Ep. 157: Rapid Propulsion & Power episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 2, 2025 · 36 MIN

Ep. 157: Rapid Propulsion & Power

from The Space Policy Show · host The Aerospace Corporation

Nuclear power and propulsion for space has a long history yet there continue to be hurdles from lack of mission to perceived safety concerns. That could be changing as humans stretch to travel further in space and live on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. Should NPP be government or commercial? Is the right pursuit for Deep Space nuclear electric or thermal propulsion? What would a “warp speed roadmap” look like? Learn more in this episode featuring Dr Brian Weeden from The Aerospace Corporation talking to Dr Bhavya Lal, former NASA Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy and current professor at RAND School of Public Policy. This episode is part of the Going Faster Series that discusses various facets of speed, agility, innovation, and rapid deployment in national security, civil, and commercial space.  Available by video or podcast.The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy.  It is a virtual series covering a broad set of topics that span across the space enterprise.  CSPS brings together experts from within Aerospace, the government, academia, business, nonprofits, and the national labs.  The show and their podcasts are an opportunity to learn about and to stay engaged with the larger space policy community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all episodes!  

Nuclear power and propulsion for space has a long history yet there continue to be hurdles from lack of mission to perceived safety concerns. That could be changing as humans stretch to travel further in space and live on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. Should NPP be government or commercial? Is the right pursuit for Deep Space nuclear electric or thermal propulsion? What would a “warp speed roadmap” look like? Learn more in this episode featuring Dr Brian Weeden from The Aerospace C...

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Ep. 157: Rapid Propulsion & Power

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This episode was published on July 2, 2025.

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Nuclear power and propulsion for space has a long history yet there continue to be hurdles from lack of mission to perceived safety concerns. That could be changing as humans stretch to travel further in space and live on celestial bodies like the...

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