US to test nuclear engine for future Mars missions

Top Stories

»	Trump declares Iran deal complete, orders Hormuz reopening
»	Fuel price pain may persist even if US-Iran deal eases tensions
»	Centre exempts nuclear power goods from customs duty for past imports
»	Indian markets trade higher despite West Asia tensions
»	Sensex, Nifty open 1 pc lower amid West Asia tensions, weak global cues

IANS | 25 Jan, 2023
NASA and the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have announced a collaboration to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space, the key steps for sending the first crewed missions to Mars.

NASA and DARPA will partner on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) programme, Xinhua news agency reported.

Using a nuclear thermal rocket allows for faster transit time, reducing risk for astronauts, according to NASA.

Reducing transit time is a key component for human missions to Mars, as longer trips require more supplies and more robust systems.

"NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027. With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever - a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.