Nuclear rocket propulsion: NASA plants and progress, FY 1991

Conference · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:5341276

Clark, J S; Miller, T J

NASA has initiated planning for a technology development project for nuclear rocket propulsion systems for space explorer initiative (SEI) human and robotic missions to the moon and Mars. An interagency project is underway that includes the Department of Energy National Laboratories for nuclear technology development. The activities of the project planning team in FY 1990 and 1991 are summarized. The progress to date is discussed, and the project plan is reviewed. Critical technology issues were identified and include: (1) nuclear fuel temperature, life, and reliability; (2) nuclear system ground test; (3) safety; (4) autonomous system operation and health monitoring; and (5) minimum mass and high specific impulse.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (United States). Lewis Research Center
• OSTI ID: 5341276
• Report Number(s): N-91-25179; NASA-TM--104455; E--6296; NAS--1.15:104455; CONF-910801--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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