Author(s) :

Armaan Sharma, Miles Stopher.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) has long been regarded as a promising technology for advancing the efficiency and scope of space exploration. Originating in the mid-twentieth century through programs such as Project Rover and NERVA, NTP systems demonstrated the technical feasibility of nuclear-powered rocketry, offering substantial gains in specific impulse and payload capacity over chemical propulsion. Despite program cancellations and decades of limited progress, more recent initiatives—including the Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (SNTP) program, Project Icarus, and DARPA’s DRACO project—have revitalized interest in NTP development. However, persistent public concerns regarding nuclear safety, coupled with the absence of standardized regulatory protocols, remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. This paper traces the historical development of NTP systems, evaluates recent technological advancements, and examines the regulatory landscape governing their deployment. Particular attention is given to probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), Safety Analysis Reports (SARs), and evolving U.S. policy frameworks, including NPR 8715.26 and NSPM 20, which collectively shape the future of nuclear flight safety. However, there are considerable gaps in the testing and modelling of NTP systems that must be filled to meet revised safety regulations. With the growing commercial and state interest in space exploration, particularly in the US, there is considerable potential for new NTP designs to transform long-duration space missions, with robust and transparent safety measures to ensure public acceptance and regulatory approval.