Story perspectives

White House Accelerates Space Nuclear Power Development by 2028

4/16/2026

Summary

White House Accelerates Space Nuclear

The White House issued a directive to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Energy to accelerate space nuclear power development.
The goal is to launch a nuclear reactor into orbit by 2028 and place one on the Moon by 2030.
Agencies will hold design competitions for low- to medium-power reactors, with NASA targeting a mid-power reactor generating at least 20 kilowatts.

Summary

NASA Launches Nuclear Mission

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled the Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom mission, targeting a late 2020s launch and demonstrating nuclear electric propulsion with a 20-kilowatt reactor.
The mission would mark the first U.S. launch of a fission reactor since 1965.
SR-1 aims to establish regulatory precedents and activate the industrial base for future nuclear systems.
The design features a uranium reactor and radiator fins to manage heat.

History

Historical Context

In 1965, the United States launched SNAP-10A, the first nuclear reactor in space, generating 500 watts and demonstrating nuclear power's feasibility in orbit. This initiative stemmed from the SNAP program, initiated in the 1950s to meet high power demands for satellites. Today, NASA's SR-1 mission aims to deploy a 20-kilowatt reactor, highlighting a renewed focus on nuclear propulsion for deep space exploration.

1 of 3

White House Accelerates Space Nuclear

The White House issued a directive to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Energy to accelerate space nuclear power development.
The goal is to launch a nuclear reactor into orbit by 2028 and place one on the Moon by 2030.
Agencies will hold design competitions for low- to medium-power reactors, with NASA targeting a mid-power reactor generating at least 20 kilowatts.

1 / 3