Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   NASA  
Space.com • Keith Cooper

NASA developing first nuclear-electric interplanetary spacecraft — how NEP differs from Voyager's RTGs

NASA is developing the first nuclear-electric interplanetary spacecraft, using a fission reactor to generate sustained electrical power for high-efficiency electric thrusters. Unlike Voyager's radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which supply low-level instrument power, nuclear-electric propulsion provides continuous high-power thrust for extended deep-space maneuvers.

2026-03-27T03:15:45.952301-07:00
Supply Chain   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   NASA  
Reuters • Kantaro Komiya

Japan's ispace delays NASA-sponsored moon landing to 2030

By Reuters: Japanese spacecraft startup ispace said on Friday it will further delay a U.S. government-sponsored lunar mission to 2030 and cut its global workforce, in a strategic shift after two failed lunar landings.

Also: SpaceNews.com
2026-03-27T01:11:01.892419-07:00