Comparing Nuclear Propulsion Technologies For Crewed Missions To Mars

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Comparing Nuclear Propulsion Technologies for Crewed Missions to Mars

Author : Nisha Khan
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9788196659400
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (594 download)

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Book Synopsis Comparing Nuclear Propulsion Technologies for Crewed Missions to Mars by : Nisha Khan

Download or read book Comparing Nuclear Propulsion Technologies for Crewed Missions to Mars written by Nisha Khan and published by . This book was released on 2023-10-05 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Comparing Nuclear Propulsion Technologies for Crewed Missions to Mars Current chemical propulsion systems are limited in their ability to support crewed missions to Mars due to their low propellant efficiency and long mission times. Nuclear propulsion technologies offer a potential solution to these challenges, as they are capable of producing higher thrust and propellant efficiency than chemical rockets. This paper compares three nuclear propulsion technologies for crewed missions to Mars: nuclear electric propulsion (NEP), nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), and nuclear fusion propulsion (NFP). Each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a crewed Mars mission will depend on a number of factors, including mission requirements, cost, and risk. NEP systems are the most mature of the three technologies, and they have already been used successfully in a number of space missions. NEP systems use a nuclear reactor to generate electricity, which is then used to power an electric thruster. NEP systems are very efficient, but they produce relatively low thrust. As a result, NEP systems require longer mission times than other nuclear propulsion technologies. NTP systems are less mature than NEP systems, but they offer the potential for higher thrust and shorter mission times. NTP systems use a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant gas, which is then expelled through a nozzle to produce thrust. NTP systems are more efficient than chemical rockets, but they are also more complex and expensive to develop. NFP systems are the most advanced of the three technologies, but they are also the most speculative. NFP systems would use the fusion of atomic nuclei to generate energy, which could then be used to power a variety of propulsion systems. NFP systems have the potential to offer even higher thrust and shorter mission times than NTP systems, but they are still in the early stages of development.

Nuclear Power Systems for Manned Mission to Mars

Author : Scott J. McGinnis
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 118 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Nuclear Power Systems for Manned Mission to Mars by : Scott J. McGinnis

Download or read book Nuclear Power Systems for Manned Mission to Mars written by Scott J. McGinnis and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 118 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nuclear power is the next enabling technology in manned exploration of the solar system. Scientists and engineers continue to design multi-megawatt power systems, yet no power system in the 100 kilowatt, electric range has been built and flown. Technology demonstrations and studies leave a myriad of systems from which decision makers can choose to build the first manned space nuclear power system. While many subsystem engineers plan in parallel, an accurate specific mass value becomes an important design specification, which is still uncertain. This thesis goes through the design features of the manned Mars mission, its power system requirements, their design attributes as well as their design faults. Specific mass is calculated statistically as well as empirically for 1-15MWe systems. Conclusions are presented on each subsystem as well as recommendations for decision makers on where development needs to begin today in order for the mission to launch in the future.

Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration

Author : National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780309684804
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (848 download)

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Book Synopsis Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration by : National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine

Download or read book Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration written by National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine and published by . This book was released on 2021-11-12 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration identifies primary technical and programmatic challenges, merits, and risks for developing and demonstrating space nuclear propulsion technologies of interest to future exploration missions. This report presents key milestones and a top-level development and demonstration roadmap for performance nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion systems and identifies missions that could be enabled by successful development of each technology.

Comparison of Trajectory Profiles and Nuclear-propulsion-module Arrangements for Manned Mars and Mars-Venus Missions

Author : Edward A. Jr Willis
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 36 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (31 download)

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Book Synopsis Comparison of Trajectory Profiles and Nuclear-propulsion-module Arrangements for Manned Mars and Mars-Venus Missions by : Edward A. Jr Willis

Download or read book Comparison of Trajectory Profiles and Nuclear-propulsion-module Arrangements for Manned Mars and Mars-Venus Missions written by Edward A. Jr Willis and published by . This book was released on 1971 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A brief comparison is made between opposition class (with three impulse return), conjunction class, Venus swing-by to Mars and Mars-Venus double stopover trajectories. Vehicle configurations based on NERVA-I engines of varying life and restart capability are considered. It is found that the opposition and Venus swingby trajectories to Mars yield competitive mission performance; the double stopover entails about 30-percent penalties in initial mass and trip time; and that the minimum-weight vehicle uses a single, restartable engine.

