NASA reports progress on a nuclear-powered spacecraft

According to NASA's October 20 update, Sierra Lobo will provide the power-conversion system for the proposed SR-1 Freedom spacecraft. The system will convert reactor heat into electricity.

The electricity is intended to power spacecraft systems and electric propulsion. NASA says Idaho National Laboratory, part of the US Department of Energy, is developing the reactor.

The spacecraft's nuclear power module will include a heat-producing reactor and a system converting that heat into electricity. NASA says the reactor will remain inactive until the spacecraft has left Earth orbit.

NASA targets a launch in late 2028. The project remains in development; the spacecraft has not launched.