Computer Science – Performance
Scientific paper
Jul 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994aipc..301...45v&link_type=abstract
SPACE NUCLEAR POWER AND PROPULSION: Eleventh Symposium. AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 301, pp. 45-53 (1994).
Computer Science
Performance
Scientific paper
A ``bi-modal'' nuclear propulsion and power system based on the United States Air Force's (USAF's)* Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (SNTP) technology is applied to a set of high energy Solar system exploration missions. Performance comparisons are made to a baseline mission set developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory utilizing a nuclear electric propulsion system based on the SP-100 space power system. Orbiters and probes of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, a Grand Tour of the Galilean moons of Jupiter, a Comet Nucleus Sample Return, and a Multiple Mainbelt Asteroid Rendezvous mission are analyzed. The first five missions utilizing SP- 100 required a Shuttle-C or equivalent heavy lift launcher. With the bi-modal PBR system, the payload goals are deliverable in the same transit times, but on the smaller, existing Titan IV launcher. Furthermore, all optional payloads originally available only at increased transit time are accommodated. Available mass margins for these missions are 20%-85% of the power/propulsion system mass, providing significant robustness. The same missions were analyzed on a Titan III launcher in order to pursue further cost reductions. Substantial payload masses (1000 kg or more) were found to be available in all cases with reasonable transit times, coinciding well with the current ``lighter, faster, cheaper'' NASA philosophy.
Gustafson Eric R.
Nelson Caroline V.
Venetoklis Peter S.
No associations
LandOfFree
Application of a SNTP-Based Propulsion/Power System to Solar System Exploration Missions 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 Application of a SNTP-Based Propulsion/Power System to Solar System Exploration Missions, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Application of a SNTP-Based Propulsion/Power System to Solar System Exploration Missions will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1252573