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A Russian research center has taken the wraps of a powerful, reusable nuclear engine that’s been designed for an attempted mission to Mars.
In a video posted to social media, it’s claimed the rocket could reach Mars after seven months and also be re-launched into space 48 hours after landing.
The institute responsible for the rocket, Keldysh Research Center, is famous for building the Katyusha rocket launched during World War II.
‘A mission to Mars is possible in the very near future, but that’s not an aim in itself. Our engines can be the foundation for a whole range of space missions that currently seem like science fiction,’ Vladimir Koshlakov, who heads Moscow’s Keldysh Research Center told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Apparently, scientists at the center have been working on this new propulsion system since 2009.
It uses a gas-cooled fission reactor that powers a generator, which in turn feeds a plasma thruster to propel the rocket.
And while the Russian scientists haven’t revealed a date when the new engines will actually be ready to use, they’re confident that they’ll put all other rocket technology to shame.
“Reusability is the priority,” said Koshlakov.
‘We must develop engines that do not need to be fine-tuned or repaired more than once every ten flights. Also, 48 hours after the rocket returns from space, it must be ready to go again. This is what the market demands.’
Currently, the most famous reusable rockets are the Falcon series developed by Elon Musk’s private space company, SpaceX.
But according to Koshlakov, Musk is just using old technology.
‘Elon Musk is using the existing tech, developed a long time ago,’ said Koshlakov.
‘He is a businessman: he took a solution that was already there, and applied it successfully. Notably, he is also doing his work with help from the government.’
Nasa currently has plans to launch the first manned mission to Mars sometime in the 2030s.
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