NASA is preparing to develop and test a nuclear rocket engine in space as early as 2027. As
Main objectives of the Demonstration Rocket programfor Agile Cislunar Operations or DRACO - to develop a nuclear propulsion system capable of sending people to Mars and accelerating the exploration of cislunar space.
To create thrust, engineers used nuclearheat engine. He heated the fuel to extremely high temperatures. The efficiency of such a rocket is three times higher than that of a conventional one, which runs on chemical fuel. This will reduce flight time and increase payload potential.
The nuclear engine is integrated into the spacecraft in the form of an upper stage, which will only operate in space. The first flight tests will take place no earlier than 2027.
Humanity has made great stridesin space exploration and development over the last 60 years. But when it comes to engines, modern rockets differ little from those used half a century ago. Solar sails and ion engines are not yet suitable for manned missions. Space agencies still depend on chemical-fueled rockets, which only work up to a point.
To solve the problem, engineers are looking for more efficient and energy-intensive engines based on nuclear reactor technology. The new NASA project is one such project.
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