"Europe Plans Nuclear Rocket for Deep Space Exploration"

The European Space Agency (ESA) is funding studies to explore the use of nuclear propulsion for deep space exploration. Nuclear-based electric propulsion (NEP) could potentially overcome the limitations of current propulsion methods and enable humanity to reach farther into space than ever before. One of the studies, RocketRoll, will explore the possibilities of using nuclear fuel for demanding space logistics and exploration missions. The results could form the basis of further ESA programs that look at the feasibility of NEP spacecraft that could be operational by 2035. NASA is also partnering with DARPA to develop a nuclear thermal engine and fly in an in-space demonstration as early as 2027.