# NASA and DOE Advance Space Nuclear Exploration

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy signed an interagency memorandum of understanding on October 8, 2026, to coordinate space-nuclear research, fuel production, testing, launch integration, and operations. The agreement takes effect November 1, 2026, and supports a goal of a launch-ready lunar surface reactor by 2030 and NASA’s planned 2028 Space Reactor-1 Freedom launch. The announcement does not identify a solicitation, contractor, contract value, or award, but signals potential future demand for space reactors, nuclear fuel, radioisotope power systems, testing, and safety capabilities.

- Suppliers in reactor technology, nuclear fuel, radioisotope power, testing, and safety can use the stated mission areas and milestones to assess where their capabilities may fit; no specific procurement opportunity has been announced.
- The interagency agreement creates a coordination framework across research, production, testing, integration, and operations. Companies should distinguish this planning development from a funded contract or an open solicitation.
- The 2028 mission and 2030 lunar reactor goal provide program milestones against which industry stakeholders can assess potential capability development and partnership planning.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Published:** October 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

### Key Quotes
> Nuclear power will allow us to go farther, operate longer, and field more capable spacecraft and instruments than ever before.
> — Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

### Sources
- [NASA, Energy Department Advance New Era of Nuclear-Powered Exploration - NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-energy-department-advance-new-era-of-nuclear-powered-exploration/) - NASA