Review of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Technology for Deep Space Missions

Abstract

This paper presents a literature review of technical papers and reports on mission studies conducted for robotic missions using Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) system for interplanetary missions. The paper outlines the basic principle and design of a nuclear thermal engine including performance assessment of small and large class NTP engines. Robotic mission concepts using NTP to various destinations such as Europa, Pluto and Ice giant planets are reviewed. The paper highlights the knowledge gaps in mission concept studies and focuses on various areas requiring detailed analysis to fulfill those knowledge gaps.