NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency provided details on Tuesday of a new project aimed at using nuclear power to eventually transport astronauts to Mars.
Their first step is to launch a nuclear thermal rocket engine by 2027.
NASA officials said nuclear thermal rocket engines would be more efficient than using "conventional chemical propulsion" — especially when it comes to deep space missions, which are defined as travel beyond the moon’s orbit.
"Nuclear thermal propulsion is much more powerful, with two to five times the efficiency of chemical propulsion, and with the help of this propulsion system, astronauts will be able to journey to and from deep space faster than ever, a major capability to prepare for crew missions to Mars," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said.
"If we have swifter trips for humans, they're safer trips because of the incredibly harsh radiation environment that humans have to endure, going all the way to Mars and other deep space destinations," said NASA deputy administrator Pam Melroy.
"So the ability to go faster can make a huge difference for the safety of our crews," she added.
The last time NASA conducted nuclear thermal rocket tests were more than 50 years ago through the Rover and Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications projects.
NASA shut the NERVA program down in the 1970s following funding cuts but said they hope to send an unmanned nuclear thermal rocket into orbit in 2027.
The goal is to use nuclear technology in manned missions, eventually to Mars.
"One small step is one giant leap for humankind and this partnership will take us one step closer as we dare to explore the unknown," Nelson said.
NASA is setting aside $110 million this budget year for the development of the technology. A full cost estimate for the nuclear engine test project has not yet been released.