NASA and the Energy Department Sign a Nuclear Power Pact for Space
NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy have agreed to work together on nuclear power and propulsion for space. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed a memorandum of understanding titled 'Accelerating American Leadership in Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion' on October 8, 2026, at the Science: A Golden Age Summit in Washington. The agreement takes effect on November 1.
What the agreement covers
The memorandum sets up a framework for collaboration from start to finish, covering advanced research and fuel production, testing, launch integration and operations. NASA says an uncompromising commitment to safety is the central pillar of all of these efforts. Isaacman described the moment as the start of a 'Nuclear NASA-era,' saying nuclear power will let spacecraft go farther, operate longer and carry more capable instruments.
Two reactor missions
Space Reactor-1 Freedom (SR-1) is planned for launch in 2028. NASA calls it the first fission-powered interplanetary spacecraft. Its reactor is due to start up about 48 hours into the flight, after the spacecraft has left Earth's gravity, and it will use nuclear electric propulsion to travel to Mars, where it will deliver the SkyFall payload of Ingenuity-class helicopters. By flying a reactor first, without a lunar landing, NASA says it lowers the risk of nuclear flight and builds the supply chain and workforce for later missions.
Lunar Reactor-1 (LR-1) is the planned fission surface power system for NASA's Moon Base. A December 2025 executive order directs NASA to develop a launch-ready lunar surface reactor by 2030. Unlike solar panels, a reactor can keep producing power through the long lunar night and in permanently shadowed regions, powering habitats, communications, instruments, rovers and infrastructure.
Not NASA's first nuclear step
NASA has used nuclear power in space for decades through radioisotope power systems, which are not fission reactors. The Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan, scheduled for launch in 2028, will use one, along with 24 radioisotope heater units. NASA and the Energy Department also plan to provide 24 similar heater units for the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover.
What to watch
Nuclear systems in space have drawn public debate for years, mostly about launch safety and long-term policy, and supporters and critics will both be watching how the agreement is carried out. The practical milestones to follow are the November 1 start date, progress on the SR-1 reactor and the 2030 lunar reactor goal. Agency timelines for new spacecraft can also shift.
Quick FAQ
Who signed the agreement? NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, on October 8, 2026.
When does it take effect? November 1, 2026.
When will the first nuclear-powered spacecraft launch? NASA is targeting 2028 for SR-1 Freedom, headed to Mars.
Sources: NASA news release 26-084 (October 8, 2026) and World Nuclear News. Photo: NASA/Bill Ingalls.
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