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A new nuclear rocket technology takes another step forward

Phys Org
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Nuclear thermal propulsion ( NTP ) has stood as a promising potential alternative propulsion technology for decades .

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Huntsville and The Ohio State University have been working on a novel configuration of NTP called the centrifugal nuclear thermal rocket (CNTR) They say they could almost double the specific impulse of traditional NTP systems while maintaining similar thrust levels.

The CNTR uses liquid uranium for fuel, rather than the solid sort, to keep its fuel liquid.

More information: Dale Thomas et al , Addressing challenges to engineering feasibility of the centrifugal nuclear thermal rocket, Acta Astronautica ( 2025 ). DOI: 10.1016 / j.actaastro.2025.05.007 Journal information: Acta Astronautica Provided by Universe Today .