Reliability Comparison of Various Nuclear Propulsion Configurations for Mars Mission

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 8 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (727 download)

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Book Synopsis Reliability Comparison of Various Nuclear Propulsion Configurations for Mars Mission by :

Download or read book Reliability Comparison of Various Nuclear Propulsion Configurations for Mars Mission written by and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 8 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Currently, trade-offs are being made among the various propulsion systems being considered for the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) missions. It is necessary to investigate the reliability aspects as well as the efficiency, mass savings, and experience characteristics of the various configurations. Reliability is a very important factor for the SEI missions because of the long duration and because problems will be fixed onboard. The propulsion options that were reviewed consist of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) and various configurations of each system. There were four configurations developed for comparison with the NTP as baselined in the Synthesis (1991): (1) NEP, (2) hybrid NEP/NTP, (3) hybrid with power beaming, and (4) NTP upper stage on the heavy lift launch vehicle (HLLV). The comparisons were based more or less on a qualitative review of complexity, stress levels and operations for each of the four configurations. Each configuration included a pressurized NEP and an NTP ascent stage propulsion system for the Mars mission.

Nuclear Rockets

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 28 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (873 download)

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Book Synopsis Nuclear Rockets by :

Download or read book Nuclear Rockets written by and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A new impetus to manned Mars exploration was introduced by President Bush in his Space Exploration Initiative. This has led, in turn, to a renewed interest in high-thrust nuclear thermal rocket propulsion (NTP). The purpose of this report is to give a brief tutorial introduction to NTP and provide a basic understanding of some of the technical issues in the realization of an operational NTP engine. Fundamental physical principles are outlined from which a variety of qualitative advantages of NTP over chemical propulsion systems derive, and quantitative performance comparisons are presented for illustrative Mars missions. Key technologies are described for a representative solid-core heat-exchanger class of engine, based on the extensive development work in the Rover and NERVA nuclear rocket programs (1955 to 1973). The most driving technology, fuel development, is discussed in some detail for these systems. Essential highlights are presented for the 19 full-scale reactor and engine tests performed in these programs. On the basis of these tests, the practicality of graphite-based nuclear rocket engines was established. Finally, several higher-performance advanced concepts are discussed. These have received considerable attention, but have not, as yet, developed enough credibility to receive large-scale development.

Comparison of Trajectory Profiles and Nuclear-propulsion-module Arrangements for Manned Mars and Mars-Venus Missions

Author : Edward A. Jr Willis
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 29 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (529 download)

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Book Synopsis Comparison of Trajectory Profiles and Nuclear-propulsion-module Arrangements for Manned Mars and Mars-Venus Missions by : Edward A. Jr Willis

Download or read book Comparison of Trajectory Profiles and Nuclear-propulsion-module Arrangements for Manned Mars and Mars-Venus Missions written by Edward A. Jr Willis and published by . This book was released on 1971 with total page 29 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A brief comparison is made between opposition class (with three impulse return), conjunction class, Venus swing-by to Mars and Mars-Venus double stopover trajectories. Vehicle configurations based on NERVA-I engines of varying life and restart capability are considered. It is found that the opposition and Venus swingby trajectories to Mars yield competitive mission performance; the double stopover entails about 30-percent penalties in initial mass and trip time; and that the minimum-weight vehicle uses a single, restartable engine.

Fast Interplanetary Missions with Low-thrust Propulsion Systems

Author : W. E. Moeckel
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 40 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (31 download)

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Book Synopsis Fast Interplanetary Missions with Low-thrust Propulsion Systems by : W. E. Moeckel

Download or read book Fast Interplanetary Missions with Low-thrust Propulsion Systems written by W. E. Moeckel and published by . This book was released on 1961 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A simple family of indirect-transfer trajectories between circular orbits is used to evaluate the mass ratio required to complete round-trip interplanetary missions using low-thrust propulsion systems. These trajectories, although not optimum, yielded very substantial reductions in total round-trip time for Mars missions with moderate increases in initial weight. For a powerplant specific weight [alpha] of 10 pounds per kilowatt of jet power, trip times were reduced from 1200 to 600 days, for a typical manned mission, with an initial weight increase of a factor of two. Comparison with a nuclear rocket with 1000-second specific impulse indicated that the electric-propulsion system required less initial weight for trip times as low as 550 days with [alpha]=10 and as low at 400 days with [alpha]=5 pounds per kilowatt. Further weight reductions would be expected with more nearly optimum trajectories.

Comparison of Trajectory Profiles and Nuclear-propulsion-module Arrangements for Manned Mars and Mars-Venus Missions

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 29 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (529 download)

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Book Synopsis Comparison of Trajectory Profiles and Nuclear-propulsion-module Arrangements for Manned Mars and Mars-Venus Missions by :

Download or read book Comparison of Trajectory Profiles and Nuclear-propulsion-module Arrangements for Manned Mars and Mars-Venus Missions written by and published by . This book was released on 1971 with total page 29 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A brief comparison is made between opposition class (with three impulse return), conjunction class, Venus swing-by to Mars and Mars-Venus double stopover trajectories. Vehicle configurations based on NERVA-I engines of varying life and restart capability are considered. It is found that the opposition and Venus swingby trajectories to Mars yield competitive mission performance; the double stopover entails about 30-percent penalties in initial mass and trip time; and that the minimum-weight vehicle uses a single, restartable engine.

Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power

Author : Bahram Nassersharif, PH D
Publisher : Independently Published
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (353 download)

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Book Synopsis Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power by : Bahram Nassersharif, PH D

Download or read book Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power written by Bahram Nassersharif, PH D and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-08-08 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power: Principles, Systems, and Applications Unlock the Future of Space Exploration Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power: Principles, Systems, and Applications is a vital text for students, practitioners, and industry professionals, offering a deep exploration of space nuclear propulsion and power systems. This extensive guide provides essential knowledge for understanding and advancing technologies that will propel humanity into space. In-depth Coverage of Cutting-Edge Technologies This book examines various propulsion systems, including chemical and nuclear thermal propulsion. It details the fundamentals of rocket propulsion, combustion dynamics, nozzle design, and critical calculations. Readers gain insights into practical considerations, such as high-speed exhaust gas generation and efficiency optimization. Advanced Mathematical Formulations and Real-World Examples To ensure practical application, the book includes real-world examples and detailed mathematical formulations, such as the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation, nuclear fission, radioactivity, and neutronics. These examples help readers understand and apply principles to their studies in space nuclear systems. The structured approach, combining theory with practical examples, makes complex concepts accessible and engaging. Innovative Power Solutions for Space Missions Beyond propulsion, the book explores radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and nuclear reactors for powering spacecraft and lunar bases. RTGs, converting heat from radioisotope decay into electricity, have powered missions like Voyager, Cassini, and New Horizons. Nuclear reactors offer high power levels for propulsion and power generation, with detailed coverage of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). NTP systems use a nuclear reactor to heat hydrogen, producing thrust, while NEP systems generate electricity to power electric thrusters, ideal for deep space missions. Powering Lunar Bases and Mars Missions Nuclear technologies extend beyond space travel to lunar and Mars missions. Nuclear reactors provide robust power sources for habitats, scientific experiments, and resource extraction on the Moon and Mars. These environments make solar power less viable, especially for long-duration missions. Nuclear power supports life support systems, communication, and mobility, offering sustainable energy where sunlight is insufficient. Inspiration for Future Innovators Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power is more than a textbook; it challenges readers to think critically about the future of space exploration and the role of nuclear technology. Emphasizing theory and practice integration, the book inspires curiosity and innovation, encouraging contributions to ongoing design and development in this fascinating field. Join the Journey to the Stars Whether you are a student or a seasoned professional, Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power offers valuable insights and guidance. Engage with the material, challenge presented concepts, and join the community advancing technologies that will shape space exploration's future and our understanding of the universe. Embrace the journey into the unknown and unlock the potential of space nuclear propulsion and power with this definitive text. Welcome to an exploration of technologies propelling humanity to the stars.

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems

Author : David Buden
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780974144337
Total Pages : 144 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (443 download)

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Book Synopsis Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems by : David Buden

Download or read book Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems written by David Buden and published by . This book was released on 2011-07-01 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Interest in rockets that use fission reactors as the heat source has centered on manned flights to Mars. The demands of such missions require rockets that are several times more powerful than the chemical rockets in use today.Rocket engines operate according to the basic principles expressed in Newton's third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In a chemical rocket, hot gases are created by chemical combustion; in a nuclear rocket heating of the propellant in a nuclear reactor creates hot gas. In either case, the hot gases flow through the throat of the rocket nozzle where they expand and develop thrust.Extensive development effort has been expended on nuclear rockets. The nuclear Rover/ NERVA rocket programs provide a very high confidence level that the technology for a flight nuclear rocket exists. These programs demonstrated power levels between 507 MWt and 4,100 MWt and thrust levels of up to 930 kN (200,000 Ibf). Specific impulse, a measure of rocket performance, was more than twice that of chemical rockets. Ground testing and technology development has been done on several concepts described in this book. However, though there appear to be no technical barriers to the development of a successful nuclear rocket, no nuclear rockets have been flown in space.This book describes the fundamentals of nuclear rockets, the safety and other mission requirements, developmental history of various concepts both in the U.S. and Russia, and it summarizes key developmental issues.

Priorities in Space Science Enabled by Nuclear Power and Propulsion

Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309180104
Total Pages : 158 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Priorities in Space Science Enabled by Nuclear Power and Propulsion by : National Research Council

Download or read book Priorities in Space Science Enabled by Nuclear Power and Propulsion written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2006-03-20 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 2003, NASA began an R&D effort to develop nuclear power and propulsion systems for solar system exploration. This activity, renamed Project Prometheus in 2004, was initiated because of the inherent limitations in photovoltaic and chemical propulsion systems in reaching many solar system objectives. To help determine appropriate missions for a nuclear power and propulsion capability, NASA asked the NRC for an independent assessment of potentially highly meritorious missions that may be enabled if space nuclear systems became operational. This report provides a series of space science objectives and missions that could be so enabled in the period beyond 2015 in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics, solar system exploration, and solar and space physics. It is based on but does not reprioritize the findings of previous NRC decadal surveys in those three areas.

