Dr. Roger Myers will explore the latest in nuclear electric propulsion in space
SEATTLE, July 2, 2026—On July 22, an evening meet-up and presentation with renowned spaceflight consultant Dr. Roger Myers will explore the latest advancements in nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) in spaceflight, and how it can potentially enable journeys to Mars in less than half the time than it takes using today’s chemical rockets. Myers’ presentation, Nuclear Electric Propulsion: The Next Great Journey to Mars, is at 7 p.m., following a 6-7 p.m. add-on VIP meet and greet (with cash bar and snacks).
Myers will talk about the requirements and constraints of a Mars mission, and detail the elements and capabilities of NEP vehicles including the reactor, shielding, power conversion system, electric propulsion system and heat rejection systems. Myers’ presentation will also look at NASA’s first NEP mission—Space Reactor 1 (SR-1) Freedom—scheduled to launch in 2028.
$20 General/$15 Museum Members;
VIP Meet ‘n Greet Add-on: $10 and includes access to VIP seating for the presentation. Valid Photo I.D. required to purchase alcohol.
Dr. Roger M. Myers
Dr. Myers has worked on in-space transportation, propulsion and power for over 40 years, having worked at the NASA Glenn Research Center and was the Executive Director, Advanced In-Space Programs at Aerojet Rocketdyne. He currently advises multiple clients on space mission design, propulsion and power system technology and flight system development, business and program management, and employee development.
Myers has worked on over a hundred successful commercial, civil and defense space missions, including all of NASA’s Mars landing, Mercury Messenger, and Pluto New Horizon’s missions. He led dozens of R&D programs in chemical, electric and nuclear propulsion and power technologies and has over 100 publications in his field, including co-authoring the recent report titled Weighing the Future: Strategic Options for U.S. Space Nuclear Leadership, which is widely credited with guiding NASA’s current space nuclear program. He has served on several National Academy of Sciences committees, including co-Chairing the committee on Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration, and currently serves as the Chair for the NASEM Space Technology Industry Government University Roundtable (STIGUR).
Dr. Myers was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2022, elected Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2010 and elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS) in 2012. He served as WSAS president from 2020-2022. In 1994 he co-founded the Electric Rocket Propulsion Society, has served on its Board since then, and was its president from 2013-2020. He was awarded the AIAA Wyld Propulsion Award in 2014 and the ERPS Stuhlinger Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Electric Propulsion in 2017.
Myers is a Trustee at The Museum of Flight and serves on the University of Washington’s A&A Department External Advisory Board. Dr. Myers earned his PhD from Princeton University in 1989 and a BSAE from the University of Michigan in 1984.