In addition to efficiency, a nuclear-electric propulsion system has the benefit of using conventional plasma thrusters. But instead of using solar power to energize the thrusters’ xenon fuel, SR-1 will use electricity generated from a nuclear reactor.
“Our nuclear program, SR-1, is not about going and lobbying for billions of dollars to undertake a brand-new mission,” Isaacman said. “Honestly, we haven’t won the right to be able to do that after $20 billion worth of failed programs over time. This is why we’re taking hardware that we already have, a reactor that’s mostly built, fuel that’s mostly paid for over time.”
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