[2][3] The experimental vehicle is planned to be reusable and will utilize next-generation nuclear thermal propulsion technology and low-enriched uranium,[2][3][4] with the U.S. Space Force to provide the launch.

[5] In 2023, NASA joined the DARPA program in developing the nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) to carry astronaut crews to deep-space destinations like Mars.

Spacecraft evolved to be maneuvered and powered by nuclear reactors will enable humanity to go farther, with a higher chance of survival and success for any mission type.

[citation needed] On July 26, 2023, DARPA and NASA announced the awarding of a contract to Lockheed Martin and BWX Advanced Technologies (BWXT) for DRACO Phases 2 and 3 to design, build and demonstrate the experimental NTR for the 2027 launch.

[21][22] BWXT is slated to design and build the reactor, manufacture the fuel and deliver the complete subsystem for integration into the DRACO vehicle.

[23] The main design features of DRACO include the following:[24][25] According to a 2019 presidential memorandum,[27] approval for the launch of a spacecraft using uranium having enrichment below 20% (a so-called “Tier 2” vehicle) is required only by the head of the sponsoring agency (in this case, the Secretary of Defense) rather than the White House.

Such tests were conducted during the Rover/NERVA program in order to study ways to prevent the core from being destroyed from the pressure and high mass flow rates due to the engine’s turbomachinery.

[24] According to a timeline in NASA's FY 2025 Budget Estimate document presented to Congress, the project aimed to begin the implementation phase in September 2024.