Illustration of a human Mars mission concept enabled by nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP). An NTP-powered high performance fission reactor system will significantly reduce the travel time and radiation exposure of astronauts going to and from the Red Planet. Credit: NASA

As NASA finally launches the first Space Launch System (SLS) mission, America is failing to invest in critical space propulsion technology needed to send astronauts to Mars.

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David Steitz served as NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy and Strategy and as the agency’s Deputy Chief Technologist, retiring in 2022. Steitz now works as a technology policy and strategic communications consultant in Washington.