As ambitions to send humans to Mars grow, General Atomics is pushing ahead with the development of a “nuclear” engine capable of meeting the challenges of interplanetary travel. This development could revolutionize space transportation by enabling faster and safer manned missions, thus marking a turning point in the exploration of Mars and the boundaries of our solar system.
Echoing the recent promises ofElon MuskElon Musk And with US President Donald Trump set to send humans to Mars in the coming years, US company General Atomics has announced significant progress in developing a new type of fuel for nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) reactors. The tests, conducted at NASA’s Marshall Space Center, aim to establish the capability for faster and safer interplanetary travel than conventional propulsion technologies.
Currently, research RoboticsRobotics And humans are limited by inherent constraints on chemical propulsion and the use of solar energy. To overcome these obstacles, nuclear power is emerging as an essential solution for future missions. Nuclear thermal propulsion is notable for its ability to generate very powerful thrust, thereby significantly reducing travel times to distant destinations such as Mars. With this technology, a Mars mission could be completed in just six months, including two months on Earth, compared to 18 months or more for current technologies.
Development projects
However, despite these promising possibilities, no nuclear thermal propulsion system is yet operational for habitable space vehicles. Several projects are under development, including General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS), which is working on an NTP reactor equipped with a compact low-enriched uranium core, designed specifically for space missions. has been, including spacecraft transport and human exploration of Mars. . To summarize, this method of propulsion uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant fluid, thus offering an efficient alternative to chemical engines.
Recently, General Atomics tested the performance of its fuel at NASA’s Marshall Space Center, with very high temperatures, up to about 2,600 degrees Kelvin (2,327 °C). These tests were very important to ensure that. FlammableFlammable Can operate and operate in harsh environments. Fuel has proven itself. resistanceresistance At these temperature levels, as well as erosion and degradation under high temperature conditions, in the flow ofHydrogenHydrogen hot that is necessary for its use in an operational context, i.e. under the specific conditions of an NTP reactor operating in space.
A potential revolution in space transportation
” These results represent an important step in the successful demonstration of fuel designs for NTP reactors. », GA-EMS President Scott Forney exclaimed.
Progress in The matterThe matter Use of advanced nuclear fuel as well as materials Ceramic matrix compositeCeramic matrix composite At higher temperatures, there are essential elements that contribute to this NTP design. These materials are designed to withstand extreme conditions, a determining factor in the success of space missions.
Scott Forney also stated that “ The efficiency of nuclear thermal propulsion systems can be two to three times higher than that of nuclear engines. The rocketThe rocket Conventional chemicals, thus revolutionizing space transportation. “These discoveries promise an exciting future for space exploration, which, if they come to fruition, could usher in a new era of interplanetary adventure, where a trip to Mars becomes not only possible. , but also practical and certain.
