The objective of this study was to establish the initial quantitative reliability bounds for nuclear electric propulsion systems in a manned Mars mission required to ensure crew safety and mission success. Finding the reliability bounds involves balancing top-down (mission driven) requirements and bottom-up (technology driven) capabilities. In seeking this balance we hope to accomplish the following: (1) provide design insights into the achievability of the baseline design in terms of reliability requirements, given the existing technology base; (2) suggest alternative design approaches which might enhance reliability and crew safety; and (3) indicate what technology areas require significant research and development to achieve the reliability objectives.


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    Title :

    Nuclear electric propulsion operational reliability and crew safety study: NEP systems/modeling report


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1993-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





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