Mission Mars: Nuclear thermal propulsion could double efficiency of rockets

MIT master’s student Taylor Hampson is advancing research into nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), thanks in part to a NASA-sponsored initiative.

Nuclear propulsion could dramatically shorten travel times to Mars, making the journey to the Red Planet safer and more feasible for future astronauts.

The power and potential of nuclear thermal propulsion

Hampson, a master’s student in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE), earned his undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech. While there, he completed internships at Blue Origin and Stoke Space and participated in the university’s rocket team. He chose MIT for its unique blend of nuclear and aerospace expertise, particularly in nuclear fuel testing. Hampson grew up on Florida’s Space Coast, where he watched Space Shuttle launches and cultivated his early passion for space exploration.