A recent study released this month has made a pressing appeal for upcoming efforts in space exploration to seriously consider nuclear space travel. Echoing a prior study that urged researchers to genuinely contemplate terraforming Mars, this latest analysis posits that concentrating on nuclear innovations to fuel new rockets might significantly enhance our prospects for deep space exploration.
The argument is straightforward and it’s quite surprising that there hasn’t been more insistence from the scientific community on this matter. However, what adds intrigue to this new study is the researchers’ presentation of three distinct options to facilitate demonstrations of nuclear technology in space.
One of the primary challenges associated with nuclear space travel is the absence of any significant breakthroughs for decades. As reported by Spacenews.com, NASA has not witnessed any successful projects since the 1960s. This gap in advancements is extraordinarily lengthy.
Nonetheless, several elements could potentially change this situation, according to Bhavya Lal, a previous NASA associate administrator for technology, policy, and strategy. Lal, who co-authored the recent study, emphasizes that geopolitical rivalry may serve as a significant impetus in the pursuit of functional nuclear space engines. One considerable factor in this momentum could be China’s ongoing advancements in space exploration.
Similar to conditions on Earth, many regard space as a competitive arena where “the first movers establish the regulations.” This implies that if the United States falls behind and China achieves more milestones — such as colonizing the Moon or even Mars ahead of us — then that nation (or any other players involved) could set laws and regulations before the U.S. has an opportunity to lay the groundwork. Consequently, Lal and the other contributors to the study contend that the United States must commence taking nuclear space travel seriously.
Of course, articulating this sentiment and actually accomplishing it are two vastly different matters. While there are some promising ideas regarding the potential achievements of nuclear-powered spacecraft, we have yet to witness any of these concepts truly take flight and succeed.
Among the strategies proposed in the study is a “Go Big or Go Home” approach, aimed at developing a government-owned and managed reactor capable of generating between 100 to 500 kilowatts of power. The development of such a reactor is estimated to cost around $3 billion, and the study indicates that ground tests could commence as early as 2028, with a flight demonstration anticipated by 2030.
