Nuclear Thermal Propulsion
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is a type of rocket engine that uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, usually liquid hydrogen, to generate thrust. The nuclear reactor heats the propellant to extremely high temperatures, which causes it to expand and shoot out of the engine nozzle at high speeds, creating thrust. NTP has the potential to provide much higher specific impulse, or fuel efficiency, than traditional chemical rocket engines, which could enable faster and more efficient space travel. However, NTP also poses significant technical and safety challenges, including the need to contain and shield the nuclear reactor from the crew and the environment. Despite these challenges, NTP has been studied and developed by various space agencies and companies, and could play a role in future crewed missions to Mars and beyond.
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