Results of a mission engineering analysis of nuclear-thermionic electric propulsion spacecraft for unmanned interplanetary and geocentric missions. Critical technologies assessed are associated with the development of nuclear electric propulsion (NEP), and the impact of its availability on future space programs. Specific areas of investigation include outer planet and comet rendezvous mission analysis, NEP stage design for geocentric and interplanetary missions, and technology requirements for NEP stage development. A multimission NEP stage can be developed to perform both multiple geocentric and interplanetary missions for a 1983 launch. Identified pacing NEP technology requirements are the development of 20,000 full power hour ion thrustors and thermionic reactor and the development of related power conditioning. The resulting NEP stage design provides both inherent reliability and high payload mass capability.


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    Title :

    Multi-mission nuclear electric propulsion stage design.


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference ; 1973 ; Philadelphia, PA


    Publication date :

    1973-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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