Illustration of NEP tug. ESA
A group of companies has begun an 11-year project called RocketRoll, aiming to launch the first nuclear-powered spacecraft.
Space agencies and companies are focusing on nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) to shape the future of space travel. This innovative technology could revolutionize how we power spacecraft and enable missions previously out of reach.
Driven by ambitious programs like ESA’s Voyage2050, TerraNova, and EL3, as well as growing private sector demands, NEP offers high-efficiency engines and consistent power generation. Unlike chemical propulsion, NEP is much more efficient, and compared to solar power, it provides greater energy output without relying on sunlight. This makes it ideal for heavy cargo transport, lunar operations during long nights, and missions beyond Mars, where solar energy is scarce.
Illustration of NEP tug. ESA
Nuclear power could support Lunar and Martian habitats, robotic exploration, and other in-space systems. The development of NEP technology, starting with a smaller in-orbit demonstration, is a major step toward enabling long-term exploration and transportation in deep space.
source ESA
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