NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) disclosed an interagency agreement to test a nuclear-powered rocket engine in space.

 NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) disclosed an interagency agreement to test a nuclear-powered rocket engine in space.

NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) disclosed an interagency agreement to test a nuclear-powered rocket engine in space.   Known as the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO), the rocket would enable fast-transit missions to Mars, reducing travel time to weeks instead of months. More: According to DARPA director Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, the space domain is "critical to modern commerce, scientific discovery, and national security." A demonstration of the DRACO in orbit is expected to occur by early 2027. NASA and DARPA will collaborate on the assembly of the engine before the in-space demonstration as early as 2027. NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) will lead the technical development of the nuclear thermal engine.  NASA's previous efforts to develop nuclear technologies for space exploration include the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) in 1964 and 1969.  Zoom Out: The non-reimbursable agreement between NASA and DARPA outlines roles, responsibilities, and processes aimed at speeding up development efforts.  In June, NASA and the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded three commercial design efforts to develop nuclear power plant concepts to be used on the Moon and later Mars.