NASA is partnering with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, to use a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space, according to reports.

The agreement, the release read, is designed to benefit both agencies while outlining roles, responsibilities and processes that could accelerate the program's development.

"With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever – a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars.

Longer trips require more supplies, so reducing the transit time would be a key component for human missions to Mars.

Additional benefits include increased science payload capacity and higher power generation for instruments and communications.

The ability to accomplish leap-ahead advances in space technology through the DRACO nuclear thermal rocket program will be essential for more efficiently and quickly transporting material to the Moon and eventually, people to Mars."