March 14, 2025

TWiS 152: Atomic Rockets II: Nuclear Electric Boogaloo - Pathways to the Solar System

1 hour 4 minutes

In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik host Dr. Robert O'Brien, Director of the Universities Space Research Association's Center for Space Nuclear Research, for a fascinating deep dive into nuclear propulsion technology for space exploration. They discuss the history, current developments, and future potential of nuclear electric and nuclear thermal propulsion systems, which could revolutionize our ability to explore Mars and beyond—both robotically and with human crews.

Headlines

Crew-10 Launch Update: SpaceX's Dragon Endurance prepared to launch relief crew for ISS, addressing delays and setting stage for Williams and Wilmore's return.

NASA Layoffs: NASA shuttering several offices including Technology Policy and Strategy, Chief Scientist, and diversity initiatives to comply with Trump administration executive orders.

Saturn's Moon Count: 128 additional moons discovered orbiting Saturn, bringing total to 274 (surpassing Jupiter's 95), raising questions about moon classification criteria.

Lunar Eclipse: First total lunar eclipse of 2025 visible across western hemisphere, with another eclipse in September for viewers in Asia and Australia.

New Space Billionaire: Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, takes over as CEO of Relativity Space (a 3D printing rocket company), joining Bezos, Musk, and Branson in the space industry.

Main Topic: Nuclear Propulsion with Dr. Robert O'Brien

Propulsion Types: Dr. O'Brien explained two main types: nuclear electric propulsion generates electricity for electric thrusters, while nuclear thermal propulsion heats propellant directly through a fission reactor for thrust.

Efficiency Advantages: Nuclear systems offer greater efficiency than chemical rockets, potentially reducing Mars mission mass to one-third or less while enabling "maneuver without regret" capability.

Historical Context: US launched SNAP-10A reactor in mid-1960s; Rover-NERVA program demonstrated nuclear thermal rocket technology before cancellation after Apollo.

Current Development: Working to regain 1960s capabilities while implementing modern safety protocols, testing procedures, and materials science improvements.

Safety Considerations: Modern development includes full exhaust containment and comprehensive safety measures, with waste containment as the primary focus.

AI Applications: AI could accelerate development through materials optimization, autonomous operation for deep space, and enhanced reactor control safety.

Fusion Propulsion: Remains promising future technology potentially enabling interstellar travel, with growing international investment.

Project Orion: Historical nuclear pulse propulsion concept using small nuclear explosions for thrust - impractical for Earth launches but potential for interstellar applications.

Public Education: Addressing concerns requires transparent communication, moving away from the "veil of mystery" of earlier nuclear programs.

Educational Outreach: The Universities Space Research Association is developing a talent pipeline for "unicorn capabilities" in space nuclear expertise.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Robert O'Brien

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