US to Send Nuclear Reactor Spacecraft to Mars Carrying Helicopter Fleet

The United States plans to send a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars by the end of 2028 under the Space Reactor 1 (SR-1) Freedom mission, according to NASA. The spacecraft will deliver the Skyfall payload, consisting of helicopter-type drones similar to Ingenuity. The announcement was made during the Ignition conference held on March 24, where the US space agency presented new initiatives related to its lunar program and deep space exploration. Nuclear Propulsion for Deep Space "Nuclear electric propulsion provides exceptional capabilities for efficient cargo transport in deep space and enables high-energy missions beyond Jupiter, where solar panels are ineffective,” NASA stated.