Positron Dynamics to develop uranium aerogel-based nuclear rocket engine for NASA

Positron Dynamics received a grant to develop a new type of nuclear rocket engine. The customer is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Here's What We Know

NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAS) wants a fission fragmentation engine (FFRE). Positron Dynamics plans to use a lightweight aerogel with flecks of uranium.

FFRE engines work on the principle of nuclear power plant reactors. However, the fission products are directed in a precisely defined direction, which creates thrust and simultaneously protects the engine itself and the ship from damage.

Positron Dynamics must solve the problem of lightweight fuel assemblies. It promises to do so by packing uranium in aerogel. The second challenge is plasma confinement. In this case, the company is preparing to use superconducting magnets.

Source: Science Alert