NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, have unveiled plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would one day fly humans to Mars.

Announcing the ambitious plans on Tuesday, the space agency said that it will partner with DARPA on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, programme. It is slated to happen by 2027.

Watch |&nbsp;NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds samples of Microbial life on mars

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"NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as he announced the mission.

"With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever—a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," he explained.&nbsp;

The nuclear thermal rocket, as per the NASA website, will allow for a " faster transit time" and will also reduce the risk for astronauts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/india-based-telescope-detects-faint-radio-signal-from-an-extremely-distant-galaxy-553716">India-based telescope detects faint radio signal from an extremely distant galaxy</a>

Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems.

The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months. While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever".

Before this, NASA had last tested a nuclear thermal rocket engine in the mid-19th century, some 50 years back.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-and-exciting-find-international-team-of-researchers-discover-8kg-meteorite-in-antarctica-555001">'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica</a>

"Congratulations to both NASA and DARPA on this exciting investment, as we ignite the future, together," said Nelson.

The engine would rely on a nuclear reactor and will use atomic fission to heat up the propellant, which will provide thrust to the rocket. This as per NASA will be around three times more efficient than the chemical propulsion technology currently in use.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, have unveiled plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would one day fly humans to Mars.

NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, have unveiled plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would one day fly humans to Mars. Announcing the ambitious plans on Tuesday, the space agency said that it will partner with DARPA on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, programme. It is slated to happen by 2027. Watch | NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds samples of Microbial life on mars "NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as he announced the mission. "With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever—a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," he explained. The nuclear thermal rocket, as per the NASA website, will allow for a " faster transit time" and will also reduce the risk for astronauts. Also read | India-based telescope detects faint radio signal from an extremely distant galaxy Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems. The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months. While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever". Before this, NASA had last tested a nuclear thermal rocket engine in the mid-19th century, some 50 years back. Also read | 'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica "Congratulations to both NASA and DARPA on this exciting investment, as we ignite the future, together," said Nelson. The engine would rely on a nuclear reactor and will use atomic fission to heat up the propellant, which will provide thrust to the rocket. This as per NASA will be around three times more efficient than the chemical propulsion technology currently in use. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NASA to test 'DRACO', a nuclear power rocket engine that'll send humans to Mars ‘faster than ever'

Humanity's knowledge of the universe is a constant effort to reach the farthest edges of what's out "there", but the search is constantly limited by the dearth of technology that can peer into the murky depths of the far reaches of space.

The current technology we have is amazing, it can scan the sky within hours but it can only "see" the brightest sources, or focus on specific sources.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The Pillars of Creation through the eyes of NASA'S James Webb telescope

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However, China has now developed a space telescope that can do a wider and deeper x-ray of the universe.

The nation successfully tested the world's first "lobster eye" space telescope that will be able to capture x-ray images of the universe with unprecedented efficiency.

As per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the device called Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy or LEIA has successfully clicked high-quality images of X-ray sources of the centre of our galaxy, the Magellanic Clouds and the Scorpius constellation. The achievement was reported in the peer-reviewed journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters last week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-insight-lander-officially-retires-ending-a-four-year-mission-545315">Mars InSight lander officially retires, ending a four-year mission</a>

The mission's chief scientist, astrophysicist &nbsp;Yuan Weimin of Beijing's National Astronomical Observatory said that his team was excited about LEIA's results and that the results have "shown that our technology works and the observation precision exceeded our expectation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/with-soyuz-ship-damaged-russia-may-send-rescue-vehicle-for-iss-crew-545886">With Soyuz spacecraft damaged, Russia may send vehicle to rescue International Space Station crew</a>

The so-called 'lobster eye' telescope gains its name from crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp who have evolved to develop a way to adapt their eyes to murky depths underwater.

LEIA's technology will reportedly be part of the Einstein Probe that is being developed by Chinese and European scientists and is scheduled to be sent into orbit late next year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Humanity's knowledge of the universe is a constant effort to reach the farthest edges of what's out "there", but the search is constantly limited by the dearth of technology that can peer into the murky depths of the far reaches of space.

