Scientists have developed a new nuclear fuel capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and reducing travel time to Mars.
Company General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has just accomplished a feat that could completely change the future of exploration policy. The new nuclear fuel developed by the company has been successfully tested and has demonstrated resistance to extreme conditions, and could be the key to much faster space travel.
The advancement of nuclear propulsion
Today, rockets still rely on chemical propulsion. From the first satellites to man's arrival on the moon, this technology has been essential. But it has its limits.
Chemical propulsion requires large amounts of fuel, which ends up limiting the payload and speed of rockets. On long-distance missions, such as a trip to Mars, the estimated trajectory time varies between six and seven months.
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How the new Nuclear Fuel works
The solution found by GA-EMS is in the Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) system. This method uses a nuclear reactor to heat the propellant, usually hydrogen, generating a huge amount of thermal energy.
This process allows for much greater momentum, drastically reducing travel time.
In the most recent tests, the new fuel was subjected to temperatures of 4.220 degrees Fahrenheit (2.326 ° C) for 20 minutes.
This temperature is equivalent to the heat generated by a nuclear rocket engine during a booster maneuver. The tests took place at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama and were considered an unqualified success.
The importance of testing
Tests conducted by GA-EMS have proven that the fuel can withstand the harsh conditions of a nuclear thermal propulsion reactor without being degraded or eroded. This means that the technology is one step closer to being applied in real missions.
GA-EMS Vice President Dr. Christina Back highlighted the importance of the success of these tests, saying the company is the first to demonstrate that its fuel can survive thermal cycling at hydrogen-representative temperatures and ramp rates, which is essential for the safe operation of the rocket.
NASA and other organizations have been investing heavily in nuclear propulsion technologies as a solution to shorten distances in space.
Lockheed Martin was recently awarded a $499 million contract to develop the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO), which also uses the nuclear propulsion concept.
Scientists believe that with this technology, a spacecraft could reach Mars in just 45 days. This would mean cutting the current travel time fivefold, opening up new possibilities for manned space exploration.
Challenges to be overcome
Despite promising advances, there are still challenges to be overcome before this technology becomes operational. Issues such as safety, regulation and environmental impact need to be carefully evaluated.
Another challenge is to ensure that nuclear reactors are safe for operation in deep space, without the risk of radioactive contamination. The reliability of the systems also needs to be tested under real flight conditions.
Despite its challenges, nuclear propulsion is considered the best alternative for long-duration missions. In addition to reducing travel time, it allows for the transport of more cargo, increasing the chances of success in manned missions and the colonization of other planets.
GA-EMS remains confident that its fuel is the first step towards a future where deep space will be within human reach quickly and efficiently.
It is incredible to know that, with the increase in interaction between Africa, the American continent and Europe for more than three centuries, all kinds of diseases and plagues have emerged in Europe... who knows if the Earth will not be flooded with plagues?
unknown due to the coming and going of these maves. I've been calling attention to it for a while now...
Star Trek is getting closer
I am the author of the book announced below: Kiko and Betão in Hidden Paradise – The Encounter. It contains, among other subjects, touches of Science Fiction. I am hopeful about this new Fuel!