The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced plans to build nuclear-powered rockets for Mars expeditions. The foal of this programme is to send humans to Mars faster and in a less riskier way than chemical-based expeditions.
Currently, the space agency uses liquid and solid fuels to power its rockets.
Collaborations
According to media sources, NASA has tied up with the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to make nuclear-powered rockets by 2027. The space agency has identified Lockheed Martin as its technology partner.
Through this programme, called Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO), not only will humans fly to Mars faster than conventional rockets, the mission would be less complex, use less propellant and it would be able to carry more scientific payloads.
ABP Live says, “Such a vehicle is also expected to provide greater power for instruments and communication systems, compared to conventional rockets.”
NASA’s deputy administrator said the DRACO project would be a key step in sending humans into deep space.
While Lockheed Martin will build the spacecraft, Lynchburg-based BMX technologies will be responsible for designing and building the fission rocket. This rocket will power the spacecraft to Mars.
Future plans
The space agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) will manage the DRACO engine. ABP Live says that NASA will collaborate with the Department of Energy in designing future nuclear-thermal aircraft.
Most of the $300 million spent on the spacecraft will go towards the design and development of the nuclear powered rocket, NASA said in a statement. The United States Space Force will provide the required logistics for the launch.
Part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Programme, the DRACO project aims to explore the planet with orbiters and landers while utilizing the high/bandwidth Mars/Earth communications network.
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