'Earth to Mars in half the time': NASA just tested nuclear fuel that could get us to planet way faster

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh Credit: NASA

Faster to Mars

[{"selector":"#anim-94df2e1b-940f-44c2-ab9f-8835013b120b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-4.4107022243916685%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] New nuclear fuel could slash travel time to Mars, making deep-space missions more viable. Credit: NASA

Extreme Endurance

[{"selector":"#anim-ee08308d-4bc5-44ec-9040-50e9e154de8b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(20.199887232168646%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The fuel withstood 4,220°F and six brutal heat cycles, proving its durability for space travel. Credit: NASA

Power Revolution

[{"selector":"#anim-ba94bfbe-632c-4992-a2f2-18c32f2ec929 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Nuclear thermal propulsion may be 2-3 times more efficient than traditional rocket engines.

Cislunar Ready

[{"selector":"#anim-f97f2544-5f4b-4cc9-9411-a2dcb7aa4b98 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-6.547978010323948%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] NASA-backed tests show this fuel could power future Moon and Mars missions with ease.

First of Its Kind

[{"selector":"#anim-d09ac620-50f7-4c52-a62c-9c853e0dd433 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-26.93749955665958%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] GA-EMS is the first company to test nuclear fuel survival under hydrogen thermal cycling. Credit: NASA

Game-Changing Efficiency

[{"selector":"#anim-2db203a4-f82f-4be6-85c0-2ad78c76088c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-10.91843388094697%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] At 3,000K, this fuel could outclass chemical rockets, making interplanetary travel routine. Credit: NASA

Mars in Sight

[{"selector":"#anim-4ee68b68-1494-4c6a-90cc-af2326e74e73 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-23.659709561140243%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] NTP tech could cut deep-space travel time, solving key challenges for human Mars missions.

NASA’s Big Bet

[{"selector":"#anim-0a102aa7-83ef-4318-a389-5b5929ff9a5b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(14.583389309567984%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] GA-EMS and NASA’s success brings nuclear-powered spacecraft closer to reality.

Space Propulsion Leap

NTP reactors may soon replace chemical rockets, changing how we explore the solar system. Credit: BWXT Nuclear Energy, Inc.​

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