Nuclear Propulsion Could Slash Mars Travel Time

Getting to Mars faster isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety. The longer astronauts spend in deep space, the more radiation they absorb and the more their bodies deteriorate in microgravity. Nuclear thermal propulsion could cut the transit time dramatically.

NASA and DARPA’s DRACO program (Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations) aims to test a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space. Unlike chemical rockets, which burn fuel, nuclear thermal engines heat a propellant — usually hydrogen — by passing it through a nuclear reactor. This produces roughly twice the efficiency of the best chemical engines.

The result? A Mars transit that currently takes seven to nine months could potentially be reduced to around 45 days. That’s a game-changer for crew health, mission design, and the amount of supplies that need to be carried.