Humans have been captivated by Mars for centuries. People dream of one day having a colony on our neighboring planet, but that future is fraught with many challenges. Although we have sent rockets carrying rovers to the surface, carrying humans will place additional demands: a larger spacecraft with different propulsion systems, more power during the stay, and resources to make a return journey.
Additionally, human health is of the utmost concern. Exposure to cosmic radiation and microgravity during a long flight to Mars poses many biological challenges, including decreased muscle mass and bone density, visual impairment, and an increased risk for degenerative diseases and cancers. Not to mention the potential for psychological stress because being in isolation with only the other crew members affects mental health.
Space nuclear technology isn’t new. As early as the 1950s, propulsion systems based on the fission of uranium atoms were being designed for rockets....
