ELECTRO-PROPULSION SYSTEM APPLICATIONS

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Astronautics

OSTI ID:4785423

Stearns, J W

BS>The propulsion necessary to take a spacecraft from an initial earth orbit and perform a required planetary mission is discussed. Particular consideration is given to powerplant takeoffs with respect to weight limitations and the most suitable type of propulsion system to use. From the results given in comparing nuclear rocket and nuclearelectric propulsion systems for Jupiter missions, the electric system is superior in both payload and flight time. Furthermore, for many very difficult missions, electric propulsion seems to provide the only means of reaching the spacecraft destination. Powerplant requirements are given for missions to Mars and Jupiter, and performance estimates are made for other planetary missions. (N.W.R.)

• Research Organization: NASA Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, Calif.
• NSA Number: NSA-16-014363
• OSTI ID: 4785423
• Journal Information: Astronautics, Journal Name: Astronautics Vol. Vol: 7: No. 3
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

EARTH
JETS
JUPITER
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MARS PLANET
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
ORBITS
PAYLOAD
PERFORMANCE
PLANETS
POWER PLANTS
PROPULSION
REACTORS
ROCKETS
SPACE APPLICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
SPACE FLIGHT
SPACE VEHICLES