The Download: NASA’s nuclear spacecraft and unveiling our AI 10

NASA is developing the first nuclear reactor-powered interplanetary spacecraft, aiming to launch a mission to Mars by 2028. This initiative, revealed shortly before the Artemis II mission’s lunar flyby, represents a significant advancement in space propulsion technology. If successful, the nuclear-powered spacecraft could enable faster, more efficient travel beyond Earth’s orbit, potentially giving the United States a strategic advantage in the ongoing space race with China. The project remains largely under wraps, but experts consulted by MIT Technology Review suggest that the spacecraft will use a compact nuclear reactor to generate heat, which will then be converted into thrust. This method could dramatically reduce travel time to Mars compared to conventional chemical rockets, making longer and more ambitious missions feasible. The development of nuclear propulsion aligns with NASA’s broader goals of sustainable deep space exploration and establishing a human presence on Mars. In parallel with NASA’s space ambitions, MIT Technology Review is preparing to release a new list focused exclusively on artificial intelligence. Titled “10 Things That Matter in AI Right Now,” the list will highlight the most impactful AI technologies and trends shaping the future. This follows challenges in compiling the annual Breakthrough Technologies list, which saw an overwhelming number of AI candidates. The AI-focused list will be unveiled at the EmTech AI conference, underscoring the growing importance of AI in technological innovation. Additionally, a separate story highlights experimental gene therapies aimed at muscle growth and radical longevity, currently under clinical trial by the company Unlimited Bio. While promising in their potential to extend human lifespan and treat conditions like baldness and erectile dysfunction, these therapies have sparked debate among experts regarding their safety and ethical implications. This reflects broader discussions about the future of biotechnology and human enhancement.