Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration – New Report Feb. 12

With the potential to substantially reduce trip time compared to fully non-nuclear approaches, advanced nuclear propulsion systems may be able to safely transport astronauts to and from Mars and lessen the risks associated with space travel. 

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine assesses the primary technical and programmatic challenges, merits, and risks for developing a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) system or a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) system for the human exploration of Mars. The report also includes NTP and NEP development road maps with key milestones.

Members of the committee that authored the report will present their findings and answer questions during a webinar starting at 4:30 p.m. EST Monday, Feb. 22.

Participants:

• Bobby Braun (co-chair), director for planetary science, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• Roger Myers (co-chair), owner, R. Meyers Consulting