Humanity's knowledge of the universe is a constant effort to reach the farthest edges of what's out "there", but the search is constantly limited by the dearth of technology that can peer into the murky depths of the far reaches of space. The current technology we have is amazing, it can scan the sky within hours but it can only "see" the brightest sources, or focus on specific sources. Watch | Gravitas: The Pillars of Creation through the eyes of NASA'S James Webb telescope However, China has now developed a space telescope that can do a wider and deeper x-ray of the universe. The nation successfully tested the world's first "lobster eye" space telescope that will be able to capture x-ray images of the universe with unprecedented efficiency. As per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the device called Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy or LEIA has successfully clicked high-quality images of X-ray sources of the centre of our galaxy, the Magellanic Clouds and the Scorpius constellation. The achievement was reported in the peer-reviewed journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters last week. Also read | Mars InSight lander officially retires, ending a four-year mission The mission's chief scientist, astrophysicist Yuan Weimin of Beijing's National Astronomical Observatory said that his team was excited about LEIA's results and that the results have "shown that our technology works and the observation precision exceeded our expectation." Also read | With Soyuz spacecraft damaged, Russia may send vehicle to rescue International Space Station crew The so-called 'lobster eye' telescope gains its name from crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp who have evolved to develop a way to adapt their eyes to murky depths underwater. LEIA's technology will reportedly be part of the Einstein Probe that is being developed by Chinese and European scientists and is scheduled to be sent into orbit late next year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China develops 'lobster eye' telescope to scan the murky depths of the universe

China successfully launched its first comprehensive space-based solar telescope called the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) on Sunday.&nbsp;

The observatory has been nicknamed Kuafu-1, after a giant in Chinese mythology who wished to capture and tame the Sun, reports Sputnik quoting the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

It was launched using the Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China.

The mission which is expected to last four years will allow scientists to capture and study previously unprecedented images of the Sun during "solar maximum" or its most active phase which is expected to peak around 2025.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-most-powerful-solar-telescope-captures-stunning-image-of-suns-surface-shows-its-exquisite-details-514156">World's most powerful solar telescope captures stunning image of Sun's surface, shows its exquisite details</a>

ASO-S is China's first full-scale instrument dedicated to studying Earth's closest star. As per Zhu Cheng, the chief engineer of the ASO-S platform system it is also the world's first solar telescope in space that can simultaneously monitor solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

Kuafu-1 will observe the Sun from an orbit 720 kilometres (447 miles) above Earth’s surface and will provide critical insights into the sun's two most violent activities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fishes-feel-pain-stress-and-anxiety-organisation-introduces-proposal-for-their-humane-slaughter-523756" hreflang="en">Fish feel 'pain, stress and anxiety': Organisation introduces proposal for their 'humane slaughter'</a>

China Daily reports that it would also provide data on the powerful radiation and magnetic fields generated by these phenomena and help scientists understand how these affect the sensitive equipment on Earth and in orbit equipment like satellites, electronics, power grids and internet services.

The mission joins the ranks of other sun-gazing space observatories launched by various countries: NASA's Parker Solar Probe, and the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter. By next year (2023) India is planning to launch a similar mission called Aditya-L1 to study the solar atmosphere.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China successfully launched its first comprehensive space-based solar telescope called the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) on Sunday. The observatory has been nicknamed Kuafu-1, after a giant in Chinese mythology who wished to capture and tame the Sun, reports Sputnik quoting the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

China successfully launched its first comprehensive space-based solar telescope called the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) on Sunday. The observatory has been nicknamed Kuafu-1, after a giant in Chinese mythology who wished to capture and tame the Sun, reports Sputnik quoting the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It was launched using the Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China. The mission which is expected to last four years will allow scientists to capture and study previously unprecedented images of the Sun during "solar maximum" or its most active phase which is expected to peak around 2025. Also read | World's most powerful solar telescope captures stunning image of Sun's surface, shows its exquisite details ASO-S is China's first full-scale instrument dedicated to studying Earth's closest star. As per Zhu Cheng, the chief engineer of the ASO-S platform system it is also the world's first solar telescope in space that can simultaneously monitor solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Kuafu-1 will observe the Sun from an orbit 720 kilometres (447 miles) above Earth’s surface and will provide critical insights into the sun's two most violent activities. Also read | Fish feel 'pain, stress and anxiety': Organisation introduces proposal for their 'humane slaughter' China Daily reports that it would also provide data on the powerful radiation and magnetic fields generated by these phenomena and help scientists understand how these affect the sensitive equipment on Earth and in orbit equipment like satellites, electronics, power grids and internet services. The mission joins the ranks of other sun-gazing space observatories launched by various countries: NASA's Parker Solar Probe, and the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter. By next year (2023) India is planning to launch a similar mission called Aditya-L1 to study the solar atmosphere. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China successfully launches its first solar observatory

Shares of <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/elon-musk-tweet-may-cost-him-job-as-tesla-ceo-199947">Tesla Inc. soared</a> in extended trading, making Elon Musks' fortune swell by £1.75 billion in an hour. Stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings lead to ramping up production of its Model Y crossover SUV.

Citing research from Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the stock, which closes at £442.70, rose 12 per cent to 494.52 and boosted the CEO's net worth to about £27.43 billion. An impressive amount considering that <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/no-apology-to-elon-musk-from-british-diver-at-pedo-guy-defamation-trial-266542">Elon Musk</a> does not receive a salary or bonuses.

