.

Phase 1 — Safety Design and Non-nuclear Activities

Overview: The first phase of Deep Fission's phased deployment plan focuses on engineering validation and proof-of-concept wells, which will be used to gather real-world subsurface data and validate the deep-borehole reactor design.

Status: In Progress, Targeting 2026-2027

Completed Steps:

Drilling of the data acquisition well to a depth of approximately 6,000 feet to provide critical geological, hydrological, and thermal data
Fabrication, hydrostatic testing, and delivery to project site of our factory-built prototype canister

Next Step:

Demonstrate the ability to drill a commercial-scale borehole and safely deploy a prototype (non-nuclear) reactor

Oversight:

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE)
Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC)

Phase 2 — DOE Pilot

Overview: Deep Fission plans to construct and operate its pilot demonstration reactor under DOE authorization while, in parallel, applying to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a commercial operating license to convert the same pilot reactor to commercial operation.

Status: In Progress, Targeting 2027

Completed:

Established the licensing pathway with the NRC and submitted a Regulatory Engagement Plan
Held multiple pre-application meetings and incorporated NRC feedback on our conceptual design and safety analysis

Next Steps:

Obtain DOE authorization to construct and operate the pilot demonstration reactor and complete its testing and demonstration milestones
Apply for a commercial operating license (10 CFR Part 57) with the NRC

Oversight:

DOE Pilot Program Participation
KDHE well drilling
NRC commercial licensure

Phase 3 — Commercial Operations

Overview: The third phase of Deep Fission's commercial deployment plan focuses on scaling energy production at the project site through multiple reactors in clustered boreholes.

Status: Targeting 2027-2028

Completed:

Next Step:

Seek high-volume commercial licensing with the NRC for multiple reactors at a single site

Oversight:

NRC commercial licensure

Community Advisory Group

Deep Fission is committed to open, transparent engagement with the Parsons community throughout construction and operation of its nuclear energy facility. The Community Advisory Group (CAG) has been formed to provide a consistent forum for two-way communication between Deep Fission and local community representatives, focused on sharing information, listening to community perspectives, and building mutual understanding.

The group’s objective is to support informed, respectful dialogue on project progress, safety, environmental stewardship, construction activities, and operations. It does not replace regulatory oversight, nor does it serve as a decision-making or advocacy body. Participation requires no technical expertise—just a willingness to engage, listen, and contribute.

Public Sentiment

Through community events and forums, our Community Advisory Group, and one-on-one conversations with residents, Deep Fission is committed to understanding and responding to the public’s perspectives, concerns and questions.
In August, members of our Parsons Community Advisory Group toured our project site alongside our team. In addition to getting firsthand updates from the field, the group provided input on future pillars of community giving.
“Having the opportunity to be on the Community Advisory Group allows me to hear firsthand updates on their process and progress,” said member Roger Buck. “The fact they even have a committee dedicated to helping them listen to the community tells me they truly care about us. Deep Fission asks questions on how they can be more involved in the community, which shows their long-term commitment to being an important part of our city's well-being.”

Read our FAQ

Educational Outreach

Deep Fission is proud to partner with community schools to highlight educational and career opportunities in STEM and nuclear energy. A U.S. Department of Energy analysis found that the country would need roughly 375,000 more nuclear workers to triple capacity by 2050. The federal goal is now to quadruple it.
In September, Deep Fission visited Parsons High School and Parsons Middle School to talk about STEM careers and different paths into the energy sector. Team members shared their experiences, answered questions and, hopefully, inspired a few more students to pursue energy-related coursework and degree programs.
“We are excited to find ways for our students at USD 503 Parsons District Schools to learn more about the work Deep Fission is doing in the nuclear industry,” said Assistant Superintendent Jeff Pegues, a member of Deep Fission’s Community Advisory Group. “I also appreciate the time and effort they have made to connect with our community and create meaningful opportunities for our students to learn more about the work they are doing.”

In the Community

December 9, 2025 | Groundbreaking Ceremony
March 12, 2026 | Parsons Public Meeting
April 21, 2026 | Community Webinar
May 11, 2026 | Community Meeting
May 22-23, 2026 | Katy Days Festival
June 15, 2026 | Community Advisory Group Meeting
July 13, 2026 | Babe Ruth League Baseball Jersey Sponsorship
August 6, 2026 | Chickin N Pickin
August 27, 2026 | Local Emergency Planning Presentation
August 31, 2026 | Community Advisory Group Meeting, Postcard Signing
September 17, 2026 | Presentations to Parsons High School and Middle School
October 1, 2026 | 12-County Region Presentation

Community Investment

Deep Fission is committed to being a good neighbor in Parsons. Beyond positive impact from the project itself, we’re eager to find more ways to show up and make a difference for this community we’re proud to be a part of—including participating in local events, supporting impactful organizations and promoting education initiatives.

Have a cause or event where you’d love to see Deep Fission involved? Please contact tara.mays@deepfission.com.

Past Partnerships: Katy Days, Parsons Babe Ruth July 4th Tournament, Care Cupboard

Get In Touch With Us

Contact Deep Fission for any questions or to learn more. We value your input and are here to help.

General, Community Inquiries Email:
community@deepfission.com

Tara Mays, Community Stakeholder Lead:
tara.mays@deepfission.com

Deep Fission has designated its pilot project in Parsons, Kansas, as the Justin Freeman Energy Center in recognition of Justin Freeman’s instrumental role in the design and development of the Gravity™ Nuclear Reactor.