Lynchburg-based BWX Technologies contributed to a big step forward for the Department of Energy through a critical testing milestone on Friday.

BWXT's new innovation campus in Lynchburg is advancing nuclear technology with groundbreaking work in reactor manufacturing, supported by partnerships with the Department of Defense and NASA, and is poised to boost the local economy.

The BWXT Innovation Campus features laboratories where the Advanced Technologies team is designing, building and testing advanced nuclear systems for NASA, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, state governments, national research labs and commercial customers.

BWXT faces potential penalties after the NRC found their hazard detection system may not meet federal safety requirements.

Lynchburg-based company BWXT is using nuclear technology to help with NASA's mission to Mars.

Nearly 100 people rallied outside BWX Technologies headquarters Wednesday.