Fancy-pants advances in rocket propulsion may usher in a new era of spaceflight
Chemical rockets, solar sails, and electric propulsion could help spaceships travel further and more efficiently than ever before.
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An independent news and commentary website produced by academics and journalists.
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) has recently commissioned three private companies, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin and General Atomics, to develop nuclear fission thermal rockets for use in lunar orbit.
Such a development, if flown, could usher in a new era of spaceflight. That said, it is only one of several exciting avenues in rocket propulsion. Here are some others.