Nuclear Thermal Propulsion for Jupiter and Saturn Rendezvous Missions

Source

UAH PRC Research Database

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets

Abstract

Highly efficient nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) can enable a new class of planetary science missions for deep space exploration. This paper presents Jupiter and Saturn rendezvous missions using an NTP system that will focus on end-to-end trajectory analysis. The complexities of Earth escape and planetary orbital insertion using finite burn maneuvers are highlighted. With respect to the mission design problem, NTP-powered missions need to integrate the requirements and constraints of mission objectives, spacecraft design, NTP system design, and launch vehicle limits into a self-consistent model. Using a single high-performance-class commercial launch vehicle with a lift capability to low Earth orbit of 22 metric tons, an NTP-powered mission can deliver NASA?s large strategic science missions in a direct transfer trajectory to Jupiter in 2.1 years and to Saturn in 4.7 years.

First Page

1171

Last Page

1178

DOI

https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A35212

Publication Date

2-2-2022

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