DARPA And NASA To Test Nuclear Engine For Future Mars Missions

 

NASA and DARPA have demonstrated a nuclear-thermal rocket engine in space and plan to use this technology to send manned missions to Mars.

The Cislunar Agile Operations Demonstration Rocket (DRACO) program will develop and flight test nuclear thermal propulsion technology in space that can be used to transport astronauts to Mars and beyond.

The research institute plans to send his DRACO test vehicle into space in 2027 to power a nuclear engine.

NASA’s Space Technology and Mission Directorate (STMD) is leading the development of a nuclear thermal engine that will be incorporated into an experimental spacecraft being developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engine uses a nuclear fission reactor to produce extremely high temperatures. The engine transfers the heat generated in the reactor to the liquid propellant. The liquid propellant expands and is ejected from the nozzle to propel the spacecraft.

engineer believes nuclear thermal missiles are more than three times more efficient than conventional chemical propulsion.

“This new technology will allow astronauts to fly in and out of space faster than ever before,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

Using a nuclear-thermal rocket would reduce transit time and reduce risk for astronauts. Shorter transit times are a key component of manned missions to Mars, as longer voyages require more supplies and more robust systems.

Other spaceflight benefits include increased science payload capacity and better instrumentation and communications performance, NASA said.

DARPA is the contracting agency for the development of the entire stage and engine, including the reactor. DARPA also manages an overall program that includes ensuring rocket systems integration and procurement, permitting, planning and safety, security and accountability, and overall assembly and integration of engines into spacecraft.

NASA and DARPA work together to build engine as development progresses
DARPA Director Stephanie Tompkins said: The ability to breakthrough space technology through the DRACO Nuclear Thermal Rocket Program is essential to more efficiently and quickly transport matter to the Moon and ultimately humans to Mars. For rocket vehicle applications and rover projects.

STMD Associate and his Administrator Jim Reuter said: “Recent advances in aerospace materials and technology are enabling a new era of nuclear technology in space.

NASA, the Department of Energy (DOE) and industry are also developing advanced space nuclear technology for several initiatives to harness energy for space exploration. As part of NASA’s Fission Surface Power project, DOE awarded him three commercial design efforts to develop a nuclear power plant concept that could be deployed on the surface of the Moon and later Mars.

Originally published at https://businessdor.com on January 25, 2023.