NASA and DARPA will test nuclear thermal engines for crewed missions to Mars
) to test a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space with the aim of using the technology for crewed missions to the red planet. The agencies hope to"demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said."With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever — a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars.
Under the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations program, NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate will take the lead on technical development of the engine, which will be integrated with an experimental spacecraft from DARPA. NASA says that nuclear thermal propulsion could allow spacecraft to travel faster, which could reduce the volume of supplies needed to carry out a long mission.
As far back as the 1940s, scientists started speculating about the possibility of using nuclear energy to power spaceflight. The US
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NASA and DARPA Collaborating on a Nuclear-Powered Rocket for Quick Trips to MarsCalled DRACO, the demonstration spacecraft could reach Mars three times faster than vessels running on traditional chemical-based propulsion.
Read more »
Watch Live: NASA and DARPA Discuss New Advanced Propulsion TechThe coordinated effort is seeking to create alternative space propulsion technologies for both the civilian and defense sectors.
Read more »
NASA and DARPA will build a nuclear rocket by 2027The agency wants the technology for use in crewed missions to Mars.
Read more »
New NASA Nuclear Rocket Plan Aims to Get to Mars in Just 45 DaysWe live in an era of renewed space exploration, where multiple agencies are planning to send astronauts to the Moon in the coming years.
Read more »
NASA, Pentagon to test nuclear-powered rocket for future Mars missionsNuclear thermal rockets can be three or more times efficient than conventional chemical propulsion and would reduce transit time and risk for astronauts, which is essential for an eventual mission to Mars.
Read more »
Perseverance Mars rover's samples will be curated at new NASA office in HoustonThe office will be located at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Read more »