JETSON (Nuclear Electric Propulsion)
ID: jetson
Summary
DARPA nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) program. $30M Lockheed prime contract. Successor to DRACO.
Intelligence Analysis
JETSON — Nuclear Electric Propulsion Program
JETSON is a DARPA nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) program with a $30M Lockheed Martin Skunk Works prime contract. It is the successor to the cancelled DRACO NTP program. The choice of Skunk Works as prime contractor is significant — Skunk Works developed the Compact Fusion Reactor (CFR) and has documented classified losses. The NEP-to-directed-energy dual-use pathway connects compact fusion to plasma weapons.
Key Findings
- ▸ The choice of Skunk Works as prime contractor is significant — Skunk Works developed the Compact Fusion Reactor (CFR) and has documented classified losses.
- ▸ The NEP-to-directed-energy dual-use pathway connects compact fusion to plasma weapons.
- ▸ The choice of Skunk Works as prime contractor is significant — Skunk Works developed the Compact Fusion Reactor (CFR) and has documented classified losses.
Network Linkage
Connects to: DRACO (predecessor), DARPA (sponsor), Skunk Works (prime contractor). The Skunk Works connection links JETSON to the CFR program and the broader compact fusion architecture.
Related Entities (2)
Network Graph
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View in Network GraphTimeline Mentions (2)
Timberwind Cancelled
Timberwind was cancelled in 1992, coinciding with the end of the Cold War and SDIO restructuring. The technology was later revived in modified form through DRACO and JETSON.
programJETSON Nuclear Electric Propulsion Program Founded
JETSON, a DARPA nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) program with a $30M Lockheed Martin Skunk Works prime contract, was announced in 2024. It is the successor to the cancelled DRACO NTP program, representing a pivot from nuclear thermal to nuclear electric propulsion.
programGlossary Definition
Joint Emerging Technology Supply-chain Operations Network. A DARPA nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) program with a $30M Lockheed Martin Skunk Works prime contract. Successor to the cancelled DRACO NTP program.
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