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Potentialities of the radioisotope electrostatic propulsion system

Conference ·
OSTI ID:4875645
Anticipated availability dictates the choice of cerium-144 as fuel for radioisotope electrostatic propulsion systems. With appropriate vehicle design, the gamma dosage can be acceptable for unmanned probe vehicles even without shielding. Good mission performance can be obtained with vehicles small enough for convenient mating with existing chemical boosters. Although launch-pad and boost-phase radiation hazards are serious problems, practical solutions may be possible. Manned interplanetary missions that require solar-flare absorption shielding appear to be feasible with this propulsion system. (auth)
Research Organization:
Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, OH (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
NASA
NSA Number:
NSA-17-033390
OSTI ID:
4875645
Report Number(s):
CONF-10--56; Preprint--63048
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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