NASA and U.S. Department of Energy Sign Memorandum of Understanding: Opening a New Era in Space Nuclear Energy Exploration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on advancing cutting-edge space nuclear energy technologies. The signing ceremony was held on October 8, 2026, at the "Golden Era Summit" at the Donald · J · Trump Institute for Peace in Washington, D.C., with NASA Administrator Jared · Isaacman and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris · Wright jointly attending and signing the agreement.

The memorandum aims to comprehensively deepen strategic collaboration between the two federal agencies in the field of space nuclear energy research and development, covering key aspects such as cutting-edge basic research, advanced special nuclear fuel fabrication, and rigorous ground test verification. Isaacman emphasized that this is a key step toward a new phase of deep space exploration, marking the full launch of the "Nuclear NASA-era."

This cooperation directly aligns with the executive order signed by U.S. President Trump in December 2025, which explicitly requires NASA to develop a launch-ready lunar surface nuclear fission reactor by 2030. In his remarks, Energy Secretary Wright stated that the deep synergy between the two agencies will provide indispensable efficient energy support for humanity's expansion into uncharted deep space frontiers.

According to the engineering plan, NASA intends to officially launch its first space nuclear reactor — "Space Reactor-1 Freedom" — in 2028, a move that will mark the transition of space nuclear power technology from basic laboratory research and development to engineered operational deployment. The reactor will not only provide continuous baseload electrical power for future permanent scientific research infrastructure on the lunar surface, but will also serve as the core technological foundation for subsequent crewed Mars exploration missions.

In addition to space fission reactors, NASA is continuously expanding the in-depth application of radioisotope thermoelectric systems (RPS). The "Dragonfly" mission, planned for launch in 2028 to Titan, Saturn's largest moon, will fully employ radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) to provide long-duration reliable power for its rotorcraft system.

This strategic partnership between NASA and the Department of Energy will significantly strengthen the United States' industrial manufacturing and supply chain foundation in the space nuclear energy sector, accelerate the pace of exploration of distant celestial bodies in the solar system, and lay a long-term foundation for safeguarding the United States' core strategic competitiveness in deep space exploration.