Nuclear Space Propulsion

Nuclear space propulsion encompasses nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), which heats propellant directly using a fission reactor, and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP), which uses a reactor to generate electricity for high-efficiency ion or Hall thrusters. These technologies promise to cut Mars transit times in half compared to chemical propulsion and enable ambitious outer solar system missions. NASA and DARPA are jointly funding the DRACO program to demonstrate NTP in orbit by the late 2020s.

Key Trends

• →DARPA/NASA DRACO program funding first NTP flight demonstration
• →Cislunar and Mars missions driving need for high-thrust, high-Isp propulsion
• →HALEU fuel supply chain development enabling space reactor manufacturing
• →Nuclear electric propulsion studied for cargo transport to Mars

Related Sectors