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Chemical fuel remains the primary energy source for launch vehicles, but its limitations are driving the development of nuclear rocket engines (NREs), which have the potential to revolutionize space travel through greater efficiency and power.
Company General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is conducting innovative tests of nuclear fuel that demonstrates exceptional stability under extreme conditions. During the tests, the fuel was heated to 2326 ° C for 20 minutes, and it retained its properties, which simulates the operating conditions in a nuclear reactor during acceleration. Other experiments conducted at the Marshall Space Flight Center investigated the behavior of the fuel at temperatures up to 2726 ° C in a non-hydrogen environment, confirming its ability to operate efficiently in 2-3 times higherthan modern chemical engines.
According to NASA, flights to Mars using chemical engines continue 6-7 months, while the NRD can reduce this time to five times, which significantly reduces risks and costs. NASA and DARPA recently awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to develop an experimental rocket for maneuvering in the lunar space, which will be equipped with a nuclear reactor. GA-EMS Vice President Christina Beck notes that their fuel meets the requirements for future missions to the Moon and Mars due to its high specific power and economy.
A subsidiary of General Atomics also completed 120-day trials innovative fuel rods with a protective cladding that withstands extreme conditions close to real nuclear reactor conditions. This cladding technology improves fuel safety and durability, opening the way to creating reliable nuclear power plants.
The development of nuclear rocket engines is a promising step for deep space exploration. According to Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, innovations in nuclear fuel provide a significant breakthrough that will allow humanity to reach new horizons in the exploration of the solar system.
