General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has successfully conducted high-impact tests at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center to advance nuclear thermal propulsion reactor technology. The tests, conducted in collaboration with NASA, aimed to verify the ability of GA-EMS’ design-specific nuclear fuel to meet the high-performance specifications required for space missions.
According to Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, the test results represent a critical milestone in demonstrating fuel design for NTP reactors. The nuclear fuel was subjected to extreme temperatures and hot hydrogen gas environments, with peak temperatures reaching 2600 K (4220° Fahrenheit). The tests showed that the fuel can survive these conditions, moving closer to realizing safe and reliable nuclear thermal propulsion for cislunar and deep space missions.
GA-EMS used NASA’s compact fuel element environmental test facility to conduct the tests. The company also conducted additional tests in a non-hydrogen environment at its laboratory, confirming that the fuel performed exceptionally well up to 3000 K (5432° Fahrenheit). This would enable the NTP system to be two-to-three times more efficient than conventional chemical rocket engines.
The company’s vice president of Nuclear Technologies and Materials, Dr. Christina Back, said that GA-EMS is excited to continue its collaboration with NASA as they mature and test the fuel to meet future mission requirements. The tests were conducted under a contract managed by Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) – Idaho National Lab (INL).
GA-EMS is developing innovative technologies to support operational environments from undersea to space, including nuclear propulsion systems for defense, government, and national security customers.
Source: https://www.ga.com/ga-successfully-tests-nuclear-thermal-propulsion-reactor-fuel-at-nasa-marshall-space-flight-center