The new development can be used at least for flights to the moon, Nuclear Engineering reports. But nuclear thermal propulsion can also help in more distant space travel.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has reportedly already signed a contract with General Atomics. The deal was valued at $ 22 million. This money will be spent on the development of a small nuclear reactor.
It is reported that tests of the newest engine in circumlunar orbit will take place closer to 2025. Given the seriousness with which the ministries approached the issue, there is every chance that this will indeed happen within the specified time frame.
