ESA Prepares To Use Nuclear Electric Propulsion for Spacecraft Missions by 2035

The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing a demonstrator spacecraft design that could pioneer Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) for deep space exploration. The test flight is targeted for 2035.

The new design, submitted by the RocketRoll consortium, outlines a spacecraft capable of NEP propulsion. This would allow for faster, more autonomous missions beyond Mars and open the potential for extended manned missions across the solar system.

RocketRoll Consortium’s Vision for Deep Space Propulsion

The RocketRoll consortium, featuring collaborators such as Tractebel, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), ArianeGroup, and Airbus, has developed a proposed roadmap for NEP technology. NEP is distinguished by its high energy density, offering significant advantages over traditional chemical propulsion systems. According to the RocketRoll proposal, nuclear electric propulsion would be instrumental in long-term interplanetary exploration, enabling more sustainable deep-space missions.

Brieuc Spindler, Tractebel’s space product owner, emphasized the importance of NEP in advancing human space exploration. 

“I am committed to navigating the intricate technical and strategic challenges ahead,” Spindler stated. Tractebel, known for its nuclear expertise, will play a central role in developing this technology with RocketRoll partners.

ESA’s RocketRoll Project: A Roadmap for Future Missions

Launched in 2023, ESA’s RocketRoll project is tasked with defining NEP’s practical and technical roadmap. The RocketRoll collaboration includes researchers and engineers from the University of Prague, University of Stuttgart, OHB Czechspace, and OHB System in Bremen, as well as consultants from Frazer Nash. This roadmap forms part of ESA’s vision to push beyond Earth’s orbit using NEP-powered spacecraft.

Nuclear Electric Propulsion’s Role in Space Exploration

Compared to chemical propulsion, NEP offers speed, flexibility, and energy efficiency, allowing for more extended missions with reduced fuel requirements. This technology could pave the way for future missions beyond Mars, supporting manned expeditions and advancing ESA’s capability for in-space logistics.

The NEP initiative follows efforts from other agencies, such as NASA’s AEPS thruster program and the UK-based Pulsar’s work on nuclear fusion propulsion. If successful, ESA’s NEP-powered spacecraft could redefine the landscape of interplanetary exploration by enabling longer, more efficient missions across the solar system.