General
Will the DARPA/NASA 'DRACO' nuclear thermal rocket engine successfully complete its in-space demonstration flight before the end of 2028?
A space technology prediction on the return of nuclear propulsion, a key technology for Mars exploration.
27 total votes
Analysis
Nuclear Rocket in Orbit: DRACO by 2028?
The DRACO program aims to demonstrate a Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) in orbit, a technology that could halve travel time to Mars. Scheduled for a 2027 launch, this prediction asks if the mission will successfully fly before the end of 2028.
Regulatory and Technical Risks
The vote is cautiously optimistic. While the technology is sound (dating back to the NERVA programs of the 1960s), launching a nuclear reactor—even one using HALEU fuel that is only activated in orbit—involves immense regulatory scrutiny and safety protocols. Lockheed Martin and BWXT are the prime contractors. Given the strategic importance for the Moon-to-Mars architecture, the program has high priority, but 'first-of-a-kind' nuclear space missions are prone to significant delays.