A nuclear-electric propulsion module for advanced solar system exploration programs

Abstract A Study Report, prepared by an international Joint Study Group, is being finalized, entitled “Advanced Interplanetary Missions Using Nuclear-Electric Propulsion”. This IAF-paper deals with the propulsion system schedule and hardware, described in the Report. The Joint Study Group emphasizes that the future high-energy interplanetary missions will need a new high-specific impulse propulsion system and that such a nuclear-electric drive would not only be profitable and advisable, but also feasible, because all main components are based on current technologies. For the primary reference mission, namely a sample return from the asteroid “Fortuna”, a cluster of 8 ion thrusters “ESA-XX” should be used, eventually supplemented by stationary plasma thrusters “SPT” and power-supplied by a 25 to 30 kW e -nucelar reactor plant “Topaz-25”. The NEP-propelled interplanetary spacecraft “ISC-2000” of 5 to 6 tons of initial mass should be launched by a “Proton-TM” rocket. For secondary reference missions with increased Δv-requirements, such as Mercury or Pluto rendezvous orbiter and lander, additional solar arrays should be used during the first thrusting phase. The paper describes in detail the relevant thrusters, power plants, and the multi-purpose spacecraft