Trends in propulsion technology
Propulsion advances aim to increase efficiency, reduce mass, and enable new mission types. Improvements range from high-thrust chemical engines to efficient electric and experimental concepts.
Notable propulsion approaches:
- High-performance chemical rockets for launch and rapid maneuvers.
- Electric propulsion (ion and Hall-effect thrusters) for efficient, long-duration in-space maneuvers.
- Green propellants that improve safety and performance for spacecraft operations.
- Advanced concepts like nuclear thermal or nuclear electric propulsion under study for deep-space missions.
Benefits and mission impact
- Electric propulsion enables missions with lower propellant mass and extended operations.
- Nuclear options promise high thrust and efficiency for crewed Mars transit if developed and accepted politically.
These advances expand mission design flexibility and open possibilities for faster, farther, and more capable space exploration.