Project Prometheus was established in 2003 by NASA to develop nuclear-powered systems for long-duration space missions. This was NASA's first serious foray into nuclear spacecraft propulsion since the
Nuclear reactors could be used to power ion engines such as this one used on Deep Space 1.
Prometheus I (Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter)
Deep Space 1 was a NASA technology demonstration spacecraft which flew by an asteroid and a comet. It was part of the New Millennium Program, dedicated to testing advanced technologies.
Project Prometheus
…Nuclear reactors could be used to power ion engines such as this one used on Deep Space 1. Project Prometheus (also known as Project Promethian) was established in 2003 by NASA to develop nuclear-powered systems for long-duration space…
Technicians installing ion engine No. 1 in the High Vacuum Tank in the Electric Propulsion Research Building, 1959
The fully assembled Deep Space 1
Deep Space 1 experimental solar-powered ion propulsion engine
A Small Deep Space Transponder