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NASA's Nuclear-Electric Mars Probe Launches December 2028

5/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NASA will launch the Space Reactor-1 Freedom nuclear-electric spacecraft to Mars in December 2028.
Administrator Jared Isaacman, confirmed by the Senate in December 2025, championed the mission.
SR-1 Freedom will use a reactor-generated ion thruster to move heavy cargo and provide power far from the Sun.
After about a year, it will release the Skyfall helicopter drones to scout Mars.

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Story summary

NASA will launch the Space Reactor-1 Freedom nuclear-electric spacecraft to Mars in December 2028.
Administrator Jared Isaacman, confirmed by the Senate in December 2025, championed the mission.
SR-1 Freedom will use a reactor-generated ion thruster to move heavy cargo and provide power far from the Sun.
After about a year, it will release the Skyfall helicopter drones to scout Mars.