Power and Propulsion Element
A 60-kilowatt solar electric propulsion spacecraft first built for NASA's lunar Gateway. In March 2026 NASA repurposed it as the propulsion element of the nuclear-powered SR-1 Freedom spacecraft.
Milestones · step 5 of 5
NASA awards PPE contractMay 2019
Power system turned onJan 2026
Intuitive Machines completes acquisitionJan 2026
NASA repurposes PPE for SR-1 FreedomMar 2026
SR-1 Freedom launchesDec 2028
Timeline
Dec 2028 SR-1 Freedom launchesIN PROGRESS
Mar 2026 NASA repurposes PPE for SR-1 Freedom
Jan 2026 Intuitive Machines completes acquisition
Jan 2026 Power system turned on
May 2019 NASA awards PPE contract
Team