nuclear thermal propulsion
Op-ed | It’s Time for Congress to Order the Nuclear Option
As NASA finally launches the first Space Launch System mission, America is failing to invest in critical space propulsion technology needed to send astronauts to Mars.
DIU selects nuclear-powered spacecraft designs for 2027 demonstrations
The Defense Innovation Unit announced May 17 it selected Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. and Avalanche to develop small nuclear-powered spacecraft for in-space demonstrations planned for 2027.
DARPA moving forward with development of nuclear powered spacecraft
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency on May 4 issued a solicitation for proposals for the next phase of a demonstration of a nuclear powered spacecraft.
Former Momentus executive Fred Kennedy to lead startup focused on nuclear-powered rocket engines
Fred Kennedy, a former Pentagon official and veteran space executive, announced March 22 he is leading a new startup to commercialize nuclear thermal rocket propulsion.
Report: Nuclear propulsion would help military satellites maneuver out of harm’s way
Michael Leahy, director of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, said nuclear propulsion could give the U.S. military an advantage over enemies by making satellites more maneuverable and less vulnerable to attack.
DoD looking for commercially available nuclear propulsion for small spacecraft
The Defense Innovation Unit last week issued a call for bids for small nuclear-powered engines for space missions beyond Earth orbit.
Space Force sees ‘advantages and opportunities’ in nuclear-powered space missions
Space vehicles powered by small nuclear reactors could be used for military missions in deep space, the vice chief of the U.S. Space Force said July 28.
House appropriators approve NASA spending bill with revised lunar lander and nuclear propulsion language
The House Appropriations Committee passed a spending bill July 15 that leaves intact overall funding for NASA but tweaks language regarding the Human Landing System and nuclear thermal propulsion.
NASA issues contracts for nuclear thermal propulsion studies
NASA has selected three teams of companies to perform concept studies of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) reactors while making plans to fund similar studies for nuclear surface power systems.
Op-ed | America’s future in space is nuclear
Today, we have a unique opportunity to make the entire solar system — including the strategically vital region of space surrounding the Earth and the moon — more accessible.
General Atomics wins DARPA contract to develop nuclear reactor to power missions to the moon
DARPA awarded a $22 million contract to General Atomics to design a small nuclear reactor for space propulsion.
Report recommends NASA accelerate space nuclear propulsion development
NASA needs to pursue “aggressive” development of space nuclear propulsion technologies if the agency wants to use them for human missions to Mars in the next two decades, a report by a National Academies committee concluded.
White House releases space nuclear power strategy
The White House released a new space policy directive Dec. 16 intended to serve as a strategic roadmap for the development of space nuclear power and propulsion technologies.
NASA space technology faces potential budget pressure
Uncertain overall funding and congressional direction to increase funding on specific projects could create pressure on NASA’s space technology program, an agency official warned Sept. 1.
Administration policies seek to promote use of space nuclear power
A revised policy for approving the launch of spacecraft with nuclear power systems is the latest measure intended to support greater use of nuclear power systems in orbit and beyond.
Momentum grows for nuclear thermal propulsion
With congressional funding and industry support, nuclear thermal propulsion technology is making progress for potential use on future NASA deep space missions, although how it fits into the agency’s exploration architectures remains uncertain.
