Nuclear propulsion systems have many advantages over current technologies such as helping spacecraft operate more efficiently and at faster speeds.
Illustration of a nuclear propulsion system. Photo: ESA
The European Space Agency (ESA) announced that it will fund a number of scientific studies to test the use of nuclear propulsion systems for future space exploration missions, Interesting Engineering reported on May 4. This funding initiative is part of ESA's Future Launch Vehicle Preparation Programme (FLIPP).
Accordingly, scientists and engineers will have about 11 months to develop potential scientific research related to nuclear propulsion systems. The research also needs to show the benefits of using them compared to traditional propulsion systems in deep space exploration.
In March, the ESA approved several projects to demonstrate the feasibility of nuclear rockets, including the RocketRoll project by Czech company OHB Czechspace.
“The aim of the study is to explore the possibility of using nuclear fuel for deep space exploration and transportation missions. The study will provide an overview of current European experience, technology and capabilities for developing this type of vehicle, and provide a preliminary design concept for a nuclear-powered propulsion engine,” said Jakub Sevecek, Head of Project Management at OHB Czechspace.
Future space logistics missions will require the transport of heavy cargo to build infrastructure for human bases on the Moon or, even further, Mars. Therefore, new technologies, such as nuclear-powered propulsion systems, may be superior to current technologies.
“A nuclear propulsion system could be more efficient than the most efficient chemical propulsion system, and could also outperform electric propulsion systems that are limited by solar power. This would allow future space vehicles to explore places that other technologies cannot reach,” said Jan Frýbort, an expert at the Czech Technical University.
Current spacecraft propulsion systems mainly use chemical propellants or solar energy. However, these technologies are approaching physical limits and may not be suitable for long-term deep space missions.
Experts say that nuclear propulsion is more efficient than solar or chemical propulsion. Nuclear-powered spacecraft are also said to offer higher speeds.
Thu Thao (According to Interesting Engineering )
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