NASA will simplify the nuclear spacecraft project to prepare it for launch in 2028 and send it to Mars

NASA plans to launch the first nuclear‑powered spacecraft to Mars in 2028

At the end of March NASA announced that by the end of 2028 it intends to send a spacecraft with a fission reactor and an electric plasma rocket engine to Mars. This decision proved incompatible with standard R&D procedures, so the agency took measures to accelerate development: some stages will be simplified, and timelines shortened to 2.5 years – a record for such projects.

What’s already ready
* The SR‑1 Freedom electric plasma engine – fully assembled and tested. It was transferred from the unbuilt Lunar Gateway station, which is no longer needed under Artemis; now a lunar base is planned directly on the satellite’s surface.

* The SkyFall payload – a set of three Mars helicopters similar to Ingenuity – has already passed tests on the Red Planet.

Thus most key components for the Mars mission are in place; only assembling them into one ship remains.

Funding
* $2.6 million from the Lunar Gateway budget remained unallocated after the project’s cancellation.

* NASA has reserve funds, but none have been earmarked specifically for SR‑1 Freedom by 2027. The agency stated that this is not a problem and guarantees the necessary funding.

Technical justification and cost estimate are expected by next fall.

Realism of timelines
Critics doubt the possibility of completing the nuclear ship’s development in 2.5 years – such a period usually suits CubeSats. NASA insists it will make every effort to meet its plans by December 2028, when the launch window to Mars opens.

Features of SR‑1 Freedom
* The first fission reactor – will be used to power the electric plasma engine.

* The engine provides continuous but low thrust.

* The reactor is positioned far ahead of the main equipment and payload.

* Cooling panels are mounted on the main hull.

The ship is a simplified demonstrator of a nuclear tug, built under tight deadlines.