We're going to go build a nuclear thermal rocket with private sector money, something the government has not been able to do for 60 years. Think SpaceX for moving cargo around the solar system.
Created: 2022-04-16
Updated: 2023-03-04
Very innovative class of nuclear thermal rocket engines.
Our design team is closing in on a conceptual design for the heart of Dark Fission's nuclear thermal rocket - its reactor. Going in, we knew we had to come up with a coupled reactor and engine design that was extremely lightweight, with a thrust level appropriate for an initial space demonstration (and thorough system characterization) but scalable to higher levels without substantial rework. We're proud of what the team's accomplished to date - we have a very novel design which more than meets our mass constraint (this is very important, because a kilo we can't shave off is a kilo we have to carry with us on each and every mission over the rocket's lifetime), and shows great promise for scalability.
Space Tug, Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Transport Service (LEO-Moon), In-Space Logistics
Early stage
Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Space Tug
Development
SUV (Space Utility Vehicle)
Space Tug, Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Orbital Transportation
KLNR-LEO
Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Active Debris Removal (ADR)
Dormant
Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Transport Service (LEO-Moon)
Space Tug, Transport Service (LEO-GEO)
ARCap Module
On-Orbit Servicing, Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Active Debris Removal (ADR), In-Orbit Inspection, Space Tug
Cancelled
Orbital Logistics Vehicle (OLV)
In-Space Manufacturing, In-Space Assembly, Space Tug, Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Power Beaming, Space Solar Power
Space Tug
S4-SLV
Transport Service (LEO-Moon), Space Tug, Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Orbital Transportation
Modular Transport System (MTS)
Space Tug, Transport Service (Earth-LEO), Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Transport Service (LEO-Moon)
Concept
OT-S, Optimus-1
Space Tug, In-Space Manufacturing, In-Space Logistics, Transport Service (LEO-GEO), In-Space Mobility, Active Debris Removal (ADR), In-Space Assembly
Black Bay
Space Tug, Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Orbital Transportation, Propellant Refilling, Propellant Refuel Station, Reusable Satellite
Dormant, Bankrupt
STRANNIK-1, STRANNIK-2
Space Tug, Transport Service (LEO-GEO), Transport Service (LEO-Moon)
Otter
Space Tug, On-Orbit Servicing, Satellite Life Extension, Active Debris Removal (ADR), Transport Service (LEO-GEO)
Space Tug, Orbital Transportation
Astris, Susie
ION
Space Tug, In-Orbit Computing, Transport Service (Earth-LEO), Orbital Transportation, In-Space Logistics
Active
SpaceVan
Space Tug, In-Space Logistics, Orbital Transportation
Nuclear Fission Power, Orbital Transportation, Resources - Energy, Hardware, Transport Service (LEO-Moon)
Hyperion
Transport Service (Re-Entry), Transport Service (LEO-Moon), Commercial Lander, Commercial Lunar Lander, Space Tug, Orbital Transportation
Hyscab
VIA
Space Tug, Transport Service (Earth-LEO), Orbital Transportation
DEORBIT
Active Debris Removal (ADR), On-Orbit Servicing, In-Space Assembly, Orbital Transportation
Space Truck
Space Tug, On-Orbit Servicing, In-Space Manufacturing, In-Space Assembly, Transport Service (Re-Entry), Orbital Transportation
Orbots
Space Robotics, On-Orbit Servicing, Orbital Transportation
Smart Drone
Space Tug, Orbital Transportation, On-Orbit Servicing, Active Debris Removal (ADR), Robotic Arm
ROAMER
On-Orbit Servicing, Hardware, Orbital Transportation, Robotic Arm, In-Space Assembly
Pylon
Resources - Energy, Nuclear Fission Power, Commercial Rover, Orbital Transportation
Mini Modular Reactor (MMR)
Resources - Energy, Nuclear Fission Power
Early stage, Dormant
IX (Intuitive Machines, X-Energy)
Nuclear Fission Power, Nuclear Radioisotope Power, Resources - Energy
Xe-100 Reactor