As reported by Ukrinform, this was reported by CNN.
DARPA Director Dr. “DARPA and NASA have a long and fruitful history of collaboration in advancing technologies, from the Saturn V rocket that first landed humans on the moon to the robotic maintenance and refueling of satellites,” said Stephanie Tompkins.
As noted, the US military and NASA attempted to develop this type of technology in the mid-20th century, but the program stalled. NASA’s research into nuclear thermal rocket engines began in 1959. In the 1960s, a program called Nuclear Propulsion for Rocket Vehicles even attempted to demonstrate the technology in space, but the plans did not materialize due to funding constraints.
As the name suggests, a nuclear rocket engine is structurally similar to the reactors of surface and underwater ships, which produce the energy that provides the necessary thrust to propel a rocket through space.
This initiative is now taking on a new dimension in the modern era as the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations or the DRACO program.
According to NASA, the new engine will be at least three times more efficient than existing liquid rocket engines. According to engineers, a nuclear engine could allow the spacecraft to travel the average distance of 225 million kilometers between Earth and Mars much faster than is possible today.
The first tests are expected as early as 2027.
Photo: “DARPA”
Source: Ukrinform
I’m Maurice Knox, a professional news writer with a focus on science. I work for Div Bracket. My articles cover everything from the latest scientific breakthroughs to advances in technology and medicine. I have a passion for understanding the world around us and helping people stay informed about important developments in science and beyond.
