Gas core reactor concepts and technology - Issues and baseline strategyResults of a research program including phenomenological studies, conceptual design, and systems analysis of a series of gaseous/vapor fissile fuel driven engines for space power platforms and for thermal and electric propulsion are reviewed. It is noted that gas and vapor phase reactors provide the path for minimum mass in orbit and trip times, with a specific impulse from 1020 sec at the lowest technololgical risk to 5200 sec at the highest technological risk. The discussion covers various configurations of gas core reactors and critical technologies and the nuclear vapor thermal rocket engine.
Document ID
19910070175
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Diaz, Nils J. (Florida Univ. Gainesville, FL, United States)
Dugan, Edward T. (Florida Univ. Gainesville, FL, United States)
Kahook, Samer (Florida Univ. Gainesville, FL, United States)
Maya, Isaac (Florida, University Gainesville, United States)