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.
Timeline
NASA awards PPE contractAMay 2019
Power system turned onBJan 2026
Intuitive Machines completes acquisitionCJan 2026
NASA repurposes PPE for SR-1 FreedomDMar 2026
SR-1 Freedom launchesEDec 2028
A May 2019 NASA awards PPE contract
B Jan 2026 Power system turned on
C Jan 2026 Intuitive Machines completes acquisition
D Mar 2026 NASA repurposes PPE for SR-1 Freedom
E Dec 2028 SR-1 Freedom launchesIN PROGRESS