NASA Targets 2028 Launch for First Nuclear-Powered Interplanetary Spacecraft

NASA Administrator and Shift4 founder Jared Isaacman has confirmed plans to launch a nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft in 2028.
The mission, called Space Reactor-1 Freedom, is targeting Mars and is designed to demonstrate nuclear-electric propulsion in deep space.
Unlike conventional propulsion systems, nuclear-electric technology could provide sustained power and propulsion for long-duration missions far beyond Earth.
A successful demonstration would represent a major step toward more capable spacecraft for future missions to Mars and other destinations across the solar system.
The project also reinforces the broader expansion of U.S. space infrastructure, creating potential opportunities across launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, nuclear technology and other parts of the space economy.