Progress report on nuclear propulsion for space exploration and scienceNASA is continuing its work in cooperation with the Department of Energy (DOE) on nuclear propulsion - both nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP). The focus of the NTP studies remains on piloted and cargo missions to Mars (with precursor missions to the moon) although studies are under way to examine the potential uses of NTP for science missions. The focus of the NEP studies has shifted to space science missions with consideration of combining a science mission with an earlier demonstration of NEP using the SP-100 space nuclear reactor power system. Both NTP and NEP efforts are continuing in 1993 to provide a good foundation for science and exploration planners. Both NTP and NEP provide a very important transportation resource and in a number of cases enable missions that could not otherwise be accomplished.
Document ID
19930066128
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bennett, Gary L. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Miller, Thomas J. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1993
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 93-2352
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA, SAE, ASME, and ASEE, Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit