# NASA Advances SR-1 Nuclear Power Module

NASA and its partners are advancing the SR-1 Freedom nuclear power module, with Sierra Lobo providing its closed Brayton cycle power-conversion system under NASA’s Space Flight Systems Development and Operations Contract III. The mission targets a late-2028 launch. No new solicitation, contract value, or contract number is reported, so the development reflects work proceeding under an existing contract rather than a newly announced competition.

- Space power-conversion, nuclear-systems, and spacecraft-integration firms can use the work as an indicator of NASA’s active technical needs for the mission; the signal does not identify a new bid opportunity.
- Sierra Lobo’s role is tied to power-conversion-system delivery under the existing contract. Companies seeking related work should review their capabilities against those needs and follow NASA and DOE updates, as indicated in the source.
- NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and Idaho National Laboratory are among the locations associated with the program, making the activity relevant to firms and research organizations in those space and nuclear technology ecosystems.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL)

### Vendors
- Sierra Lobo Inc. ()

### Key Quotes
> These contract actions not only reduce technical risk and help us maintain momentum toward our 2028 launch, but they also strengthen collaboration across our partners.
> — Steve Sinacore, SR-1 Freedom program director

### Sources
- [NASA’s SR-1 Freedom Advances with Progress on Nuclear Power Module - NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/glenn/sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module/) - NASA