NASA and DOE Partner to Accelerate Space Nuclear Power Development

• NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance nuclear power and propulsion technologies for deep-space exploration.
• The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration covering research, fuel production, testing, launch integration, and operational safety.
• This partnership aims to support long-term human presence on the Moon and facilitate future missions to Mars.

Key Milestones and Programs

• 2028 Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom: A planned launch to transition nuclear propulsion from lab research to operational deep-space applications.
• Lunar Reactor-1 (LR-1): A fission surface power system designed to provide consistent energy for Moon bases through periods of darkness and shadow.
• Radioisotope Systems: NASA continues to utilize these systems, including for the 2028 Dragonfly mission to Titan and providing heating units for the ESA's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover to ensure equipment survival in extreme cold.

Strategic Objectives

• Expand exploration reach and enable longer mission durations with advanced nuclear power.
• Solidify an American nuclear-space industrial base to maintain global leadership in space exploration.
• Drive technological innovations that yield practical benefits for Earth while pioneering breakthroughs for human Mars travel.