NASA and DARPA are building a nuclear-powered rocket for Mars

In a groundbreaking partnership, NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have joined forces with aerospace giant Lockheed Martin to accelerate space exploration by developing a nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) engine. In the first month of this year, both agencies announced that they would work together for NTR. At that time, it was stated that other contractors, including Lockheed Martin, would be negotiated. Now, with the determination of the company that will produce the engine, the process has officially started.

The project, called Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO), aims to realize the world’s first in-orbit application of this cutting-edge propulsion technology. The program director of the study, Dr. According to Tabitha Dodson, a nuclear thermal rocket will be similar in propulsion to a conventional chemical rocket during space travel, but will be two to three times more efficient.

Nuclear rocket will shorten travel times

“An NTR achieves high thrust similar to chemical propulsion in space but is two to three times more efficient,” Dodson said in a statement. “With a successful application, we can significantly improve the possibilities of humanity to go faster and farther in space, and we can pave the way for the future use of all fission-based nuclear space technologies.”

The space agency has announced that Lockheed Martin will be the main contractor behind the project. The company will lead the design, construction and testing of the experimental NTR vehicle along with its engine. The press release also says that the development of this new technology could significantly reduce travel times to the Red Planet. Shorter travel times will also reduce risks for people involved in the exploration.

First test in 2027

According to NASA, the nuclear-powered rocket will enable a shorter and faster trip to the Red Planet, reducing the complexity of the mission and the risk to the crew. Such a rocket could be twice as efficient as conventional chemical rockets, meaning it requires significantly less propellant and could carry more equipment for scientific targets. The nuclear-powered rocket will also provide more power for instruments and communication systems. According to the statements, the DRACO program will test a nuclear-powered rocket in space as soon as 2027. NASA will provide a budget of $300 million as part of the partnership.

Thanks to the nuclear fission-based engine to be developed, the estimated 9-month time required for a manned journey between Earth and Mars could be reduced to 4 months. New generation, more efficient, faster and safer rocket technologies are very important for deep space travels. Because deep space has extremely dangerous radiations for humans. Therefore, shortening the terms of office is extremely critical for human health. Finally, if you are wondering how nuclear thermal engines work, you can watch the video below.