New Nuclear Rocket Concept Could Slash Mars Travel Time in Half
A new nuclear rocket concept has been developed that could significantly reduce travel time to Mars. The design uses liquid uranium to heat rocket propellant, potentially cutting the trip duration in half compared to traditional chemical rockets. The proposed system would use a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, such as hydrogen, to extremely high temperatures, generating much more thrust than conventional chemical rockets. This could allow spacecraft to reach Mars in just 3-4 months, compared to the current 6-9 months. The technology is still in the early research phase, with scientists working to address technical challenges, such as containing the radioactive uranium and ensuring the safety of the system. If successful, this advancement could revolutionize deep space exploration, enabling more ambitious missions and expanding our reach within the solar system.
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