Efficient transport in cislunar space and beyond

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems’ (GA-EMS) Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) fuels are setting the standard—proven to withstand high temperature hydrogen exposure and maintain structural integrity under neutron irradiation. These breakthroughs are paving the way for sustained, high performance propulsion across the solar system.

The NTP reactor concept builds on advanced nuclear materials, modern manufacturing techniques, and deep heritage from the company’s participation in NASA’s Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Project Rover during the 1960s. During that program, engineers fabricated approximately six metric tons of nuclear fuel kernels, establishing foundational expertise that continues to shape today’s designs. GA-EMS has since advanced high performance NTP fuel and core technologies, with materials successfully tested at NASA and national laboratories.

By unlocking a new era of space mobility, GA-EMS aims to enable faster, safer, and more efficient missions beyond Earth’s orbit. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion offers two to three times the efficiency of chemical rockets, reducing transit times for deep space missions, minimizing crew exposure to cosmic radiation, and supporting the development of cislunar infrastructure. This capability is essential for advancing U.S. leadership in space exploration and enabling sustained human presence beyond low Earth orbit.

Robust Proven Technologies

• Specific Impulse: ≥ 900 seconds using hydrogen propellant
• Thrust: 57 kN
• Reactor Mass Limit: ≤ 3,500 kg
• Fuel Type: High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU)
• Reliability and Safety: Robust control architectures designed to minimize mission risk