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Multi-mission nuclear electric propulsion stage design.Results of a mission engineering analysis of nuclear-thermionic electric propulsion spacecraft for unmanned interplanetary and geocentric missions. Critical technologies assessed are associated with the development of nuclear electric propulsion (NEP), and the impact of its availability on future space programs. Specific areas of investigation include outer planet and comet rendezvous mission analysis, NEP stage design for geocentric and interplanetary missions, and technology requirements for NEP stage development. A multimission NEP stage can be developed to perform both multiple geocentric and interplanetary missions for a 1983 launch. Identified pacing NEP technology requirements are the development of 20,000 full power hour ion thrustors and thermionic reactor and the development of related power conditioning. The resulting NEP stage design provides both inherent reliability and high payload mass capability.
Document ID
19730053631
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Prickett, W. Z.
(General Electric Co. Philadelphia, Pa., United States)
Stearns, J. W.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Propulsion Research and Advanced Concepts Section, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1973
Subject Category
Nuclear Engineering
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Start Date: August 13, 1973
End Date: August 16, 1973
Accession Number
73A38433
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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