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Using advanced technology, a company creates a thermal nuclear engine that halves the travel time to Mars. Learn how this engine promises to accelerate the future of interplanetary missions!
A Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) has developed a new nuclear thermal engine that can significantly reduce travel time to MarsWith this advancement, the USNC hopes that astronauts will be able to travel to the Red Planet in just three months and return to Earth in the same amount of time, cutting current time estimates in half.
This feat is made possible by the use of high-grade, low-enriched uranium fuel, known as HALEU, in ceramic microcapsules, resulting into a lighter, safer nuclear reactor for space travel.
Nuclear thermal engine propulsion: An old idea with new directions
Nuclear propulsion is a concept that has been explored for decades, especially in military and industrial contexts, such as submarines. However, its application to spacecraft is still limited, and most of the projects developed to date have never gone beyond the experimental testing phase.
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Unlike conventional engines, which rely on the combustion of liquid oxygen or similar fuels, the nuclear heat engine uses the heat generated by nuclear reactions to propel rockets at very high speeds. This advancement could make missions to Mars more accessible and safer, taking us to a new level of exploration.
Elon Musk recently highlighted the importance of nuclear propulsion for space travel, warning about the risks of exposure to cosmic radiation during long trips. A faster trip could reduce astronauts' exposure to these radiation levels, contributing to the safety of the crew.
HALEU Fuel Safety and Efficiency
One of the biggest concerns about using nuclear fuels is, of course, safety. However, HALEU is considered a less hazardous alternative to other nuclear fuels, and the U.S. Department of Energy has given this issue serious consideration. Furthermore, the risks of exposure to cosmic radiation during long-term space travel may actually outweigh the risks associated with using HALEU.
The ceramic capsule containing HALEU is designed to prevent the release of radioactive particles, providing an additional layer of safety. This, coupled with high fuel efficiency, represents a powerful combination for future long-distance space missions.
Application of nuclear technology in various areas
USNC plans to use the same HALEU fuel technology in its terrestrial microreactors. The company, which is divided into two units — USNC-Tech, which focuses on space reactors, and USNC-Power, which develops terrestrial solutions — aims to use this technology in an integrated manner. This approach allows nuclear innovations to be transferred from one sector to the other, expanding the possibilities for applications in both space and terrestrial scenarios.
According to Paolo Venneri, CEO of USNC-Tech, the possibility of technology transfer between terrestrial and space applications represents a significant advance for the company. The nuclear engine developed by USNC provides twice the thrust of conventional chemical engines and maintains greater operational stability due to the safe encapsulation of the fuel.
Potential impacts of nuclear propulsion on space exploration
The USNC’s new nuclear heat engine promises to be a game-changer for space exploration. Chemical rockets are already at their limit in terms of speed and efficiency, and nuclear propulsion is the best solution to overcome these barriers.
Furthermore, this technology could contribute to future exploration missions not only to Mars, but also to other celestial bodies. The ability to quickly send and return astronauts will open up new possibilities for scientific research and the development of advanced technologies beyond Earth.
The USNC project represents a significant step toward faster, safer, and more efficient space exploration. If this technology is successful, nuclear propulsion could redefine humanity’s boundaries in space. By harnessing the safety, speed, and stability that nuclear thermal engines offer, the dream of manned missions to Mars seems closer to becoming a reality.
He talked a lot but did not explain how radiation or thermal energy is transformed into thrust.
Not even he knows
There's just one problem. The ship will pass by Mars in half the time, but will it be able to stop? And another, to have that super safe name, it must be as super safe as the OceanGate submarine.
In general terms, this engine accelerates the spacecraft during the first half of the journey. Then, at the beginning of the second half of the journey, the spacecraft turns and the engine is used to decelerate, until it manages to enter Mars' orbit.
This would be the best idea, not even that new. If the ship accelerates equal to Earth's gravity, it will still create artificial gravity inside, solving yet another problem...
I think it is very viable and safe due to the fact that there is no shortage of fuel. It could already be tested on trips to our Moon. It will contribute greatly to the implementation of the Lunar interplanetary base. These future rockets should have a landing system similar to current helicopters. It is important to invest in prototype engineering and expand to the necessary level.
If it is driven by heat, if it really can, how will it return? If it stops, how is the issue of heat?
It's not that there's no shortage of fuel; it's just that nuclear fuel is much more powerful and efficient than a chemical engine.
But it also has limits.
This engine won't be running the entire trip. Otherwise, there wouldn't be enough fuel.
Being nuclear, it can generate energy all the time. It is not clear how this energy turns into thrust, but it is possible to solve this.
In this, God is wonderful, giving human beings ever better wisdom.
That way, in a few years, we will go even further… lol
It just doesn’t work for believers… For some reason!
The price of meat has increased, tell Lula to reduce the tax on meat so the price goes down, Genival Lacerda, donkey rock