What happened?
NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have signed a comprehensive agreement to develop nuclear power and propulsion systems for space. The pact establishes an end-to-end framework covering nuclear fuel production, advanced research, launch integration and operational safety.
The agreement was signed by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the Science: A Golden Age Summit in Washington. "We are entering the 'Nuclear NASA-era'," Isaacman said, adding that nuclear power will allow the agency to go farther and operate longer. The partnership takes effect on Sunday, November 1.
Which missions are planned?
- 2028 Space Reactor-1 Freedom: will test operational fission capabilities in deep space along a trajectory toward Mars.
- 2030 Lunar Reactor-1: a surface power system designed to sustain Moon bases through periods of complete darkness.
- 2028 Dragonfly: the rotorcraft studying habitability on Saturn's moon Titan will use a radioisotope generator and 24 heater units.
- Rosalind Franklin rover: sensitive instruments aboard the European Space Agency's Mars rover will be protected by similar radioisotope heater units.
Why nuclear?
Nuclear electric propulsion offers higher efficiency and continuous thrust, accelerating spacecraft to much higher speeds than standard chemical rockets. Faster transit times shorten deep-space journeys and directly reduce the amount of cosmic radiation crews absorb, which matters for long-term astronaut health and the safety of future crewed Mars flights.
A global race
Interest in space nuclear technology is growing rapidly. China is advancing compact megawatt-class fission reactors for high-thrust deep-space travel and is partnering with Russia to build an automated nuclear power plant on the lunar surface. Russia, meanwhile, continues developing its "Zeus" nuclear-powered space tug, designed to move heavy payloads and clear orbital debris using megawatt-class electric propulsion.
