A nuclear engine could enable travel to Mars – Science and IT
The latest technology will allow rapid manned and unmanned missions not only to Mars, but also to the far corners of the Solar System.
American companies Ad Astra and SpaceNukes have joined forces to create a new nuclear electric engine that can significantly accelerate space travel.
Based on existing technology, they plan to reduce the flight time to Mars from more than a year to just a few months, according to Phys.
The companies are working on an engine that combines Ad Astra's VASIMR magneto-plasma propulsion system and SpaceNukes' Kilopower nuclear reactor. This technology will make it possible to carry out fast manned and unmanned missions not only to Mars, but also to the far corners of the Solar System.
VASIMR is a magneto-plasma engine that works on the principle of ion propulsion, which allows to reach high speeds in space….
