Nuclear thermal propulsion – Progress and potential

Abstract

This paper describes the current research and development efforts currently underway within the United States on Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), with a particular focus on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) project, a joint effort of the United States Defense Advanced Projects Agency and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. However, to put the DRACO project into context, the prior United States’ prior efforts on NTR are described and the foundation those efforts provided to enable DRACO. The impact of NTP propulsion on both human and scientific exploration of the Solar System will also be discussed. And finally, the topic of advanced NTP propulsion will be addressed, including liquid fuel NTP engines.