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Active TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 5)
NTP is an open-ended project focused on developing enabling technologies for nuclear thermal propulsion and demonstrating the robust functionality of those technologies through ground and flight testing. NTP systems have capabilities that can be directly leveraged, or readily evolved, for future NASA missions that include cis-lunar operating systems, deep-space science systems, and small and large cargo transportation systems for Mars human exploration. The technology challenges NTP is focused on solving are primarily driven by the extreme operational requirements for the fission reactor. Technology maturation investments are focused on finding solutions to the technology gaps for a reactor operating at temperatures exceeding 2800 K with a flowing hydrogen environment. The coupled effects between an operating reactor, integrated turbine machinery, and the thermal/neutronic balance also require investment in modeling and simulation capabilities to design NTP systems and predict how they will work in space.
The Earth-Moon economy needs a transportation infrastructure to support mobility using an efficient, evolvable system that has reduced reliance on Earth resources. Nuclear thermal propulsion systems can produce thrust levels comparable to chemical systems with a propellant mass efficiency that is two or more times greater than conventional chemical systems. The combination of propellant efficiency and high thrust has applications as an effective cislunar transportation system while also enabling fast transit to exploration and science target destinations throughout the solar system. Nuclear energy can provide solar-independent power for years with minimum need for refueling and maintenance.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.