Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing the capabilities of robotic missions in space exploration. This paper investigates and analyzes the tradeoffs and sensitivity associated with utilizing NTP systems for robotic missions to the outer planets. The engine trade results for Jupiter and Neptune rendezvous missions using expendable configuration have demonstrated that the thrust range of 12.5–15 k-lbf (55.6–66.7 kN) can enable new frontiers and flagship-class missions with minimum initial mass in low Earth orbit. The specific impulse sensitivity analysis has shown that using a 13 k-lbf (57.8 kN) engine with an as low as 850 s can enable flagship-class missions to the gas giants in a direct transfer trajectory.
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Engine System Trades for Robotic Missions
01.03.2025
Aufsatz (Konferenz) , Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Propulsion trades for space science missions
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999
|Propulsion Trades for Space Science Missions
NTRS | 1998
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