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Examples of concepts that use nuclear power for space propulsion systems include the nuclear electric rocket (nuclear powered ion thruster(s)), the radioisotope rocket, and radioisotope electric propulsion (REP). [6] One of the more explored concepts is the nuclear thermal rocket, which was ground tested in the NERVA program.
The nuclear propulsion would have mega-watt class, [16] [17] provided necessary funding, Roscosmos Head stated. This system would consist of a space nuclear power and a matrix of ion engines. "...Hot inert gas temperature of 1500 °C from the reactor turns turbines.
This list of nuclear power systems in space includes 83 nuclear power systems that were flown to space, or at least launched in an attempt to reach space. Such used nuclear power systems include: radioisotope heater units (RHU) (usually produce heat by spontaneous decay of 238 Pu)
NASA will partner with the U.S. military's research and development agency, DARPA, to develop a nuclear thermal propulsion engine and launch it to space "as soon as 2027," NASA administrator Bill ...
A nuclear electric rocket (more properly nuclear electric propulsion) is a type of spacecraft propulsion system where thermal energy from a nuclear reactor is converted to electrical energy, which is used to drive an ion thruster or other electrical spacecraft propulsion technology.
[6] [21] NASA is to be responsible for the propulsion system and nuclear reactor, and DARPA is to lead the vehicle and integration requirements, mission concept of operations, nuclear regulatory approvals and launch authority. [6] The U.S. Space Force plans to launch DRACO on either a SpaceX Falcon 9 or a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur.
The other project used nuclear reactors to generate energy, and was developed by the Atomics International Division of North American Aviation. Their systems were given even-numbered SNAP designations, the first being SNAP-2. [14]: 5 SNAP-10A was the first Atomics International, nuclear-reactor power system built for use in space.
The space-rated 10 kW e Kilopower for Mars is expected to have a mass of 1500 kg in total (with a 226 kg core) and contain 43.7 kg of 235 U. [5] [11] Nuclear reaction control is provided by a single rod of boron carbide, which is a neutron absorber.