NASA and US Department of Energy Sign Agreement for Space Reactor in 2028

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed a memorandum of understanding titled "Accelerating American Leadership in Nuclear Energy and Space Propulsion," effective as of November 1.

The memorandum establishes an integrated collaboration between the two parties spanning from research and fuel production to testing, launch integration, and operations, allowing both agencies to manage all phases of the project rather than dividing it among separate entities.

Among the explicitly named milestones in the agreement are the "Space Reactor-1 Freedom" reactor, planned for launch in 2028, and the "Lunar Reactor-1" reactor designated for a future lunar base.

Nuclear energy is an essential option for missions where relying on solar panels is difficult, whether in dark locations on the lunar surface or on deep-space journeys. This development concerns research institutions and companies in the space and energy sectors, as it defines the trajectory of major US projects in the coming decade.

What Do These Terms Mean?

Memorandum of Understanding: A preliminary agreement between two parties that defines the framework and fields of their cooperation without binding them to a commercial contract.

Space Propulsion: The technology that provides spacecraft with thrust to travel between orbits or beyond.

Space Nuclear Reactor: A small nuclear reactor used to generate electricity or propulsion in spacecraft instead of solar panels.

Lunar Base: A crewed or automated location on the lunar surface used for habitation, research, and launching missions.