ISRO’s Nuclear Rocket Breakthrough: A Game-Changer for Space Missions
- India South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 5 minutes read
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a major leap in space technology by successfully initiating trials of an advanced nuclear thermal propulsion system. This marks a historic moment as India joins the elite space race, with only NASA having successfully tested similar technology. Meanwhile, China and Russia are still in the development phase of nuclear-powered rockets. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India’s premier nuclear research facility, is collaborating with ISRO on these advanced propulsion systems. Established by Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha, BARC has been a pioneer in India’s nuclear energy research and now plays a critical role in space exploration. Nuclear-powered rockets are being developed to overcome challenges in interplanetary missions, particularly where solar energy is insufficient and oxygen-based propulsion is not feasible. These systems provide:
- Longer mission durations
- Higher efficiency than chemical propulsion
- Faster space travel, reducing travel times significantly
How Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Works
The nuclear propulsion system consists of several key components:
- Startup System – Initiates the nuclear chain reaction.
- Control Valves – Regulate the flow of propellants and reactor coolant.
- Control Rods – Adjust the reactivity of the reactor core.
- Thrust Chamber – Converts hot, pressurized gas from the reactor into thrust, propelling the spacecraft.
- Fuel Pump – Ensures a steady fuel flow to the reactor core.
The Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) provides a long-lasting power source by converting heat from radioactive decay into electricity using thermocouples. The Radioisotope Heating Unit (RHU), containing Plutonium-238 (Pu-238) in the form of Plutonium Dioxide (PuO₂), supplies consistent heat over decades, making it essential for missions in extremely cold environments like deep space. ISRO has already successfully tested the first stage of an RTG-powered system during the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Advantages of Nuclear Space Propulsion
- Faster Space Travel:
- Conventional chemical rockets take 6-9 months to reach Mars.
- Nuclear thermal propulsion could cut this time to just 45 days!
- Consistent Power Output Over Years:
- Unlike solar panels, RTGs work efficiently regardless of sunlight availability.
- Voyager-1 and Voyager-2, launched in 1977, are still operational using RTGs.
- Fuel Efficiency and Reliability:
- RTGs do not require refuelling or maintenance for decades.
- This makes them ideal for long-duration space missions.
