← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The goal of the Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) technology development task is to determine the feasibility and affordability of using low enriched uranium (LEU) to power engines on a space transportation vehicle with solid cost and schedule confidence. This effort leverages government, industry and academic expertise to establish a conceptual design for a nuclear-powered rocket engine in the thrust range of interest for a human Mars mission.
Nuclear propulsion technology enables missions where solar-powered and chemical systems are limited. Faster transit propulsion for planetary missions combined with lowest total mission mass compared to chemical and solar electric. Improves crew safety. Nuclear propulsion technology provides a high-thrust, high-specific impulse capability that increases mission flexibility in cis-lunar space.
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.