NASA is advancing the development of the Space Reactor-1 Freedom, the first spacecraft designed to demonstrate fission power beyond Earth's orbit. The mission aims to test nuclear electric propulsion in deep space, with a scheduled launch in late 2028.
The nuclear power module is a critical component of the project. Sierra Lobo Inc. is tasked with providing the closed Brayton cycle power conversion system, which transforms thermal energy from the fission reactor into electricity. This work is part of the Space Flight Systems Development and Operations Contract III, awarded in 2024.
The fission reactor itself is being developed by the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory. NASA and the Department of Energy have established safety protocols, including interagency reviews and continuous oversight, ensuring the reactor remains inactive until the spacecraft exits Earth's orbit.
The SR-1 Freedom mission will transport the SkyFall payload to Mars, consisting of three helicopters based on the Ingenuity design. These units will gather scientific data and search for water sources. The project also aims to support future infrastructure, such as the NASA Moon Base, where solar power may be insufficient.
