Status report on nuclear electric propulsion systemsProgress in nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems for a multipayload multimission vehicle needed in both deep-space missions and a variety of geocentric missions is reviewed. The space system power level is a function of the initial launch vehicle mass, but developments in out-of-core nuclear thermionic direct conversion have broadened design options. Cost, design, and performance parameters are compared for reusable chemical space tugs and NEP reusable space tugs. Improvements in heat pipes, ion engines, and magnetoplasmadynamic arc jet thrust subsystems are discussed.
Document ID
19760029888
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stearns, J. W. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Energy System Section, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1975
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AAS PAPER 75-164
Meeting Information
Meeting: Meeting on Space Shuttle Missions of the 80''s