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Nuclear Electric Propulsion for the Exploration of the Outer PlanetsNew power and propulsion technology efforts such as the DS-1 ion propulsion system demonstration and renewed interest in space nuclear power sources call for a reassessment of the mission benefits of Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). In this study, a large emphasis has been placed in defining the NEP vehicle configuration and corresponding subsystem elements in order to produce an estimate of the vehicle's payload delivery capability which is as credible as possible. Both a 100 kWe and a 1 MWe system are defined. Various Outer Planet missions are evaluated using NEP, such as a Pluto Orbiter, a Europa Lander and Sample Return, attain/Saturn Sample Return and a Neptune Orbiter. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Document ID
20010041261
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Noca, M.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Polk, J. E.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Lenard, R.
(Sandia National Labs. United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Forum on Innovative Approaches to Outer Planetary Exploration 2001-2020
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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