US Announces First-ever Nuclear-powered Space Mission

• 24.03.2026, 23:25

The vehicle is planned to be launched by the end of 2028.

The United States plans to launch the first ever nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft Space Reactor-1 Freedom to Mars by the end of 2028. This was announced by NASA on its official website.

The press release says that this mission is designed to open a new era in deep space exploration. The vehicle, equipped with nuclear electric propulsion, will allow for efficient cargo transportation in environments where solar panels cannot be used.

According to the plan, upon reaching Mars, SR-1 Freedom will release the Skyfall payload, an Ingenuity-class helicopter that will continue its exploration of the Red Planet.

NASA emphasizes that this launch will set a precedent for the regulation and operation of nuclear systems in space, as well as lay the groundwork for future long-range mission propulsion systems.

Nuclear propulsion has not yet been used in space. Currently, radioisotope thermoelectric generators are used for long-duration missions, which provide power to spacecraft but do not serve as their propulsion force.

"Nuclear electric propulsion has unique capabilities to efficiently transport cargo to deep space and enable high-power missions beyond Jupiter," the U.S. space agency said in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Energy is involved in the project. According to the agency, this partnership will open up opportunities for extended exploration beyond the Moon and - in the future - for manned missions to Mars and the outer solar system.