NASA repurposes Gateway module for Mars nuclear propulsion demo

NASA is shifting its focus from a lunar space station to a Moon base, leading to the repurposing of the Gateway outpost's core module for a deep-space nuclear-electric propulsion demonstration mission, dubbed SR-1 Freedom. This mission, slated for launch before the end of 2028, aims to prove the U.S. can build, launch, and operate a space nuclear propulsion system. The module, currently under construction, will be equipped with a uranium-fueled fission reactor alongside solar arrays, providing significantly more power than existing deep-space nuclear generators. This initiative builds on previous, albeit canceled, nuclear propulsion projects like Project Prometheus and DRACO.