The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is collaborating with a research agency of The Pentagon for engine development Nuclear-powered rockets to prepare to send astronauts to Mars.
In a statement on January 24, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the agency will work with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to “develop and demonstrate nuclear thermal propulsion technology.” advanced kernel as early as 2027.”
With the help of this new technology, astronauts can make their journeys to and from deep space faster than ever before – a key capability for preparing for future missions, said Nelson. mission to bring the crew up Mars.
NASA says thermonuclear rockets can deliver three times or more efficiency than conventional chemical propulsion and will reduce transit times, which is essential for a mission to Mars.
[Xe tự hành của NASA đặt mẫu vật đầu tiên lên bề mặt Sao Hỏa]
In nuclear heat engines, fission reactors are used to generate extremely high temperatures. Heat from the reactor is transferred to the liquid propellant, which is then converted to a gas, which expands through an injector and provides thrust.
Meanwhile, DARPA Director Stefanie Tompkins said: “The thermonuclear rocket program will be essential to more efficiently and rapidly transporting materials to the Moon, and ultimately to sending humans to Mars. .”
NASA conducted the most recent nuclear thermal rocket engine tests more than 50 years ago. However, the program was canceled due to budget cuts and Cold War tensions.
Minh Chau (VNA/Vietnam+)