NASA, in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is developing nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) technology aimed at enabling faster crewed missions to Mars. Scheduled for a prototype demonstration in space by 2027, this technology could significantly reduce travel time compared to traditional chemical rockets.
Nuclear thermal propulsion operates by using nuclear fission to heat propellant, which is then expelled to create thrust. This method offers about twice the specific impulse of chemical rockets, potentially cutting travel time to Mars by half. Unlike conventional rockets that rely on carrying oxygen, NTP systems can operate more efficiently, making them lighter and more powerful.
The project, part of DARPA's Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO), aims to utilize high-assay, low-enriched uranium fuel, which is safer and less prone to proliferation risks. Lockheed Martin and BWX Technologies are collaborating on reactor and fuel design, ensuring compliance with performance and safety standards necessary for a Mars mission.
Research continues to refine models and simulations needed to optimize engine designs and operational safety, paving the way for a future where nuclear propulsion plays a crucial role in human space exploration.