NASA advances nuclear power module for planned Mars spacecraft

NASA says it has agreed contract actions to advance the nuclear power module for SR-1 Freedom, a planned Mars mission intended to demonstrate nuclear-electric propulsion. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch in late 2028, although NASA programme director Steve Sinacore said the actions are intended to reduce technical risk and maintain progress towards that target. [1]

The module will combine a fission reactor, being developed by the US Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory, with a closed Brayton cycle system to convert the reactor’s heat into electricity. NASA says Sierra Lobo will provide that power-conversion system under a contract supporting hardware development and operations at NASA’s Glenn Research Center.

The electricity is intended to power the spacecraft’s systems and electric propulsion. NASA says the reactor will remain inactive until SR-1 Freedom has left Earth orbit, and describes a safety process that includes interagency reviews, regulatory compliance and oversight by a NASA chief safety officer. [1]

The mission is planned to carry SkyFall, a group of three Mars helicopters based on NASA’s Ingenuity design. NASA says they will collect scientific data, explore potential landing zones and look for possible water sources. The agency presents the mission as a demonstration of fission-powered spacecraft technology for future deep-space exploration.