"Idaho Scientists Could Help NASA's Urgent Mission to Mars"
NASA is working on developing nuclear thermal propulsion technology to cut the travel time to Mars in half, with a goal of reaching the planet by 2040. Engineers at the Idaho National Laboratory are leading a nationwide team of scientists to enhance the capabilities of this technology. The longer journey to Mars poses logistical challenges and risks for astronauts, including exposure to microgravity and radiation. China is also working on its own nuclear propulsion project and has plans for a manned mission to Mars in the mid-2030s.