Nuclear electric propulsion: A better, safer, cheaper transportation system for human exploration of Mars

Details Nuclear electric propulsion: A better, safer, cheaper transportation system for human exploration of Mars Nuclear electric propulsion: A better, safer, cheaper transportation system for human exploration of Mars

Mar 1994

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994stin...9428833c&link_type=abstract

Presented at the 11th Symposium on Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Systems, Albuquerque, NM, 9-13 Jan. 1994; sponsored by Uni

Computer Science

Performance

Manned Mars Missions, Nuclear Electric Propulsion, Propulsion System Configurations, Propulsion System Performance, Spacecraft Propulsion, Cost Reduction, Costs, Nuclear Reactors, Safety, Specific Impulse

Scientific paper

NASA has completed a preliminary mission and systems study of nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems for 'split-sprint' human exploration and related robotic cargo missions to Mars. This paper describes the study, the mission architecture selected, the NEP system and technology development needs, proposed development schedules, and estimated development costs. Since current administration policy makers have delayed funding for key technology development activities that could make Mars exploration missions a reality in the near future, NASA will have time to evaluate various alternate mission options, and it appears prudent to ensure that Mars mission plans focus on astronaut and mission safety, while reducing costs to acceptable levels. The split-sprint nuclear electric propulsion system offers trip times comparable to nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems, while providing mission abort opportunities that are not possible with 'reference' mission architectures. Thus, NEP systems offer short transit times for the astronauts, reducing the exposure of the crew to intergalactic cosmic radiation. The high specific impulse of the NEP system, which leads to very low propellant requirements, results in significantly lower 'initial mass in low earth orbit' (IMLEO). Launch vehicle packaging studies show that the NEP system can be launched, assembled, and deployed, with about one less 240-metric-ton heavy lift launch vehicle (HLLV) per mission opportunity - a very Technology development cost of the nuclear reactor for an NEP system would be shared with the proposed nuclear surface power systems, since nuclear systems will be required to provide substantial electrical power on the surface of Mars. The NEP development project plan proposed includes evolutionary technology development for nuclear electric propulsion systems that expands upon SP-100 (Space Power - 100 kw(e)) technology that has been developed for lunar and Mars surface nuclear power, and small NEP systems for interplanetary probes. System upgrades are expected to evolve that will result in even shorter trip times, improved payload capabilities, and enhanced safety and reliability.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Nuclear electric propulsion: A better, safer, cheaper transportation system for human exploration of Mars 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 electric propulsion: A better, safer, cheaper transportation system for human exploration of Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Nuclear electric propulsion: A better, safer, cheaper transportation system for human exploration of Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1587727