The POT is working on a pioneering project called Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO)which aims revolutionize space travel by using nuclear fission technology in rockets.
Although the agency’s previous rockets have relied on chemical fuels for their operation, the DRACO project seeks to harness nuclear power to propel spacecraft and eventually get astronauts to Marsin accordance with Slash Gear.
This ambitious project is based on nuclear propulsion, specifically on nuclear fission technology. Nuclear fission involves the splitting of atomic nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat. In the case of the DRACO project, this energy will be used to heat a liquid fuel and generate thrust to propel the spacecraft.
NASA has selected Lockheed Martin, an aerospace defense company, as the prime contractor to design, build, and test the new nuclear-powered spacecraft. In addition, the company BWX Technologies of Virginia will be in charge of developing the nuclear fission reactor necessary for this technology.
DRACO’S GOAL
The main objective of the DRACO project is achieve faster and safer space travel, particularly with regard to travel to Mars.
While the Mars mission will still take about two years to round-trip, nuclear propulsion technology could significantly reduce the time astronauts spend in space. This, in turn, would decrease the risks associated with prolonged exposure to radiation and other factors that can affect the health of astronauts.
Nuclear propulsion technology is divided into two main types: nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion. nuclear thermal propulsion uses the heat generated by nuclear fission to heat liquid fuelwhich generates a gas that is expelled through a nozzle to generate thrust and propel the ship.
Nuclear electric propulsion, on the other hand, uses electricity generated by nuclear fission to expel gas from the ship’s propellants, allowing for more efficient maneuvering in space.
Although the DRACO project is promising and represents an exciting advance in space propulsion technology, there are still technical and safety challenges that must be overcome before this technology can be deployed on manned missions.