Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP)

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, such as hydrogen, to high temperatures. The heated gas expands rapidly and is expelled through a nozzle, producing thrust. This method offers a more efficient way to propel spacecraft compared to chemical rockets, enabling faster travel to destinations like Mars. NTP leverages the high energy density of nuclear reactions to provide greater performance, potentially reducing travel time and increasing payload capacity, making deep space missions more feasible and efficient.