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Chinese scientists claim a breakthrough with a nuclear fission engine for spacecraft that will cut journey times to Mars to 6 weeks. (interestingengineering.com)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Sounds a bit overkill to make the "continuous power supply for at least 10 years" if your trip is just 6 weeks.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 8 months ago

Maybe not - the additional weight (maybe asditional fuel pellets) could be offset by the benefits, mars-side. E.g. If it can be integrated into the lander component, it can power a settlement or some experiments, at the very least. If left in orbit, it can also power a medium/ long term communications satellite for a while too.