November 16, 2018
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Nuclear-powered spacecraft taking astronauts beyond Mars is proposed by Russia
Russia has revealed outlandish plans for a nuclear-powered spacecraft that could take astronauts beyond Mars and on interstellar missions in the future. A research centre in the country made the bizarre claim and said it is building the rocket, which would be capable of reaching Mars in just seven months. The alleged spacecraft is said to be able to launch only 48 hours after landing and scientists have allegedly been working on the novel system since 2009. Roscosmos claims to have created a gas-cooled fission reactor which powers a plasma thruster in order to propel the rocket.
While the technology is possible, many will be sceptical over the secretive state's claims - particularly given the safety risks posed by a nuclear rocket.
The space agency claimed the rocket will not need sunlight or solar batteries for operation as the fission reactor will provide ample energy. Roscosmos claims the craft will be capable of 'interstellar' travel and added that Elon Musk is using 'old technology'.
Vladimir Koshlakov, chief of Keldysh Research Center, said: 'A mission to Mars is possible in the very near future, but that's not an aim in itself. Our engines can be the foundation for a whole range of space missions that currently seem like science fiction. Reusability is the priority. We must develop engines that do not need to be fine-tuned or repaired more than once every ten flights. Also, 48 hours after the rocket returns from space, it must be ready to go again. This is what the market demands.'
The state-run space agency has yet to announce a launch date for the spacecraft but has confidently stated it will revolutionise the industry. It is hoped the spaceship will be able to carry passengers and crew once a material is developed to protect them from the radiation.
Mr Koshlakov added:'Elon Musk is using the existing tech, developed a long time ago. He is a businessman: he took a solution that was already there, and applied it successfully. Notably, he is also doing his work with help from the government.'
SpaceX and NASA both intend to place humans on Mars, and current estimates suggest the first people on the red planet will arrive by the 2030s.
Extracted from: www.dailymail.co.uk
