LOS ANGELES - (Xinhua) -- NASA and the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on Tuesday announced their cooperation to test a thermonuclear rocket engine in space, a major step in preparation for the first manned missions to Mars.

The two US agencies will participate in the Draco space operations agile rocket program to use a thermonuclear rocket that allows for faster space travel time, reducing risks to astronauts, according to NASA.

Reducing travel time is a key component of human missions to Mars, as longer journeys require more supplies and more powerful systems.

"NASA will work with our long-term partner DARPA to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as early as 2027," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

With the help of this new technology, astronauts can travel to and from deep space faster than ever before--a great capability in preparation for manned missions to Mars."