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NASA Eyes $2.1B Nuclear Reactor for 2028 Mars Mission
22 Jul
Summary
- NASA plans a $2.1 billion Mars mission for late 2028.
- The mission will deploy three robotic helicopters.
- A nuclear fission reactor will power the spacecraft.
The United States is allocating approximately $2.1 billion to develop and launch the SR-1 Freedom spacecraft, a novel mission targeting Mars in late 2028. This ambitious project is set to utilize a nuclear fission reactor, a critical advancement for long-duration space operations.
The SR-1 Freedom spacecraft will carry three robotic helicopters, designed using the successful Ingenuity helicopter as a basis. The Ingenuity, which operated on Mars from 2021 to 2024, proved invaluable for exploring inaccessible areas and creating 3D surface maps.
NASA spokesperson Jan Wittry highlighted that by leveraging existing hardware and focusing new development on the reactor system, the agency is pursuing a practical path. This capability is deemed essential for sustained lunar operations, future Mars missions, and the next era of space exploration.
