Nuclear-powered spacecraft could be the future of space travel in the 21st century. While the concept of using nuclear propulsion for rockets has been around for over 50 years, it has never moved beyond the experimental stage. However, with America’s latest efforts to advance nuclear propulsion technology, there is a new sense of urgency to stay ahead of competitors like China in the realm of space exploration.
In 2023, NASA and DARPA awarded Lockheed Martin a $499 million contract to build the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO). This nuclear-powered rocket, measuring about 49 feet long and 17.7 feet in diameter, will be launched using the Vulcan Centaur rocket. The goal of DRACO is to serve as a test bed for rapid-response missions between Earth and the Moon, enhancing military capabilities in space.
The appeal of nuclear-powered rockets lies in their efficiency. Unlike traditional chemical rockets, nuclear rockets do not require an oxidizer to create ignition in the vacuum of space. This means they are twice as efficient and can reach extremely high speeds. DRACO will utilize high-assay-low-enriched uranium (HALEU) as fuel, which is less enriched and more challenging to weaponize, ensuring safety and security.
General James Dickinson of the US Space Command highlighted the importance of nuclear propulsion in the context of national security. With China’s advancements in space technology, including satellites with robotic arms capable of manipulating other satellites, there is a growing need for the US to maintain a strategic edge in space exploration. The development of nuclear-powered rockets like DRACO is seen as a step towards achieving this goal.
Despite concerns about the use of fissile material in the reactor, the safety measures in place, such as using the Centaur’s chemical rocket for launch, minimize the risks to the public. The focus remains on the potential benefits of nuclear propulsion in advancing space travel and exploration.
In the broader context of space exploration, initiatives like NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon, indicate a renewed interest and commitment to expanding our reach into the solar system. With plans for a lunar outpost and a station in lunar orbit, the possibilities for future missions to Mars and beyond are becoming increasingly tangible.
As we look towards the future of space travel, nuclear-powered rockets offer a promising avenue for achieving faster, more efficient, and more ambitious missions. While challenges and concerns remain, the potential benefits of this technology could revolutionize our exploration of the cosmos and propel us towards new frontiers in the universe.