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Enabling a new generation of outer solar system missions: engineering design studies for nuclear electric propulsionWe discuss a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) capability that would (1) enable a class of outer solar system missions that cannot be done with radioisotope power systems and (2) significantly enhance a range of other deep-space mission concepts. NASA plans to develop Kilopower technology for lunar surface power. Kilopower can also serve as a power source for a 10-kWe NEP system; therefore, we highlight 10-kWe NEP benefits to encourage the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) to advocate (as a potential beneficiary) for NASA’s plan to develop Kilopower and to motivate further 10-kWe NEP–related concept studies.
Document ID
20210007426
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Sotin, Christophe J.
Oleson, Steven R.
McClure, Patrick R.
McCarty, Steven L.
Elliott, John O.
Poston, David I.
Gibson, Marc A.
Strange, Nathan J.
Casani, John R.
Date Acquired
January 30, 2020
Publication Date
January 30, 2020
Publication Information
Publisher: Pasadena, CA: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2020
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Technical Review

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