New Centrifugal Nuclear Rocket Could Make Mars Trips Faster and More Efficient
Scientists at Ohio State University have developed a breakthrough nuclear propulsion system that could significantly cut travel time to Mars and other distant destinations in the solar system.
The centrifugal nuclear thermal rocket (CNTR) uses liquid uranium to directly heat rocket propellant, allowing spacecraft to travel faster while using less fuel. According to the researchers, this system is more efficient than both current chemical rockets and existing nuclear propulsion technologies.
“In recent years, interest in nuclear thermal propulsion has grown as we plan to return humans to the Moon and explore cis-lunar space,” said Dean Wang, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State. “Beyond that, traditional chemical engines may not be feasible for long-distance space travel, so a new system is needed.”
The research, partly funded by NASA, also suggests the possibility of using alternative propellants such as methane, which could potentially be mined from asteroids, further expanding the versatility of space missions.
While technical challenges remain, the team anticipates it will take about five years to fully test the technology. If successful, the CNTR could cut round-trip human missions to Mars from three years to just one year and enable faster robotic missions to planets like Saturn and Neptune.
“You could complete a safe one-way trip to Mars in six months instead of a year,” explained Spencer Christian, a PhD student involved in the project. “The CNTR prototype is pushing us toward the future of space travel.”
The Ohio State team plans a laboratory demonstration of the engine soon to test its performance under extreme conditions, bringing humanity a step closer to faster, more efficient journeys across the solar system.
