NASA plans nuclear reactor powered spacecraft for Mars mission by 2028

NASA announced plans to build Space Reactor-1 Freedom, the first nuclear-reactor-powered interplanetary spacecraft. MIT Tech Review reported that the uncrewed mission is scheduled to fly to Mars by the end of 2028 and arrive in 2029. [1]

The announcement occurred just before the Artemis II crew conducted a historic slingshot around the moon in April. According to MIT Tech Review, a successful mission could mark a new era of more efficient spaceflight. [1]

Nuclear propulsion systems use nuclear reactions as a primary power source. Nuclear thermal and nuclear electric engines in the space sector offer greater efficiency than conventional rocket engines, while uranium-fueled nuclear reactors already power aircraft carriers and submarines for long periods without refueling. [2]

Developing faster nuclear-powered transit will significantly improve safety for future human missions. MIT Tech Review reported that shorter flight times will save astronauts time and cut their exposure to harmful cosmic radiation during travel to Mars and beyond. [1]