Future-Proofing Investments in US Development and Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Propulsion Technologies

Space nuclear propulsion (SNP) technology was demonstrated over 50 years ago, with early designs performing at just under 900 seconds of specific impulse (Isp). However, SNP technology is still in its infancy. Novel thermal propulsion and pulsed fission/fusion system design concepts have the potential to provide a large range of specific impulses up to 100,000 seconds. Turning advanced system concepts from ideas to hardware requires a dedicated research, development and testing program that not only develops fuels and materials but also provides test facilities that can prove the function, operation, lifetime and limitations of these components and subsystems under prototypic conditions. The Subscale Maturation of Advanced Reactor Technologies Testing (SMART) facility is a concept being considered that will test advanced fuels, materials, and components under
prototypical conditions in order to measure performance and provide critical data for follow-on testing of full nuclear cores at the Engine Test Stand (ETS). Licensing for these nuclear tests in the modern era will have an impact on both the development schedule and deployment costs of advanced nuclear propulsion systems. Performance of the Exhaust Management System (EMS) will be critical in satisfying federal regulations to protect workers, the public, and the environment. As such, EMS technology is the backbone that will enable future testing in the biosphere. Like advanced fuels and materials, it will require a dedicated and strategic development path supporting aggressive and accelerated development and deployment of advanced nuclear propulsion systems to enable the United States' ambitious scientific exploration and national security goals.