NASA Proposes Nuclear Rocket Design for Future Space Mission; Will It Be Possible to Send Astronauts to Mars in Just 45 Days?

Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rockets conduct nuclear fission reactions similar to those safely employed at nuclear power plants including submarines. The energy is used to heat the liquid hydrogen propellant.

The world is in the era of space exploration when space organizations, like NASA, are trying to send people to the Moon and Mars. That means they are developing new technologies that range from life support and radiation shielding to improving their rockets' power and propulsion. For now, Nuclear Thermal and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NTP/NEP) is a strong contender.

NASA announced financing for a nuclear-powered rocket that might reduce the time it takes to reach Mars from seven months to 45 days. The Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket might be utilized to carry both astronauts and freight around the Solar System, avoiding key dangers associated with interplanetary travel, including radiation exposure.

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