A Nuclear Ramjet Flyer for Exploration of Jovian Atmosphere

Details A Nuclear Ramjet Flyer for Exploration of Jovian Atmosphere A Nuclear Ramjet Flyer for Exploration of Jovian Atmosphere

Jan 2001

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001iaop.work...54m&link_type=abstract

Forum on Innovative Approaches to Outer Planetary Exploration 2001-2020, p. 54

Computer Science

Jupiter Atmosphere, Ramjet Engines, Space Exploration, Jupiter Probes, Mission Planning, Nuclear Rocket Engines, Upper Atmosphere, Wind Velocity, Temperature Measurement, Pressure Measurement

Scientific paper

We investigated the design, operation, and data gathering possibilities of a nuclear-powered ramjet flyer in the Jovian atmosphere. The MITEE nuclear rocket engine can be modified to operate as a ramjet in planetary atmospheres. (Note: MITEE is a compact, ultra-light-weight thermal nuclear rocket which uses hydrogen as the propellant.) To operate as a ramjet, MITEE requires a suitable inlet and diffuser to substitute for the propellant that is pumped from the supply tanks in a nuclear rocket engine. Such a ramjet would fly in the upper Jovian atmosphere, mapping in detail temperatures, pressures, compositions, lightning activity, and wind speeds in the highly turbulent equatorial zone and the Great Red Spot. The nuclear ramjet could operate for months because: (1) the Jovian atmosphere has unlimited propellant, (2) the MITEE nuclear reactor is a (nearly) unlimited power source, and (3) with few moving parts, mechanical wear should be minimal. This paper presents a conceptual design of a ramjet flyer and its nuclear engine. The flyer incorporates a swept-wing design with instruments located in the twin wing-tip pods (away from the radiation source and readily shielded, if necessary). The vehicle is 2 m long with a 2 m wingspan. Its mass is 220 kg, and its nominal flight Mach number is 1.5. Based on combined neutronic and thermal/hydraulic analyses, we calculated that the ambient pressure range over which the flyer can operate to be from about 0.04 to 4 (terrestrial) atmospheres. This altitude range encompasses the three uppermost cloud layers in the Jovian atmosphere: (1) the entire uppermost visible NH3 ice cloud layer (where lightning has been observed), (2) the entire NH4HS ice cloud layer, and (3) the upper portion of the H2O ice cloud layer.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A Nuclear Ramjet Flyer for Exploration of Jovian Atmosphere does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A Nuclear Ramjet Flyer for Exploration of Jovian Atmosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Nuclear Ramjet Flyer for Exploration of Jovian Atmosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1361580