NASA Plans Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft to Mars by End of 2028

Administrator Isaacman Announces Ambitious Timeline for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion\n\nNASA head Jared Isaacman outlined plans to launch a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars by the end of 2028, using nuclear thermal propulsion technology that could cut Mars transit time from 7-9 months to 3-4 months.\n\nNTP has been studied since the 1950s but never flown. Benefits include faster transit, reduced crew radiation exposure, and more cargo capacity. No NTP engine has ever been tested in space, and public acceptance of nuclear launches remains uncertain.\n\nSource: The Verge, NASA Ignition event