NASA is considering nuclear thermal propulsion as a game-changing technology for faster space travel, particularly for crewed missions to Mars. The current chemical rockets used for such missions have limitations in speed and efficiency, prompting the exploration of nuclear fission as an alternative. By utilizing nuclear thermal propulsion systems, which heat hydrogen propellant through fission reactions, NASA hopes to significantly reduce travel times and improve thrust. These systems offer high power density, reliability, and twice the specific impulse of traditional rockets, potentially cutting travel times by a factor of 2. The development of nuclear thermal propulsion systems involves a transition from highly enriched uranium to high-assay, low-enriched uranium fuel for safety and proliferation reasons. Programs like DRACO are aiming to launch a rocket with this new fuel design by 2027, paving the way for advanced space exploration capabilities. Collaborative efforts between NASA, DARPA, Lockheed Martin, and BWX Technologies are crucial in designing and testing these innovative engines that comply with stringent performance and safety standards. Overall, nuclear thermal propulsion presents a promising future for space travel, offering faster speeds, higher efficiency, and potential applications in protecting satellites beyond Earth's orbit. As researchers continue to optimize designs and fuel types, the dream of reaching Mars and other celestial bodies in a more expedited and powerful manner moves closer to reality.