The Moon as a Nuclear Rocket Test Lab: Science or Sci-Fi?

While Elon Musk and SpaceX dominate headlines, DARPA’s nuclear propulsion project could outpace Starship’s chemical rockets in getting humans to Mars faster and safer. But considering how much government funding fuels both efforts, it’s tricky to say who will truly lead the race.

But today I read that America’s plans to get a nuclear-powered rocket into space have been paused. This rocket, known as DRACO (Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations), could get humans to Mars much faster than SpaceX’s Starship, which is like a gas-guzzling behemoth. DRACO would be faster due to its higher specific impulse — basically, it burns fuel more efficiently. This speed is critical for astronauts, reducing their exposure to space radiation and low-gravity risks on long missions.

Nuclear Reactor Test Requirements Put DRACO Launch Plans On Hold

Should We Test Nuclear Rockets on the Moon?

The DRACO (Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations) project, led by DARPA and NASA, aims to develop a nuclear thermal propulsion system that could significantly cut travel time to…