NASA develops nuclear rocket for mission to Mars

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the US military announced on July 27 that they have chosen defense contractor Lockheed Martin to develop a nuclear missile, aiming to use this technology for missions to Mars.

Officials say the missile system, called DRACO (Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations), could be deployed as early as 2027.

This rocket uses nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) technology to reduce travel time, increase fuel efficiency and require less propellant, allowing the spacecraft to carry larger payloads than today's best chemical rockets in the future.

The NTP engine works by pumping liquid propellant, in the case of DRACO, cryogenic hydrogen, through the reactor core, where uranium atoms split through fission. This heats the propellant, turning it into a gas and sending it through a nozzle to produce thrust.

Mr. Kirk Shireman, Vice President of Lunar Exploration Campaign of Lockheed Martin Space, assessed that this nuclear thermal propulsion technology can help shorten the travel time of spacecraft.

This is particularly important for human missions to Mars, he stressed, limiting the crew's exposure to radiation.

Under the signed contract, BWX Technologies will be responsible for developing the nuclear reactor and propellant for the new rocket. To ensure safety, DRACO's reactor will not be turned on until the spacecraft reaches high orbit.

Mr Shireman said the technology could also "revolutionise" future missions to the Moon, where NASA plans to build long-term habitats as part of its Artemis programme.

The last time NASA tested a fusion rocket engine was more than 50 years ago, but the program was canceled.

According to Vietnam+