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Phase 1 space fission propulsion system design considerations
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Carter, Robert Martin Sr., James Dickens, Ricky Houts, Mike Pedersen, Kevin Hrbud, Ivana VanDyke, Melissa Salvail, Pat Godfroy, Tom |
| Copyright Year | 2001 |
| Description | Fission technology can enable rapid, affordable access to any point in the solar system. If fission propulsion systems are to be developed to their full potential; however, near-term customers must be identified and initial fission systems successfully developed, launched, and operated. Studies conducted in fiscal year 2001 (IISTP, 2001) show that fission electric propulsion (FEP) systems operating at 80 kWe or above could enhance or enable numerous robotic outer solar system missions of interest. At these power levels it is possible to develop safe, affordable systems that meet mission performance requirements. In selecting the system design to pursue, seven evaluation criteria were identified: safety, reliability, testability, specific mass, cost, schedule, and programmatic risk. A top-level comparison of three potential concepts was performed: an SP-100 based pumped liquid lithium system, a direct gas cooled system, and a heatpipe cooled system. For power levels up to at least 500 kWt (enabling electric power levels of 125-175 kWe, given 25-35% power conversion efficiency) the heatpipe system has advantages related to several criteria and is competitive with respect to all. Hardware-based research and development has further increased confidence in the heatpipe approach. Successful development and utilization of a "Phase 1" fission electric propulsion system will enable advanced Phase 2 and Phase 3 systems capable of providing rapid, affordable access to any point in the solar system. |
| File Size | 567014 |
| Page Count | 7 |
| File Format | |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://archive.org/details/NASA_NTRS_Archive_20020048691 |
| Archival Resource Key | ark:/13960/t9v17098x |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 2001-01-01 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Spacecraft Propulsion And Power Electric Propulsion Costs Cooling Propulsion System Performance Systems Engineering Electric Power Liquid Lithium Reliability Propulsion System Configurations Fission Space Power Reactors Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports Server (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aerodynamics Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
