Study of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion for Interplanetary Missions: Case Study of Mars

Niloy Bhowmick; Md. Tanvir Ahammed Shifat

doi:10.38032/scse.2026.4.105

Authors

Niloy Bhowmick Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Chattogram-4349, Bangladesh
Md. Tanvir Ahammed Shifat Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Chattogram-4349, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38032/scse.2026.4.105

Keywords:

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), Chemical propulsion, Exploration, Nuclear Energy

Abstract

This paper studies the feasibility of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) as an advanced and alternative technology for interplanetary missions, with a specific focus on a Mars mission scenario. Conventional chemical propulsion systems have limitations for deep space exploration due to their limited specific impulse and extended transfer durations, which constrain payload capacity and mission flexibility. The study combines a thorough literature review, theoretical modeling based on the Tsiolkovsky Rocket Equation, and Python-driven parametric analysis to compare NTP with chemical propulsion for a Mars mission. However, ongoing research suggests that NTP could play a significant role in enabling safer and more efficient interplanetary exploration within the coming decades.

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