Space vehicle design and operation for efficient use of Nuclear Thermal PropulsionNuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is a high-leverage, and possibly enabling, propulsion choice for sending humans to Mars. Important performance gains are expected for NTP Mars transfer vehicle over their counterparts, the conventional chemical systems. These gains come in spite of vehicle unique requirements for NTP engine development and operations: expected higher development costs, prelaunch and in-space handing safeguards, extra propellant for reactor cool-down after engine burns, and safe, managed disposal of spent NTP engines. Prior studies have also shown that these NTP engines and stages, sized for Mars missions, could increase delivered payloads for some piloted lunar mission as well.
Document ID
19930065807
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stancati, Mike L. (Science Applications International Corp. Schaumburg, IL, United States)
Hodge, John R. (Martin Marietta Astronautics Group Denver, CO, United States)
Borowski, Stanley K. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1993
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 93-1946
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA, SAE, ASME, and ASEE, Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit