NASA and DOE sign space nuclear MOU

Last week, NASA and the Department of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for cooperation on space nuclear power and propulsion, replacing and revising two earlier agreements.

Titled "Accelerating American Leadership in Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion," the agreement spans space nuclear development, research and fuel production, testing, launch integration, and operations.

The MOU becomes effective on November 1 and will remain in effect for 10 years unless revised or extended. It amends and supersedes two agreements between NASA and the DOE: a radioisotope power systems MOU signed October 31, 2016, that was set to expire at the end of this month, and a space fission systems MOU that was signed December 22, 2025. Interagency agreements established under the earlier MOUs will remain in effect.

The details: The MOU states, "Opening the solar system to sustained human presence is the great engineering challenge of this century. It requires power that works everywhere: through the lunar night, in Mars orbit, and past Jupiter where the Sun is just another star. Whether it is fission or nuclear battery, nuclear is that power and propulsion."

The document cites NASA's expertise in space flight systems, science, exploration, and technology development, and the DOE's capabilities in research, development, fabrication, and demonstration of nuclear batteries and nuclear power and propulsion systems.

NASA and the DOE agree to collaborate on radioisotope power systems, fission power systems, and other space technologies that may be fueled by nuclear material.

NASA's responsibilities include overall space mission and programmatic authority, installing and testing space nuclear systems as needed for mission applications, and providing the DOE with relevant data and insight from the agency and its partners on relevant projects.

The agency may procure or partner on commercially designed and developed space nuclear systems, as well as systems designed for or by other U.S. government entities, and would be required to comply with DOE requirements and safety analyses unless licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The DOE's responsibilities include "designing, developing, fabricating, evaluating, testing, and/or delivering [space nuclear systems] (including fuel production as necessary)" to meet system requirements and schedules; authorizing use of nuclear materials, ensuring safe handling and utilization, except for materials and activities licensed by the NRC; and providing technical assistance to NASA on activities including prelaunch handling of nuclear systems and installation on space vehicles.

The signing: The document was signed by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright during a White House Office of Science and Technology Policy-hosted summit.

"We are entering the 'Nuclear NASA era,' which represents a major transformation for space exploration," said Isaacman. "Nuclear power will allow us to go farther, operate longer, and field more capable spacecraft and instruments than ever before. The work we're doing today is laying the foundation for the fission-powered spacecraft of tomorrow and opening an entirely new frontier for exploration and discovery."

"The Energy Department is proud to partner with NASA as we help American space missions reach uncharted territory," said Wright.

Rising nuclear tides: In March, NASA announced Space Reactor-1 Freedom, a nuclear electric propulsion rocket that is scheduled to launch in December 2028 and will focus its resources on developing a permanent moon base.

SR-1 Freedom is intended to serve as a milestone paving the way for Lunar Reactor-1, a fission power system for the moon base.

In September, NASA announced a solicitation seeking proposals to design, fabricate, and test a radioisotope Stirling generator prototype for lunar applications.

According to NASA, the agency is making "steady progress" on developing a lunar surface reactor in partnership with the DOE that will be ready to launch by 2030.