emerging
Advanced Nuclear Propulsion
Nuclear power approaches, like nuclear thermal and fusion propulsion, are being developed for faster and more efficient deep space travel.
Timeframe
long-term
Categories
Impact areas
Detailed Analysis
Increasing space launches and the need for deeper space exploration are driving the development of advanced propulsion techniques. Conventional chemical rockets have limitations for long-distance travel. Nuclear thermal rockets, offering greater efficiency, are being tested by NASA and DARPA. Startups are also exploring fusion propulsion, a more theoretical but potentially more powerful approach.
Context Signals
NASA and DARPA's DRACO project
Ultra Safe Nuclear's development of nuclear thermal propulsion systems
Investment in Helicity Space by Lockheed Martin Ventures and Airbus Ventures
Edge
Nuclear-powered spacecraft for interplanetary resource extraction
Faster and more efficient human missions to Mars and beyond
Development of space-based nuclear power infrastructure
