Tractebel-led consortium completes ESA RocketRoll project on Nuclear Electric Propulsion for space exploration

RocketRoll technology & ambition

Thanks to its huge energy density, NEP offers disruptive advantages in terms of speed, autonomy, and flexibility. This innovative propulsion technology has the potential to transform space exploration and space mobility by enabling longer-duration missions, potentially shaping the future of interplanetary exploration.

The RocketRoll project brings together leading stakeholders in aerospace and nuclear within a consortium led by Tractebel that includes the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), ArianeGroup, Airbus and Frazer Nash. The project, which started over a year ago and concluded this month, aims to propose a candidate NEP design to be positioned as a European demonstrator by 2035.

Image: NEP tug (©ESA)

Combining expertise

Tractebel, with its extensive experience in nuclear engineering and energy solutions, is well-positioned to lead this consortium and drive the development of NEP technology leveraging the expertise of its partners. The complementary skills of Tractebel and its partners’ experts form the right combination to contribute to Europe’s nuclear space technology development.

"I am proud to lead such an important initiative in nuclear electric propulsion, which could enable exploration and in-space logistics in Earth Orbit and beyond on a scale that neither chemical nor electrical propulsion could ever achieve. I am committed to navigating the intricate technical and strategic challenges ahead. By leveraging its nuclear expertise and innovative solutions, Tractebel helps advance space technologies and push the boundaries of the final frontier’s exploration."

Brieuc Spindler, Tractebel Project Manager and Space Product Owner

Advancing European space technologies

Currently, European space missions depend on external sources for nuclear capabilities. Tractebel's strategy is to engineer a range of nuclear power solutions, from radioisotope to fission systems, while also contributing to developing a European value chain for nuclear solutions in space applications. This aligns with Europe's strategy to reduce dependency on critical technologies and strengthen European sovereignty.