High performance nuclear thermal propulsion system for near term exploration missions to 100 AU and beyond

A new compact ultra light nuclear reactor engine design termed MITEE (MInia ture ReacTor EnginE) is described. MITEE heats hydrogen propellant to 3000 K, achieving a specific impulse of 1000 seconds and a thrust-to-weight of 1 0. Total engine mass is 200 kg, including reactor, pump, auxiliaries and a 30% contingency. MITEE enables many types of new and unique missions to the outer solar system not possible with chemical engines. Examples include mi ssions to 100 A.U. in less than 10 years, flybys of Pluto in 5 years, sampl e return from Pluto and the moons of the outer planets, unlimited ramjet fl ight in planetary atmospheres, etc. Much of the necessary technology for MI TEE already exists as a result of previous nuclear rocket development progr ams. With some additional development, initial MITEE missions could begin i n only 6 years. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.