The DRACO Project and a New Dawn for Nuclear Propulsion in Space Exploration

The DRACO rocket, a NASA and U.S. military venture, is set to launch late 2025 or early 2026, developed by Lockheed Martin.

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Nuclear thermal rockets, unlike their chemical counterparts, use fission reactors to generate heat and create thrust by heating propellant gas.

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The mission team prioritizes safety by equipping the nuclear engine with a 'poison wire', activated only once in orbit.

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DRACO is expected to operate in orbit for months, focusing on NTP engine longevity demonstration rather than scientific experiments.

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DRACO contracts amount to $499 million, split equally between DARPA and NASA, contingent on achieving all milestones.

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"Our expanded partnership with nuclear propulsion aids NASA's goal to send humans to Mars," noted NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.

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The DRACO project's in-space nuclear thermal rocket engine demonstration is scheduled for no later than 2027.

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NASA sees nuclear thermal propulsion as key for their long-term goal of manned Mars missions.

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