Nuclear thermal rocket - Wikipedia
A nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) is a type of thermal rocket where the heat from a nuclear reaction replaces the chemical energy of the propellants in a chemical rocket. In an NTR, a working fluid, usually liquid hydrogen, is heated to a high temperature in a nuclear reactor and then expands through a rocket nozzle to create thrust.
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems - Glenn Research Center
Dec 18, 2023 · Typically when the term “Nuclear Thermal Propulsion” (or NTP) is used, it is in reference to in-space propulsion systems that rely upon a low molecular weight (typically hydrogen) fuel that flows through a reactor to generate heat due to the nuclear fission processes and eventual thrust.
Space Nuclear Propulsion - NASA
Oct 21, 2024 · Nuclear thermal propulsion provides high thrust at twice the propellant efficiency of chemical rockets, freeing up weight and mass for payload and mission-essential supplies aboard the spacecraft. Heat is generated in the fission reactor and directly transferred to a flowing liquid propellant turning it into a gas, which is then expanded and ...
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion: Game Changing Technology for Deep ... - NASA
May 25, 2018 · Today’s advances in materials, testing capabilities, and reactor development are providing impetus for NASA to appraise Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) as an attractive 21st century option to propel human exploration missions to Mars and other deep space destinations.
6 Things You Should Know About Nuclear Thermal Propulsion
Dec 10, 2021 · Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems aren’t new, but they could significantly reduce travel times and carry greater payloads than today’s top chemical rockets — giving humans a great chance of exploring deep space.
Abstract—The nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) represents the next “evolutionary step” in high performance rocket propulsion. Unlike conventional chemical rockets that produce their energy through combustion, the NTR derives its energy from fission of Uranium-235 atoms contained within fuel elements that comprise the engine’s reactor core.
NASA, DARPA Will Test Nuclear Engine for Future Mars Missions
Jan 24, 2023 · NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced Tuesday a collaboration to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space, an enabling capability for NASA crewed missions to Mars.
NASA, DARPA to launch nuclear rocket to orbit by early 2026
Jul 26, 2023 · The project, known as DRACO ("Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations"), aims to give an in-space test to nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), potentially revolutionary tech that...
The US government is taking a serious step toward space-based nuclear …
Jul 26, 2023 · Artist concept of Demonstration for Rocket to Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) spacecraft, which will demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine.
The Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR) is a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) concept designed to heat propellant directly by the reactor fuel. The primary difference between the CNTR concept and traditional