Lockheed Martin to Create the First Thermal Nuclear Rocket in the U.S.

American company Lockheed Martin will create the first demonstration rocket powered by a thermal nuclear propulsion system under the DRACO program, as announced by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

DARPA has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin to commence the design and development of an experimental thermal nuclear rocket (X-NTRV) and its propulsion system. According to the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin will be responsible for designing, integrating, and testing the components of the rocket and its engine, while another American company, BWX Technologies, will design and manufacture the nuclear reactor that will power the engine.

The rocket launch is scheduled for 2027. The DRACO program was initiated this January as part of a collaboration between DARPA and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). The space agency plans to utilize thermonuclear energy-powered rockets for future crewed and exploratory missions to Mars.