NASA and DOE sign agreement to develop nuclear power and propulsion for space

Deep-space exploration is trading chemical rockets for nuclear fission. To expand human presence beyond Earth, NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have signed a comprehensive agreement to build, test, and deploy next-generation space nuclear reactors. The strategic pact establishes an end-to-end framework covering nuclear fuel production, advanced research, launch integration, and operational safety. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed the deal at the Science: A Golden Age Summit in Washington, formalizing a shared effort to secure American leadership in deep-space exploration. “We are entering the ‘Nuclear NASA-era,’ which represents a major transformation for space exploration,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Nuclear power will allow us to go farther, operate longer, and field more capable spacecraft and instruments than ever before. The work we’re doing today is laying the foundation for the fission-powered spacecraft of tomorrow and opening an entirely new frontier for exploration and discovery.” Strategic NASA–DOE partnership NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy are advancing a suite of nuclear technologies designed to support long-term space exploration. The 2028 Space Reactor-1 Freedom mission will test operational fission capabilities in deep space along a trajectory toward Mars. It is expected to establish a foundation for the 2030 Lunar Reactor-1 surface power system designed to sustain Moon bases through periods of complete darkness. Radioisotope power systems are also expanding NASA’s reach, with the 2028 Dragonfly rotorcraft using a radioisotope generator and 24 heater units to study habitability on Saturn’s moon Titan. Similar radioisotope heater units will protect sensitive instruments aboard the European Space Agency’s Rosalind Franklin rover as it searches for evidence of life in the freezing Martian environment. Isaacman and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright executed the agreement during the summit hosted by the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington. Set to take effect on Sunday, November 1, the partnership establishes a formal framework for interagency collaboration across space nuclear operations. “Thanks to President Trump, America’s nuclear renaissance is reaching a new frontier,” said Wright. “The Energy Department is proud to partner with NASA as we help American space missions reach uncharted territory.” Deep space exploration Nuclear electric propulsion provides higher efficiency and continuous thrust, accelerating spacecraft to much higher speeds than standard chemical rockets. The accelerating transit speeds shorten the overall duration of journeys across deep space, directly minimizing the amount of cosmic radiation human crews absorb. Plus, the nuclear system can also decrease crew exposure to prolonged interstellar radiation. It could protect long-term astronaut health and enhance overall mission safety during future crewed flights to Mars. Global interest in space nuclear technology is growing rapidly, with several major spacefaring nations developing their own reactors and propulsion systems. China is advancing compact megawatt-class fission reactors for high-thrust deep-space travel. It is also partnering with Russia to build an automated nuclear power plant on the lunar surface to sustain a future joint research station. Meanwhile, Russia continues developing its “Zeus” nuclear-powered space tug, designed to move heavy payloads and clear orbital debris using megawatt-class electric propulsion.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations. Her work has been featured in well-known publications including Nature India, Supercluster, The Weather Channel and Astronomy magazine. If you have pitches in mind, please do not hesitate to email her.