Thermonuclear propulsion has long been considered very promising for future Solar System exploration. Two companies, Ad Astra Rocket Company and Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes), have joined forces to create an efficient system that can take this concept to the next level.
Ad Astra Rocket Company has been working for more than 20 years to develop the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR). This highly efficient electric propulsion system uses powerful electromagnetic fields to ionize and accelerate the propellant, which creates a high-velocity plasma jet. Its main advantage is its high fuel efficiency compared to conventional chemical rockets. However, low thrust with high energy consumption remains the main disadvantage: the engine of the VASIMR VX-200 prototype consumed 200 kW to achieve maximum thrust.
This significant energy demand makes it impossible to use traditional space power systems such as solar panels or radioisotope thermoelectric generators. This is where SpaceNukes enters the scene with its Kilopower nuclear fission reactor project. This startup specializes in nuclear reactors for space applications. In 2018, they successfully tested a system capable of generating up to 10 kW of electricity continuously for at least ten years.
The new partnership involves the integration of SpaceNukes nuclear technology with the Ad Astra engine. This is expected to achieve an optimal ratio of efficiency and thrust. VASIMR has the potential to be scaled up with higher power output and can operate with a variety of fuel types for cost efficiency.
A combination of nuclear reactors and plasma engines could significantly reduce flight times for future space missions. SpaceNukes estimates that a round trip to Mars could last only a few months instead of more than a year.
Although the partnership is in its early stages and no specific timeline has been set, both companies aim to conduct an orbital demonstration by the late 2020s and move to commercialization in the 2030s. There are still many challenges ahead, but the success of this project could revolutionize deep space exploration.
Earlier we told you about the vision of pulse propulsion rocket engines.
Provided by universetoday.com
