Nuclear-powered spacecraft could become the pinnacle of this century’s space exploration efforts. Although concepts and designs for nuclear-reactor-equipped rockets have been proposed for over 50 years, they have yet to advance beyond the experimental phase. Amidst the race to explore new frontiers, America’s latest initiative in nuclear propulsion aims to secure a competitive edge against its emerging rival in space, China.
In 2023, NASA and DARPA initiated a significant step forward with the awarding of a $499 million contract to Lockheed Martin for the development of the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO). This innovative project, aptly named, will feature a rocket measuring approximately 49 feet in length and 17.7 feet in diameter, designed to be launched aboard the Vulcan Centaur rocket.
This launch vehicle will also be used for the Boeing Starliner. Ars Technica has outlined the strategic arguments presented by US Space Command to Congress regarding the DRACO project: DARPA’s website emphasizes its commitment to investing in breakthrough technologies to enhance national security. But how does a nuclear-powered spacecraft fit into this mission? General James Dickinson, a US Space Command officer, offered some insight into the military’s perspective during his testimony before Congress in April 2021.
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He said that “Beijing is seeking space superiority through space attack systems” and mentioned intelligence gathered on the Shijian-17, a Chinese satellite fitted with a robotic arm that could be used for “grappling other satellites.” That might seem like a far-fetched idea, but it was sufficient to secure approval for a nuclear-powered spacecraft.
Efficiency is Key
Nuclear-powered rockets offer significant advantages in efficiency. They can achieve twice the efficiency of traditional chemical rockets because they rely solely on hydrogen as fuel, eliminating the need for an oxidizer in the vacuum of space. This increased efficiency enables them to reach extremely high speeds. The DRACO rocket is designed to test rapid-response capabilities for missions between Earth and the Moon and to serve as a potential military deterrent in space.
However, there’s a notable challenge: the rocket must carry fissile material for its reactor, specifically weapons-grade uranium. DRACO will use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), which has a lower level of enrichment and is more challenging to use for weapon construction. The rocket’s launch should not pose a public risk, as the Centaur’s chemical rocket will be responsible for lifting it off the ground.
Despite the looming fate of the International Space Station, there is considerable excitement about current space exploration efforts. NASA’s Artemis program is working on establishing a permanent presence on the Moon, including a lunar outpost and an orbiting station. The next steps could very well include missions to Mars and beyond, expanding our reach within the Solar System.
(Includes inputs from online sources)
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