NASA advances SR-1 Freedom nuclear power-module work
NASA says contract actions move forward the power-conversion system for a planned nuclear-electric propulsion demonstration.
What the record says
NASA's October 20 update says Sierra Lobo will provide the closed Brayton-cycle system that converts heat from SR-1 Freedom's fission reactor into electricity. Idaho National Laboratory is designing and developing the reactor. NASA says the combined module would power a planned deep-space nuclear-electric propulsion demonstration and a Mars science mission.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read NASA's update for the work assigned to partners and the planned mission milestones.
Limits and what is not established
NASA targets a late-2028 launch. The contract actions are development progress, not a completed spacecraft, launch or demonstrated propulsion capability. NASA says the reactor will remain inactive until the spacecraft leaves Earth orbit.
Sources checked October 21, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.