NASA prepares engines and thrusters for missions to deep space and Mars

Photo: NASA/Joel Kowsky/Getty Images

NASA has introduced new and impressive advances to undertake missions into space deep and take humans to planets like Mars

This week, the United States space agency reported that a team of NASA propulsion development engineers has developed and tested the first rotary detonation rocket motor NASA Full Scale, or RDRE.

This is an advanced rocket engine design that could significantly change the way rockets are built. future propulsion systems.

As NASA explains, the RDRE differs from a traditional rocket engine in that generates thrust through a supersonic combustion phenomenon known as detonation.

“This design produces more power using less fuel than current propulsion systems and has the potential to propel both human landers and interplanetary vehicles to destinations in deep space, such as the Moon and Mars.

The RDRE achieved its main objective by demonstrating that their hardware could run for long periods and withstand the extreme heat and pressure environments generated by blasting.

NASA and DARPA will test a nuclear engine for future missions to Mars

In addition to introducing the RDRE, NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced a collaboration to demonstrate a nuclear engine rocket in space, an enabling capability for NASA’s crewed missions to Mars.

Both instances will collaborate in the DRACO program (Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations). The agreement outlines the roles, responsibilities and processes aimed at accelerating development efforts.

The use of a nuclear thermal rocket allows faster transit time, reducing risk to astronauts. Reducing transit time is a key component for human missions to Mars, as longer journeys require more supplies and more robust systems.

The space agency stressed that the development of faster and more efficient transportation technology will help accomplish your goals from the Moon to Mars.

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