NASA taps DoE to help build nuclear space reactors

NASA and the US Department of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding to expand collaboration on space nuclear technology, covering research, fuel production, testing and launch. NASA aims to launch the SR-1 reactor for its Freedom spacecraft by December 2028 and the lunar LR-1 reactor by 2030.

• The MOU was signed by NASA chief Jared Isaacman and Energy Secretary Chris Wright
• SR-1, producing over 20 kW, is meant to power the Freedom spacecraft launching in December 2028
• The lunar LR-1 reactor for a Moon base is targeted for launch readiness by 2030
• The full MOU text was not published and NASA offered little evidence of progress