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Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage for Mars ExplorationThe fundamental capability of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is game changing for space exploration. A first generation Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS) based on NTP could provide high thrust at a specific impulse above 900 s, roughly double that of state of the art chemical engines. Characteristics of fission and NTP indicate that useful first generation systems will provide a foundation for future systems with extremely high performance. The role of the NCPS in the development of advanced nuclear propulsion systems could be analogous to the role of the DC-3 in the development of advanced aviation. Progress made under the NCPS project could help enable both advanced NTP and advanced Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP).
Document ID
20120014604
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Houts, M. G.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Borowski, S. K.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
George, J. A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Kim, T.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Emrich, W. J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Hickman, R. R.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Broadway, J. W.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Gerrish, H. P.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Adams, R. B.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
May 22, 2012
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
M12-1749
Meeting Information
Meeting: Global Space Exploration Conference
Location: Washington, DC
Country: United States
Start Date: May 22, 2012
End Date: May 24, 2012
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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