48-year-old Elon Musk owns one-fifth of Tesla's exceptional stock which comprises the bulk of his fortune while his closely held Space Exploration Technologies Corp. constitutes about £11.12 billion into his net worth.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/first-spacex-launch-with-nasa-most-probably-to-take-place-between-april-and-june-this-year-elon-musk-275498">SpaceX launch with NASA may take place between April-June: Elon Musk</a>

The company posted a surprising third-quarter profit, after which Tesla's shares have been on a non-stop roll and the firm's market value is now above £76.19 billion.&nbsp;

If it stays above this threshold for an extended period, Musk will be eligible for a long-term compensation award that could make his net worth skyrocket to a whopping £ 38.10 billion. Though before he does that, one must take into consideration the fact that all performance targets need to be met.

Shares of Tesla Inc. soared in extended trading, making Elon Musks' fortune swell by £1.75 billion in an hour. Stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings lead to ramping up production of its Model Y crossover SUV.

Shares of Tesla Inc. soared in extended trading, making Elon Musks' fortune swell by £1.75 billion in an hour. Stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings lead to ramping up production of its Model Y crossover SUV. Citing research from Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the stock, which closes at £442.70, rose 12 per cent to 494.52 and boosted the CEO's net worth to about £27.43 billion. An impressive amount considering that Elon Musk does not receive a salary or bonuses. 48-year-old Elon Musk owns one-fifth of Tesla's exceptional stock which comprises the bulk of his fortune while his closely held Space Exploration Technologies Corp. constitutes about £11.12 billion into his net worth. Also Read: SpaceX launch with NASA may take place between April-June: Elon Musk The company posted a surprising third-quarter profit, after which Tesla's shares have been on a non-stop roll and the firm's market value is now above £76.19 billion. If it stays above this threshold for an extended period, Musk will be eligible for a long-term compensation award that could make his net worth skyrocket to a whopping £ 38.10 billion. Though before he does that, one must take into consideration the fact that all performance targets need to be met.

Tesla stock skyrocketed; CEO Elon Musk got £1.75 billion in 60 minutes

Elon Musk&#39;s SpaceX spacecraft was successfully installed to the International Space Station today, a crucial step in enabling US commercial space taxis to ferry astronauts to the orbiting lab, NASA said. 
 
The SpaceX Dragon capsule was filled with nearly 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) of pressurised cargo such as food and crew supplies, including one of two metal docking rings with a diameter of 7.8 feet (2.4 metres). 
 
The ring will be attached to the station, letting commercial spaceships under development by SpaceX and Boeing Co ferry astronauts to the station.&nbsp;The metal docking ring will serve as a parking space for commercial spaceships under development by SpaceX and Boeing. The manned craft are scheduled to begin test flights next year. 
 
Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, tried last year to deliver a ring for the first time, but the equipment was destroyed during a launch accident.&nbsp;SpaceX&#39;s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon cargo ship launched at 12:45 am EDT (0445 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on July 18. 
 
The final stage of today&#39;s installation occurred at 10:03 am EDT (1403 GMT).&nbsp;A second docking ring is due to be delivered in 2017, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, said. 
 
Owned and operated by Musk, the technology entrepreneur who founded Tesla Motors Inc, SpaceX is developing rockets that can be refurbished and re-used, potentially slashing launch costs. So far, it has successfully landed a Falcon on the ground once and on an ocean platform in three out of its last four attempts. 
 
(Reuters)

The ring will be attached to the station, letting commercial spaceships under development by SpaceX and Boeing Co ferry astronauts

Elon Musk's SpaceX spacecraft was successfully installed to the International Space Station today, a crucial step in enabling US commercial space taxis to ferry astronauts to the orbiting lab, NASA said. The SpaceX Dragon capsule was filled with nearly 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) of pressurised cargo such as food and crew supplies, including one of two metal docking rings with a diameter of 7.8 feet (2.4 metres). The ring will be attached to the station, letting commercial spaceships under development by SpaceX and Boeing Co ferry astronauts to the station. The metal docking ring will serve as a parking space for commercial spaceships under development by SpaceX and Boeing. The manned craft are scheduled to begin test flights next year. Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, tried last year to deliver a ring for the first time, but the equipment was destroyed during a launch accident. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon cargo ship launched at 12:45 am EDT (0445 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on July 18. The final stage of today's installation occurred at 10:03 am EDT (1403 GMT). A second docking ring is due to be delivered in 2017, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, said. Owned and operated by Musk, the technology entrepreneur who founded Tesla Motors Inc, SpaceX is developing rockets that can be refurbished and re-used, potentially slashing launch costs. So far, it has successfully landed a Falcon on the ground once and on an ocean platform in three out of its last four attempts. (Reuters)

SpaceX successfully delivers docking ring to International Space Station