Manned Mars Landing Missions Using Electric Propulsion

Author : John S. MacKay
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 34 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (31 download)

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Book Synopsis Manned Mars Landing Missions Using Electric Propulsion by : John S. MacKay

Download or read book Manned Mars Landing Missions Using Electric Propulsion written by John S. MacKay and published by . This book was released on 1966 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Advanced Hybrid Nuclear Propulsion Mars Mission Performance Enhancement

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 4 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (727 download)

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Book Synopsis Advanced Hybrid Nuclear Propulsion Mars Mission Performance Enhancement by :

Download or read book Advanced Hybrid Nuclear Propulsion Mars Mission Performance Enhancement written by and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 4 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nuclear electric propulsion (NEP), compared with chemical and nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), can effectively deliver the same mass to Mars using much less propellant, consequently requiring less mass delivered to Earth orbit. The lower thrust of NEP requires a spiral trajectory near planetary bodies, which significantly increases the travel time. Although the total travel time is long, the portion of the flight time spent during interplanetary transfer is shorter, because the vehicle is thrusting for much longer periods of time. This has led to the supposition that NEP, although very attractive for cargo missions, is not suitable for piloted missions to Mars. However, with the application of a hybrid approach to propulsion, the benefits of NEP can be utilized while drastically reducing the overall travel time required. Development of a dual-mode system, which utilizes high-thrust NTP to propel the spacecraft from the planetary gravitational influence and low-thrust NEP to accelerate in interplanetary space, eliminates the spiral trajectory and results in a much faster transit time than could be obtained by either NEP or NTP alone. This results in a mission profile with a lower initial mass in low Earth orbit. In addition, the propulsion system would have the capability to provide electrical power for mission applications.

Summary and Recommendations on Nuclear Electric Propulsion Technology for the Space Exploration Initiative

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 140 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (317 download)

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Book Synopsis Summary and Recommendations on Nuclear Electric Propulsion Technology for the Space Exploration Initiative by :

Download or read book Summary and Recommendations on Nuclear Electric Propulsion Technology for the Space Exploration Initiative written by and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

A Case for Mars

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 10 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (727 download)

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Book Synopsis A Case for Mars by :

Download or read book A Case for Mars written by and published by . This book was released on 1990 with total page 10 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is now possible to make general comparisons of candidate propulsion systems for human exploration of Mars. Preliminary review indicates that the propulsion system most likely to meet all mission requirements is the Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR). Advanced cryogenic chemical propulsion systems achieve a maximum specific impulse (Isp) of about 470 seconds. The Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) program of the 1960's built engines with Isp's of about 825 seconds. Performance of an NTR depends on achievable materials temperatures, but materials has progressed significantly since the 1960's. Also, some of the current research undertaken to improve chemical rocket performance, such as aerobraking or schemes to minify payload, applies to an NTR as well, although it is not essential. The NTR is reusable, and can be developed into a complete space transportation system. Only 3--4% of the nuclear fuel would be used in a Mars mission, and an engine can be used until about 40% of the fuel is expended. Nuclear thermal rockets can take mankind to the moon, to Mars, and beyond, but development must begin now. There is potential for orderly growth into nuclear concepts far beyond NERVA. Using chemical propulsion for lunar missions and delaying NTR development will only result in higher costs and delayed or cancelled Mars missions.

A Comparison of Electric Propulsion Systems for Mars Exploration

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN 13 : 9781721594986
Total Pages : 26 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (949 download)

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Book Synopsis A Comparison of Electric Propulsion Systems for Mars Exploration by : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Download or read book A Comparison of Electric Propulsion Systems for Mars Exploration written by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-06-20 with total page 26 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Earth-Mars trajectories for multiple solar-powered spacecraft configurations were generated using Hall and ion propulsion systems utilizing the Direct Trajectory Optimization Method. Payload and power trades versus trip time were examined. Performance was compared for purely interplanetary flight and interplanetary flight with estimated spiral in to Mars orbit. Evaluating current ion and Hall thruster technologies, similar payload masses were delivered by each at equivalent trip times, but with the Hall thruster operating at a power level 10 kilowatts, on average, less than the ion thruster. The power difference for equivalent payload delivered should result in a significant cost savings. Fiehler, Douglas and Oleson, Steve Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2003-212593, E-14150, NAS 1.15:212593, AIAA Paper 2003-4574