A nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) is a type of thermal rocket where the heat from a nuclear reaction replaces the chemical energy of the propellants in a chemical rocket.

Jul 18, 2025 · The nuclear rocket would use fission to heat liquid-hydrogen and expel it as thrust at rates that would supersede those of chemical rockets. In 1959, NASA replaced the Air Force in this role, …

Aug 15, 2025 · Scientists and engineers are working on nuclear thermal propulsion systems that would take hydrogen propellant, pump it into a nuclear reactor to generate energy and expel propellant out …

Jul 23, 2025 · Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems aren’t new, but they could significantly reduce travel times and carry greater payloads than today’s top chemical rockets­ — expanding humanity’s …

May 28, 2025 · Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) has stood as a promising potential alternative propulsion technology for decades.

Jul 26, 2023 · NASA and DARPA plan to launch a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Earth orbit in the next few years, to test propulsion technology that could get humanity to Mars.

Jul 31, 2023 · The U.S. plans to launch the world's first nuclear-powered spacecraft into orbit as early as 2025, NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have announced.

Researchers have reported new progress in developing a liquid uranium-fueled rocket engine, a Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR).

May 22, 2025 · Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) is one technology that can provide high thrust and double the propellant efficiency of chemical rockets, making it a viable option for crewed missions to …

Apr 3, 2025 · UK startup Pulsar Fusion is developing Sunbird, a nuclear fusion rocket that could drastically cut down journey times in space, shown here in an artist’s impression.