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The Pegasus drive - A multi-megawatt nuclear electric propulsion systemPegasus, a power generating system for use in space, is multimegawatt power system that would enable missions of almost any conceivable duration and scope. The Pegassus Drive is the coupling of this nuclear electric power system with a 6 MWe MPD thruster. The power system has a maximum power output of 8.5 MWe. The MPD thruster requires 6 MWe to provide spacecraft propulsion and 1.5 MWe are available for mission-specific tasks and experiments. The balance of power generated is used to operate the power system. The size and mass limitations of the STS are of prime consideration in the design of this system to allow the collapsed system to be placed in lower earth orbit by two Shuttle missions. The main system (19,120 kg) employing a shadow shield would require one launch and the balance of the four-pi shield (27,830 kg) would occupy the second launch. Development of this power system could be completed by the mid 1990's and the system available near the turn of the century.
Document ID
19870030868
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Coomes, E. P.
(Battelle Northwest Labs. Richland, WA, United States)
Cuta, J. M.
(Battelle Northwest Labs. Richland, WA, United States)
Webb, B. J.
(Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories Richland, WA, United States)
King, D. Q.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena; Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland WA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1986
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
87A18142
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-918
CONTRACT_GRANT: DE-AC06-76RL-01830
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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