New Nuclear Rocket Concept: Mars Travel Time Cut in Half
Ohio State University engineers are developing a new form of energy for rocket engines: liquid uranium. This nuclear propulsion technology aims to significantly reduce travel time while allowing for heavier payloads. The concept, known as Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR), promises greater engine efficiency compared to traditional chemical rockets, with the potential to enable vehicles to travel farther using less fuel in the future.
The challenges of the CNTR concept include engineering hurdles related to ignition, shutdown, operation, and minimizing the loss of liquid uranium. Dean Wang, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio University, emphasizes the need for space nuclear propulsion to be a consistent priority in the future for the technology to mature.
