Nuclear concepts/propulsion

Computer Science – Performance

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Aerobraking, Nuclear Electric Propulsion, Propulsion System Configurations, Propulsion System Performance, Space Exploration, Cosmic Rays, High Temperature Environments, Launch Windows, Radiation Dosage, Safety Factors, Spacecrews

Scientific paper

Nuclear thermal and nuclear electric propulsion systems will enable and/or enhance important space exploration missions to the moon and Mars. Current efforts are addressing certain research areas, although NASA and DOE still have much work yet to do. Relative to chemical systems, nuclear thermal propulsion offers the potential of reduced vehicle weight, wider launch windows. and shorter transit times, even without aerobrakes. This would improve crew safety by reducing their exposure to cosmic radiation. Advanced materials and structures will be an important resource in responding to the challenges posed by safety and test facility requirements, environmental concerns, high temperature fuels and the high radiation, hot hydrogen environment within nuclear thermal propulsion systems. Nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) has its own distinct set of advantages relative to chemical systems. These include low resupply mass, the availability of large amounts of onboard electric power for other uses besides propulsion, improved launch windows, and the ability to share technology with surface power systems. Development efforts for NEP reactors will emphasize long life operation of compact designs. This will require designs that provide high fuel burnup and high temperature operation along with personnel and environmental safety.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Nuclear concepts/propulsion 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 Nuclear concepts/propulsion, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Nuclear concepts/propulsion will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1277503

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.