US: development of a nuclear engine will cut the flight to Mars in half

Ohio State University engineers have unveiled a concept for a new type of nuclear-powered rocket engine that could radically change the future of interplanetary travel. The development involves the use of liquid uranium for direct fuel heating, which provides a significantly higher level of efficiency compared to existing technologies. According to calculations, the flight time to Mars can be reduced from one year to six months.

The current space agenda of the United States and private companies is focused on creating conditions for a permanent human presence on the Moon and Mars. However, the main technical challenge is to develop engines that will allow you to cover huge distances faster and safer, while providing a high load capacity. The new concept is called the centrifugal nuclear thermal rocket engine (CNTR). Unlike traditional chemical plants with a specific impulse of about 450 seconds, nuclear systems can reach about 900 seconds, and the CNTR can potentially exceed this figure.

The uniqueness of the technology lies in the possibility of using various types of fuel-ammonia, methane, hydrazine or propane, which can theoretically be extracted from asteroids or other celestial bodies. This approach opens up the prospect of creating refueling stations in space, which can completely change the strategy for developing long-range missions.

Development is at an early stage, and engineers face a number of serious challenges. The most critical issues remain ensuring stable engine operation at all stages of flight and minimizing liquid uranium leaks. Project specialists note that a deep understanding of the physics of the process is already formed, but practical implementation requires time and additional research.

If the CNTR project is successfully brought to commercial implementation, it could be a key technological breakthrough for future NASA missions and international space exploration programs. The new engine will make flights to Mars and other planets faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective, forming the foundation for permanent bases beyond Earth.