NASA has initiated planning for a technology development project for nuclear rocket propulsion systems for space explorer initiative (SEI) human and robotic missions to the moon and Mars. An interagency project is underway that includes the Department of Energy National Laboratories for nuclear technology development. The activities of the project planning team in FY 1990 and 1991 are summarized. The progress to date is discussed, and the project plan is reviewed. Critical technology issues were identified and include: (1) nuclear fuel temperature, life, and reliability; (2) nuclear system ground test; (3) safety; (4) autonomous system operation and health monitoring; and (5) minimum mass and high specific impulse.
Nuclear Rocket Propulsion. NASA Plans and Progress, FY 1991
1991
8 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Nuclear Propulsion , Rocket Engines & Motors , Space Launch Vehicles & Support Equipment , Nuclear electric propulsion , Nuclear propulsion , Nuclear rocket engines , Spacecraft propulsion , Nasa space programs , Project planning , Aerospace safety , Ground tests , High impulse , Lunar exploration , Manned mars missions , Nuclear fuels , Specific impulse