Trump highlights NASA nuclear-powered Mars spacecraft mission planned for 2028

Speaking at the UP Summit at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Trump touted the mission as part of his administration's broader ambitions to expand America's presence beyond Earth. "Within the next two years, NASA will launch the first ever nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars," Trump said.

Mars Mission Goals

The president described the mission as a crucial step toward eventually sending American astronauts to the planet. "We're going to be paving the way for astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the Red planet," he said.

Artemis Program Progress

The planned Mars mission comes as NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a long-term human presence on the moon before attempting Mars missions. Earlier this year, astronauts completed a lunar flyby during Artemis II. Artemis III is scheduled to test spacecraft and landing systems in Earth orbit in 2027, while Artemis IV is expected to attempt a lunar landing in early 2028.

Space Declaration

Trump also outlined plans to accelerate space exploration and establish a lasting American presence beyond Earth, saying the U.S. "will establish a permanent presence on lunar soil." He pointed to his recently issued "American Declaration of Freedom in Space," which asserts the right of Americans to explore and settle beyond Earth under U.S. law.

Before introducing the president, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman discussed the space agency's Mars ambitions, saying "we are going to venture farther into the solar system and move closer to that next giant leap." He described the administration's ultimate goal as "American astronauts plant the Stars and Stripes on Mars."

Broader Space Vision

The administration has previously outlined broader space ambitions, including plans for a U.S. Space Academy, which Trump announced in August. The proposed institution would train students for careers in the Space Force, NASA and the civilian spaceflight industry.