Kratos Wins $33.6 Million Contract for NASA’s Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) has secured a $33.6 million contract to design, build and deliver the power conversion system for NASA’s Space Reactor-1 Freedom (SR-1 Freedom) mission.

Kratos will perform the work as a subcontractor to Sierra Lobo, Inc. under NASA’s SpaceDOC III contract.

Targeted for launch in 2028, the mission aims to demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion beyond Earth orbit on a journey to Mars.

Kratos will supply a compact, space-qualified closed Brayton cycle power conversion system that converts heat generated by the spacecraft’s fission reactor into electricity. The system will provide power for spacecraft operations and the electric propulsion subsystem, which is designed to enable sustained thrust over long periods.

Unlike conventional chemical propulsion, nuclear electric propulsion uses electricity generated by a nuclear reactor to drive electric thrusters. The approach can substantially reduce propellant requirements for deep-space missions, potentially allowing spacecraft to carry more scientific instruments, cargo and other payloads.

SR-1 Freedom is intended to demonstrate this technology in an interplanetary mission and deliver NASA’s SkyFall payload to Mars.

NASA has positioned SR-1 Freedom as part of a broader effort to advance space nuclear power and establish capabilities for future deep-space operations. The mission is also intended to help develop the industrial base for follow-on programs, including Lunar Reactor-1, a proposed nuclear power system for future lunar surface infrastructure.

“Being selected to power SR-1 Freedom is a generational honor for Kratos,” said Stacey Rock, President of Turbine Technologies Division at Kratos

Image credits: NASA