Nasa appoints Lockheed Martin to design a nuclear rocket

Nasa and the US Army choose Lockheed Martin to develop a nuclear-powered rocket for future Mars missions. Based on advanced technology, this thermal propulsion system promises shorter distances and efficiency three to four times greater than conventional rockets, opening up new prospects for space exploration.

Partagez:

NASA and the US Army announced on Wednesday that they had chosen Lockheed Martin to develop and design a nuclear-powered rocket, with the aim of using this technology for future missions to Mars.

Nuclear-powered rocket: Nasa and US Army choose Lockheed Martin

The program, based on advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology, aims for a first test flight into space as early as 2027, officials said. According to Nasa, a rocket powered by nuclear thermal propulsion could be three to four times more efficient than conventionally fuelled rockets, and would reduce travel time – a key factor in getting to the Red Planet. In a nuclear thermal propulsion rocket, a nuclear fission reactor produces very high temperatures. This heat is transferred to a liquid fuel, transformed into a gas and – as in a conventional rocket – expelled through a nozzle to provide thrust.

“These nuclear thermal propulsion systems are more powerful and more efficient, enabling faster transit between two destinations”, commented Kirk Shireman, Vice President in charge of lunar exploration at Lockheed Martin’s Space Division.

But, he added, “reducing travel time is vital for human missions to Mars, to limit the crew’s exposure to radiation”.

BWX Technologies will be responsible for the design of the nuclear reactor. According to Mr. Shireman, this technology could also “revolutionize” future missions to the Moon, where NASA intends to build a lunar base as part of its Artemis program. Nasa conducted tests of a nuclear rocket over 50 years ago, but the project was halted due to budget cuts and Cold War tensions.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.