Nuclear thermal rocket (NTR)

A Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) is a propulsion system for spacecraft that uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, typically hydrogen, to high temperatures. The heated gas then expands and exits through a nozzle, generating thrust to propel the vehicle. NTRs are more efficient than traditional chemical rockets, allowing for faster travel to distant destinations like Mars. They provide a powerful, reliable source of propulsion by leveraging nuclear reactions, enabling deeper space exploration with shorter travel times and less fuel mass.