NASA's Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom spacecraft is progressing with its nuclear power module, a key component for its mission to Mars. This spacecraft will be the first to demonstrate fission power beyond Earth's orbit, delivering a science payload called SkyFall.
Key points
- SR-1 Freedom will be the first fission-powered spacecraft beyond Earth orbit.
- The mission targets Mars to deliver the SkyFall science payload.
- Nuclear electric propulsion will be demonstrated in deep space.
- Sierra Lobo Inc. is providing the power conversion system.
- The spacecraft is on track for a 2028 launch.
The mission aims to demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion in deep space. Key contract actions have been agreed upon with partners to expedite development, reduce technical risk, and maintain momentum toward a 2028 launch.
Steve Sinacore, SR-1 Freedom program director, stated that these actions strengthen collaboration and ensure a strong foundation for NASA's first fission-powered voyage beyond Earth orbit, while developing technology for a future space nuclear program.
The nuclear power module includes a reactor that generates heat through nuclear fission and a power conversion system to convert this heat into electricity. This electricity will power the spacecraft's systems and its nuclear electric propulsion.
Sierra Lobo Inc. will supply the nuclear power module's closed Brayton cycle power conversion system under the Space Flight Systems Development and Operations Contract III, awarded in 2024. This work will occur at NASA's Glenn Research Center.
“These contract actions not only reduce technical risk and help us maintain momentum toward our 2028 launch, but they also strengthen collaboration across our partners.”
Sources and references
Original report
NASA’s SR-1 Freedom Advances with Progress on Nuclear Power Module
NASA
Read on NASA (opens in a new tab)Ref 00PNYFKA
Cite this
APA
Interestana AI Editorial. (2026, October 20). NASA's SR-1 Freedom Advances Nuclear Power Module Development. Interestana. https://interestana.com/articles/nasas-sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module-00pnyfka
MLA
“NASA's SR-1 Freedom Advances Nuclear Power Module Development.” Interestana, 20 Oct. 2026, interestana.com/articles/nasas-sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module-00pnyfka.
Chicago
Interestana AI Editorial. “NASA's SR-1 Freedom Advances Nuclear Power Module Development.” Interestana, October 20, 2026. https://interestana.com/articles/nasas-sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module-00pnyfka.
BibTeX
@misc{interestana_00pnyfka,
author = {{Interestana AI Editorial}},
title = {{NASA's SR-1 Freedom Advances Nuclear Power Module Development}},
howpublished = {Interestana},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
url = {https://interestana.com/articles/nasas-sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module-00pnyfka},
note = {Summary of reporting by NASA, https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/glenn/sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module/}
}Credit the source
Original reporting: NASA, “NASA’s SR-1 Freedom Advances with Progress on Nuclear Power Module”, https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/glenn/sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module/(opens in a new tab)
Follow this story
Get Space in your inbox — new stories in 40 words or fewer, once a week.
Subscribe