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A Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage for Near-Term Space Missions
- Publication Year :
- 2013
- Publisher :
- United States: NASA Center for Aerospace Information (CASI), 2013.
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Abstract
- Development efforts in the United States have demonstrated the viability and performance potential of NTP systems. For example, Project Rover (1955 - 1973) completed 22 high power rocket reactor tests. Peak performances included operating at an average hydrogen exhaust temperature of 2550 K and a peak fuel power density of 5200 MW/m3 (Pewee test), operating at a thrust of 930 kN (Phoebus-2A test), and operating for 62.7 minutes on a single burn (NRXA6 test). Results from Project Rover indicated that an NTP system with a high thrust-toweight ratio and a specific impulse greater than 900 s would be feasible. Excellent results have also been obtained by Russia. Ternary carbide fuels developed in Russia may have the potential for providing even higher specific impulses.
- Subjects :
- Nuclear Physics
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- NASA Technical Reports
- Publication Type :
- Report
- Accession number :
- edsnas.20140002707
- Document Type :
- Report