NASA has assigned Sierra Lobo the power-conversion system for SR-1 Freedom, its planned nuclear electric propulsion demonstration beyond Earth orbit. A closed Brayton cycle will turn reactor heat into electricity. The system is to be integrated with an Idaho National Laboratory reactor, with launch targeted for late 2028 and the reactor kept inactive until departure from Earth orbit.
NASA’s official update assigns Sierra Lobo the power-conversion system for SR-1 Freedom, the US space agency’s planned nuclear electric propulsion demonstration beyond Earth orbit. The spacecraft’s power module combines a fission reactor with a system that turns its heat into electricity. That electricity is intended to supply spacecraft systems and electric propulsion. Sierra Lobo is to provide the closed Brayton cycle conversion system.[1]
A 2024 contract covers the conversion work. It supports Glenn Research Center in Cleveland across hardware testing and operations as well as design and development. For the reactor, development and design are being handled by Idaho National Laboratory, part of the US Department of Energy. NASA plans to integrate the two components into a module at the end of the spacecraft’s boom. Steve Sinacore, the programme director, said these contract steps were intended to strengthen partner collaboration while reducing technical risk.[1]
NASA targets launch in late 2028. Its safety plan includes interagency reviews, continuous oversight and a reactor kept inactive until the spacecraft leaves Earth orbit. SR-1 Freedom is designed to deliver SkyFall to Mars: three helicopters evolved from the Ingenuity design, intended to collect scientific data and investigate possible water sources. The announcement concerns development contracts and mission plans; the nuclear propulsion demonstration in space remains ahead.[1]
