Lockheed Martin, a prominent US defense contractor, has secured a substantial $500 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to lead the development of an advanced nuclear-powered spacecraft. The spacecraft would be used for defense and exploration purposes.
The ambitious project, named Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO), aims to revolutionize space exploration through the use of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) engines. This technology will enhance propulsion capabilities and reduce transit times between destinations in space. This makes it crucial for future human missions to Mars by reducing the crew’s exposure to harmful radiation.
Kirk Shireman, the vice president of Lunar Exploration Campaigns at Lockheed Martin Space, stressed the importance of faster transit times for human missions to Mars to limit radiation exposure.
The project targets an in-space flight demonstration of the nuclear thermal rocket engine vehicle by no later than 2027. Lockheed Martin will lead the design and development of the nuclear-propelled engine and an experimental spacecraft named X-NTRV. NASA will primarily fund the engine development, while DARPA will handle the nuclear regulatory requirements and environmental protocols for the launch. The US Space Force will provide the launch vehicle and pad for the X-NTRV vehicle.
For years, scientists have considered nuclear thermal propulsion to shorten crewed missions to Mars. Its high thrust and greater efficiency make it effective compared to traditional chemically powered rocket engines.
Strict safety measures will be in place during the process. The nuclear reactor will not be activated until the spacecraft reaches a nuclear-safe orbit. The spacecraft’s orbit will comply with international nuclear safety standards.
The successful demonstration of this nuclear-powered spacecraft technology could transform space exploration. It would enable faster and more efficient travel to distant celestial bodies like Mars.
