NASA and the US Department of Energy sign a memorandum on space nuclear power and propulsion

NASA

NASA and the US Department of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding on 8 October 2026 to collaborate across space nuclear technologies; it takes effect on 1 November. It builds toward a launch-ready lunar surface reactor by 2030, a goal set by a 2025 executive order, and ties into several named missions.

• Space Reactor-1 Freedom (SR-1) targets launch in late 2028 as the first fission-powered interplanetary spacecraft; its reactor starts 48 hours into the mission and powers electric thrusters on the way to Mars.
• Lunar Reactor-1 (LR-1) is a fission surface power system meant to keep the planned Moon Base running during lunar nights; SR-1 is intended to inform its development.
• Dragonfly, launching to Saturn's moon Titan in 2028, will use a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator and 24 heater units; NASA and DOE plan 24 similar heater units for ESA's Rosalind Franklin rover.
• The article gives no funding amounts.