JETSON (Nuclear Electric Propulsion)

JETSON — Nuclear Electric Propulsion Program

Program Overview JETSON (Joint Emerging Technology Supply-chain Operations Network) is a DARPA program for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). Following the cancellation of DRACO (NTP) in 2025, JETSON represents the U.S. government's pivot from nuclear thermal propulsion to nuclear electric propulsion for space missions.

Strategic Relevance NEP uses a nuclear reactor to generate electricity, which then powers electric thrusters (ion, Hall, or VASIMR). While NEP has lower thrust than NTP, it offers higher specific impulse (5000-10000 seconds) and can provide both propulsion and high power for directed energy weapons, sensors, and communications. This dual-use nature makes NEP directly relevant to the three-track architecture.

Key Details

• DARPA program, announced 2024
• $30M prime contract to Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
• Successor to DRACO (NTP), representing NEP over NTP pivot
• Stennis Space Center designated as testing infrastructure
• Connects to the broader nuclear space ecosystem including BWXT naval nuclear, Space Force, and NASA

Connection to the Three-Track Architecture JETSON represents the White Track's pivot to nuclear electric propulsion. The choice of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works as prime contractor is significant — Skunk Works is the same organization that developed the Compact Fusion Reactor (CFR) and has documented classified losses. The NEP-to-directed-energy dual-use pathway is the same technology bridge that connects compact fusion to plasma weapons.