NASA's Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Project
The fundamental capability of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is game changing for space exploration. A first generation NTP system could provide high thrust at a specific impulse above 900 s, roughly double that of state of the art chemical engines. Characteristics of fission and NTP indicate that useful first generation systems will provide a foundation for future systems with extremely high performance. The role of a first generation NTP in the development of advanced nuclear propulsion systems could be analogous to the role of the DC- 3 in the development of advanced aviation. Progress made under the NTP project could also help enable high performance fission power systems and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP).
Related Propulsion & Technology Documents
13kW Advanced Electric Propulsion Flight System Development and Qualification
The next phase of robotic and human deep space exploration missions requires high performance, high power solar electric propulsion systems for large-scale science missions and cargo transportation. A
150 kW Class Solar Electric Propulsion Spacecraft Power Architecture Model
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Solar Electric Propulsion Technology Demonstration Mission in conjunction with PC Krause and Associates has created a Simulink-based power arch
A High Power Solar Electric Propulsion - Chemical Mission for Human Exploration of Mars
Recently Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) as a main propulsion system has been investigated as an option to support manned space missions to near-Earth destinations for the NASA Gateway spacecraft. Hig