A study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) in March 2025, held in The Woodlands, Texas, explores the use of fission-powered propulsion for missions to outer planets. The research assesses the financial, logistical, and reliability aspects of using fission power for destinations like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
The study aims to aid scientists and engineers in developing advanced space technologies. Fission power presents a potentially more efficient and dependable alternative to traditional propulsion, potentially shortening travel times and enhancing mission capabilities for deep space exploration.
Malaya Kumar Biswal, CEO of Acceleron Aerospace, discussed the study's motivation, noting the increasing need for nuclear-powered systems for exploration beyond low Earth orbit. Acceleron Aerospace is focused on providing research and technologies to enable this vision, initially targeting Mars and Ceres, with future expansion to the outer solar system.
The conference, a key event in planetary research, took place between March 10-14, 2025.