NASA’s SR-1 Freedom Advances with Progress on Nuclear Power Module

[Marlin]

NASA's SR-1 Freedom Advances with Progress on Nuclear Power Module

https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/glenn/sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module/

[Core Content]

Digital illustration of the Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom spacecraft in orbit near Mars. The planet's red terrain fills the left half of the frame. On the right, the spacecraft is oriented horizontally, showcasing its central Power and Propulsion Element bus flanked by two tall, illuminated golden Roll-Out Solar Arrays. An elongated open-truss boom extends forward from the bus, ending at the cylindrical nuclear fission reactor and power conversion module.

NASA and its partners have advanced development of the Space Reactor-1 Freedom spacecraft by contracting Sierra Lobo to build a closed Brayton cycle power conversion system. This equipment will integrate with a fission reactor designed by the Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory for the planned 2028 deep space flight.

"These contract actions not only reduce technical risk and help us maintain momentum toward our 2028 launch, but they also strengthen collaboration across our

Destined for Mars and beyond, NASA's Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom will be humanity's first fission-powered spacecraft to travel outside Earth's orbit. Announced during NASA's "Ignition" event, this mission will demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion in deep space, and progress is underway on its key element: the nuclear power module. To expedite development of the spacecraft, NASA and its partners have mutually agreed to key contract actions that will advance the SR‑1 Freedom mission.

Read the full article at NASA:
https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/glenn/sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module/