Space reactor power systems with characteristics ideal for advanced spacecraft systems applications are discussed. These characteristics are: high power-to-weight ratio (15 to 33 W/kg); high volume density (high ballistic coefficient); no preferential orientation in orbit; long operational life; high reliability; and total launch and operational safety. These characteristics allow the use of electric propulsion to raise spacecraft from low earth parking orbits to operational orbits, greatly increasing the useful orbit payload for a given launch vehicle by eliminating the need for a separation injection stage. A proposed demonstration mission is described.


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    Title :

    Space nuclear power applied to electric propulsion


    Additional title:

    Elektrischer Antrieb von Raumfahrzeugen mit Hilfe von Kernreaktoren


    Contributors:
    Vicente, F.A. (author) / Karras, T. (author) / Darooka, D. (author) / Isenberg, L. (author)


    Publication date :

    1989


    Size :

    6 Seiten


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Space nuclear power applied to electric propulsion

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    Electric propulsion applications enabled by space nuclear power

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    Nuclear modules for space electric propulsion

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    Nuclear Modules for Space Electric Propulsion

    Difilippo, F. C. / University of New Mexico; School of Engineering; Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998