NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have finalized an agreement with Lockheed Martin to design and build a prototype nuclear-thermal propulsion (NTP) system for space testing by 2027. The NTP system, known as the Experimental NTR Vehicle (X-NTRV), is part of the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) program and aims to significantly reduce transit times to Mars. The use of NTP systems would also eliminate the need for orbital refueling or producing propellant on Mars for the return journey. The DRACO program leverages advances achieved through the development of the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) and will rely on a new fuel called High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU). The X-NTRV will carry an estimated 100 kg of HALEU fuel and 2000 kg of hydrogen propellant. The development of the DRACO thruster will be conducted primarily at BWXT’s Mt. Athos Road complex near Lynchburg, Virginia.
Thu, 27 Jul 2023 23:58:47 GMT | Universe Today