A potassium Rankine multimegawatt nuclear electric propulsion conceptMultimegawatt nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) has been identified as a potentially attractive option for future space exploratory missions. A liquid-metal-cooled reactor, potassium Rankine power system that is being developed is suited to fulfill this application. The key features of the nuclear power system are described, and system characteristics are provided for various potential NEP power ranges and operational lifetimes. The results of recent mission studies are presented to illustrate some of the potential benefits to future space exploration to be gained from high-power NEP. Specifically, mission analyses have been performed to assess the mass and trip time performance of advanced NEP for both cargo and piloted missions to Mars.
Document ID
19910053322
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Baumeister, E. (Rockwell International Corp. Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Rovang, R. (Rockwell International Corp. Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Mills, J. (Rockwell International Corp. Rocketdyne Div., Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Sercel, J. (Rockwell International Corp. Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Frisbee, R. (JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference