Nuclear Thermal Propulsion and RTG Research
CNNC Space (China National Nuclear Corp Space)
CNNC Space's research into nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems and radioisotope thermoelectric generators for China's deep-space exploration program.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Specific impulse
- 800 s
Normalised to common units so this product can be compared with others in its category. The supplier's own wording is below.
As published by the supplier
- Technology
- Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), RTGs, compact fission reactors
- Ntp ISP
- 800–1,000 s (vs. ~450 s for chemical propulsion)
- Mars mission benefit
- Reduces transit from 7–9 months to ~3–4 months
- Flight heritage
- Chang'e lunar RHU (heating units); Soviet/US NTP flight test base
- Target
- Lunar base power (2030s) and crewed Mars mission propulsion
About
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is conducting research into nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) — a technology that could cut Mars transit times from 7–9 months to 3–4 months by using a fission reactor to superheat hydrogen propellant to very high temperatures, achieving 800–1000 s specific impulse versus ~450 s for chemical rockets.
NTP works by heating a propellant (typically hydrogen) by passing it through a nuclear reactor core, reaching temperatures of 2,500–3,000 K and ejecting it through a nozzle to generate thrust. This is categorized as nuclear thermal (as opposed to nuclear electric, which uses reactors to power ion thrusters). The Soviet Union (RD-0410) and the United States (NERVA program, 1960s–1970s) both successfully tested NTP engines; modern programs are reviving this technology for Mars missions.
CNNC’s space nuclear division is also developing compact radioisotope power systems (RPS) and space nuclear reactors for Chinese lunar base concepts, building on radioisotope heating units (RHUs) already deployed on Chang’e lunar missions. These research programs position China to deploy operational nuclear power in space in the 2030s, aligned with Chinese space station expansion and crewed lunar surface program objectives.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.