NASA to launch nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars by 2028: Trump
What's the story
US President Donald Trump has announced plans for NASA to launch a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars by 2028. The announcement was made during the UP Summit at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. "Within the next two years, NASA will launch the first-ever nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars," Trump said, calling it a step toward eventually sending American astronauts to the planet.
Strategic plan
Proposed Mars mission part of larger strategy
The proposed Mars mission is part of a larger strategy by NASA's Artemis program.
The goal is to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon before eventually sending astronauts to Mars.
Earlier this year, astronauts completed a lunar flyby during the Artemis II mission.
Now, Artemis III will test spacecraft and landing systems in Earth orbit in 2027, while Artemis IV aims for a lunar landing in early 2028.
Lunar ambitions
We will establish a permanent American presence on Moon: Trump
Trump also emphasized his administration's commitment to establishing a permanent American presence on the Moon.
He cited his recently issued American Declaration of Freedom in Space, which claims that Americans have the right to explore and settle space under US law.
"Just this week, I issued the American Declaration of Freedom in Space, proclaiming all of space opened for American settlement, American civilization and American freedom," Trump said at the summit.
Future plans
Trump administration proposes US space academy
Before Trump's address, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman spoke about the space agency's long-term goals.
"We are going to venture farther into the solar system and move closer to that next giant leap," he said.
The Trump administration has also proposed a US Space Academy to train students for careers in Space Force, NASA, and the civilian spaceflight industry.