Ad Astra and SpaceNukes Launch Nuclear Propulsion to Explore Mars

Ad Astra Rocket Company and Space Nuclear Power Corporation collaborate to develop cutting-edge nuclear electric propulsion, promising fast and innovative missions to Mars and beyond.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

Ad Astra Rocket Company (Ad Astra) and The Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes) have announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize space exploration through Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). This initiative aims to reduce travel times to Mars while increasing the efficiency of human and robotic space missions.

This partnership builds on two advanced technologies: Ad Astra’s Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR®) and SpaceNukes’ Kilopower space reactor. These well-developed innovations pave the way for groundbreaking propulsion and energy production systems.

Complementary Technologies

The VASIMR® engine, an Ad Astra innovation, stands out with its ability to operate at high power levels of up to several megawatts. Its unique electromagnetic architecture and electrode-less design increase its durability and enable flexibility in using various types of propellants, making its operation more cost-effective.

On the other hand, SpaceNukes’ Kilopower reactor, developed under NASA and the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) “KRUSTY” program, provides high-temperature thermal management solutions and optimal safety for launches. Together, these technologies share fundamental synergies, such as efficient heat dissipation and direct integration between the reactor and propulsion system.

A Clear Ambition

The memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies aims for a first demonstration flight of this technology by 2030. In the long term, this partnership seeks to commercialize multi-megawatt nuclear electric propulsion systems during the 2030s. These systems promise to reduce travel times to Mars by several months, marking a revolution in space exploration.

Dr. David Poston, SpaceNukes’ Chief Technology Officer, describes this initiative as a major breakthrough: “We are starting with a 100 kW system that will serve as a stepping stone to achieve multi-megawatt capabilities, drastically reducing the timelines of space missions.”

Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, CEO of Ad Astra, highlighted the historical perspective: “Just as nuclear power enabled the USS Nautilus to traverse under the polar ice cap in 1958, nuclear electric propulsion will open the entire solar system to human exploration.”

Future Impact

This collaboration could not only shorten travel times to Mars but also establish new standards for space propulsion systems. By combining their expertise, Ad Astra and SpaceNukes lead the way toward fast, reliable, and sustainable space exploration.

The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has identified uranium particles of industrial origin in samples taken from a Syrian site suspected of hosting an undeclared nuclear reactor.
Norwegian authorities begin the first regulatory phase for two modular nuclear reactor projects, marking a strategic step in the national review of the potential role of nuclear energy in the country’s power mix.
With eleven reactors under construction and major projects such as Jaitapur, India is preparing a nuclear build-up that could place it among the world’s five leading nations in the sector.
France and Germany have validated a joint energy roadmap, including a commitment to the non-discrimination of nuclear energy in European financing.
Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a 40-year extension for the AP1000 reactor design certification, supporting its long-term construction domestically and deployment abroad.
Nano Nuclear Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dioxitek, Argentina’s only uranium supplier for nuclear fuel, to assess the development of local conversion and enrichment capacities.
Stockholm plans to restart uranium extraction by lifting the 2018 ban, aiming to secure strategic supply chains and support domestic nuclear electricity production.
The French Atomic Energy Commission has signed a letter of intent with start-up Calogena to study the installation of a 30 MW thermal small nuclear reactor at its Cadarache site.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.