NASA plans to test a nuclear-powered rocket to send humans to Mars, and has partnered with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to make this happen. Together, the two agencies have announced Lockheed Martin of Littleton, Colorado, as the prime contractor to design, build and test the nuclear-powered rocket by 2027. This programme is called the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO). The aim of the programme is to send humans to Mars twice as fast as conventional chemical rockets. As a result, not only will the trip be shorter and faster, but will have reduced mission complexity, ensure less risk for the crew, need less propellant, and allow more scientific payloads to be carried. Such a vehicle is also expected to provide greater power for instruments and communication systems, compared to conventional rockets.
In a NASA statement, the space agency's Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said the DRACO program will be a crucial step in meeting NASA's Moon to Mars objectives for crew transportation into deep space.
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Lockheed Martin has been tasked with designing, integrating and testing the nuclear-powered spacecraft.
NASA has given Lynchburg-based nuclear components-supplier BMX Technologies the responsibility of designing and building the nuclear fission reactor that will power the engine of the rocket.
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NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) will look after the overall management and execution of the DRACO engine, which will be powered by nuclear energy.
In order to explore possible designs for future nuclear thermal spacecraft, and developing other space nuclear technology initiatives, NASA is working with the Department of Energy.
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Of the $300 million committed by NASA towards the DRACO partnership, $250 million is for the design and development of the nuclear-powered engine, and technical oversight and expertise. The US Space Force will oversee the launch and provide launch site support.
Nuclear propulsion can thus enable more efficient crewed missions to Mars.