Lockheed Martin, in partnership with NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has been awarded a contract to build an experimental nuclear-powered spacecraft. The goal of the project is to develop a more efficient and faster way to transport materials and eventually humans to the moon and Mars. The nuclear thermal rocket plans aim to provide the same energy as current chemical rocket propulsion but with two to five times more efficiency. This could allow for more cargo and power for on-board instruments. The spacecraft, called the X-NTRV, is scheduled to be launched no later than 2027. Lockheed Martin will lead the spacecraft design, integration, and testing, while BWXT Advanced Technologies will develop the nuclear reactor. The project is in line with NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent human presence on the moon and eventually expand to Mars.
Sun, 30 Jul 2023 04:15:00 GMT | Sunbury Daily Item