NASA Partners It is reportedly working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to use nuclear-thermal rocket engines in space.
In a press release on Tuesday, NASA said nuclear-thermal rocket engines could one day be used for NASA manned missions to Mars.
Artist concept for a Rocket-to-Agile Sith Luna Operation (DRACO) spacecraft demonstration demonstrating a Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engine. Nuclear thermal propulsion technology could be used for future NASA manned missions to Mars.
(DARPA and NASA)
The two agencies will collaborate on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Sistruna Operations (DRACO) program under a “non-redeemable agreement.”
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Read the release, the agreement is designed to benefit both institutions while outlining roles, responsibilities and processes that can accelerate program development.
“NASA will work with our long-term partner DARPA to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as early as 2027,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “With the help of this new technology, astronauts are now able to enter and exit deep space faster than ever before, a key feature in preparing for manned missions to Mars. Congratulations to both of you on this exciting investment as we ignite the future together.”
nuclear rocket, moon and mars Reduce time while reducing astronaut risk.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson visits NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, November 5, 2021.
(((Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images))
Longer trips require more supplies, so shortening transit time will be a key component of manned missions to Mars.
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Other benefits include increased scientific payload capacity and higher power generation for equipment and communications.
For nuclear rocket engines, nuclear fission reactor It generates very high temperatures. NASA said the engine transfers its heat to the liquid propellant that is ejected from the nozzle that propels the spacecraft.
NASA added that these types of engines could be three times more efficient than chemical propulsion engines.
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(Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS)
“NASA has a long history of working with DARPA on projects that enable their respective missions, including services in space,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. “Extending our partnership to nuclear propulsion will help advance his NASA goal of sending humans to Mars.”
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As part of the agreement, NASA will lead the technical development of the nuclear thermal engine, while DARP will act as the contracting agency for the stages and engines, including the nuclear reactor.
DARPA will also lead the overall program including rocket system integration, procurement, approvals, security and scheduling.
The goal is to be able to demonstrate a rocket in space as early as 2027.
“DARPA and NASA have had a long and fruitful collaboration to advance technology toward their respective goals, from the Saturn V rocket that brought humans to the moon for the first time, to the robotic maintenance and refueling of satellites. It has history,” DARPA said. “The space domain is critical to modern commerce, scientific discovery, and national security. Transporting and ultimately essential, people to Mars.”
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NASA said the last nuclear-thermal rocket engine test conducted by the United States was under nuclear engines for NASA’s rocket vehicle applications and rover projects more than 50 years ago.
