TheTechno Optimist.

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SR-1 Freedom (Space Reactor-1)

by NASAUS

Prove nuclear electric propulsion works in deep space, as a pathfinder for heavy cargo and crew transport to Mars and for a reactor on the Moon, while delivering helicopters to scout Mars.

ProtoStage 2 of 5

In development since mid-2026 for a December 2028 Mars launch; most of its funding is not yet approved.

Updated 27 Jul 2026Checked 11 Oct0 updates this week

Milestones

Next · Design completion and hardware development
  1. Mission announced by Administrator Jared Isaacman24 Mar 2026Complete.
  2. DOE seeks design/build bids for the reactor radiation shield12 Sep 2026Complete.
  3. Design completion and hardware developmentTarget Jun 2026Current milestone.
  4. Spacecraft assembly and testingTarget 2028Not yet reached.
  5. Launch toward Mars; reactor started within 48 hoursTarget Dec 2028Not yet reached.
  6. Arrival at Mars and SkyFall helicopter releaseTarget 2029Not yet reached.

Most important updates

Upcoming

  1. Jun 2026Design completion and hardware development (next)
  2. 2028Spacecraft assembly and testing
  3. Dec 2028Launch toward Mars; reactor started within 48 hours
  4. 2029Arrival at Mars and SkyFall helicopter release
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